By: Staff Writer

August 05, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has urged South Asian entrepreneurs to focus on innovative new products and services to enhance regional economic cooperation.

Addressing the first South Asian Trade Fair 2024 at Excel World Colombo Convention Centre, he said the stronger connectivity with neighbouring regional markets such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other South Asian countries would boost trading and investment cooperation.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the largest tea producer and exporter is South Asia and the regional countries should cooperate to obtain maximum benefits in the tea industry. He said there are many such common products where innovative methods could enhance the ability to compete in international markets.

“We have taken steps to ensure climate friendly businesses and technology based businesses. The Trade Fair and Business Forum has a larger purpose that goes beyond any individual business or organisation’s interest. This is a forum to achieve objectives of promoting socio economic cooperation and strengthening trade relations among South Asian countries,” he said.

He added that this forum gives an immense opportunity for trade and businesses in South Asia to showcase their products and services to grow beyond their usual parameters as it creates a platform for expanding their international trade at the export markets in South Asia and beyond.

Referring to Sri Lanka’s recovery, he said some countries and international fiscal institutions had stopped dealing with Sri Lanka in 2022, but they have started to open their doors again. The latest example is Japan, which has agreed last week to resume all the projects in Sri Lanka and also to explore new ventures.

“It is a pleasure for me to welcome all these investors and trading partners from our South Asian neighbours belonging to SAARC – India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Nepal – as well as some observers such as China,” he said. 

The Prime Minister thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for extending support to Sri Lanka to enhance use of renewable energy through setting up solar and wind power projects.

1. Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe says President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s first public rally for his Presidential Election campaign is set for August 17 at Salgado Stadium, Anuradhapura: praises Wickremesinghe’s leadership in overcoming the socio-economic crisis and urges SLPP support to continue this progress: The announcement was made at a meeting with Anuradhapura’s local government representatives.
   
2. Former Sri Lankan cricketer Hashan Thilakaratne joins the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) to support Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa in the upcoming Presidential Election: Thilakaratne, currently the Head Coach of Bangladesh’s women’s cricket team, previously led Sri Lanka’s women’s team: His wife, Apsari Thilakaratne, also joined the SJB and serves as the Convenor of Women’s Cricket in Sri Lanka.
   
3. NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake reveals state intelligence services have flagged significant contributions by overseas Sri Lankans and the Retired Tri-Forces Forum to the NPP’s recent successes: notes the intelligence report suggested the government investigate these influences, highlighting the pivotal role of retired military personnel in the NPP’s achievements.
   
4. Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena clarifies he never accused President Ranil Wickremesinghe of involvement in the Central Bank bond scam: asserts Wickremesinghe should not be held accountable for the actions of individuals he appointed: emphasises his support for Wickremesinghe’s national policy: This contrasts with Gunawardena’s earlier criticisms of Wickremesinghe in 2015 and 2018.
   
5. The National Election Commission rejects claims that voters can cast their ballots at any polling station for the upcoming Presidential Election: clarifies voters must vote at their assigned polling stations within their registered divisional areas, according to the electoral register: emphasises reports suggesting otherwise are inaccurate and misleading.
   
6. The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has been honoured as ‘Sri Lanka’s Best Bank for ESG’ at the 2024 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, recognising its strong commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance practices: The award reflects the Bank’s efforts in sustainability, including reforestation, carbon neutrality, and community initiatives. The accolade highlights the Bank’s leadership in integrating ESG principles into its operations and long-term strategy.
   
7. Rohana Hettiarachchi, Executive Director of PAFFREL, reports approximately 60 election law breach complaints ahead of the Presidential election: The majority involve misuse of state resources and power, including improper distribution of goods, controversial appointments, and dismissals of officials: Although reported as isolated incidents, these breaches have significant societal impacts.
   
8. The Human Rights Commission stresses the importance of impartial legal protection by police and state officials as per Article 12 of the Constitution: It will now accept complaints about election law breaches by police and government personnel during the Presidential Election, with dedicated contact options and new guidelines to ensure electoral integrity and address human rights violations effectively.
   
9. The Kandy Esala Perahera festival begins today (05) with the traditional ‘Kap’ planting ceremony at the Devalayas of Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Pattini at 4:10 a.m.: The festival will feature the first Kumbal Perahera on August 10, followed by the Randoli Perahera on August 15, and conclude with the grand Randoli Maha Perahera on August 19.
   
10. Sri Lanka defeats India by 32 runs in the second ODI at R. Premadasa International Stadium: Jeffrey Vandersay excelled with 6 wickets for 33 runs, supported by Charith Asalanka’s 3 wickets for 20 runs, dismissing India for 208: Despite a strong start from Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, Sri Lanka’s total of 240 was defended successfully, with Vandersay earning the man of the match award.

August 05, Colombo (LNW): Rohana Hettiarachchi, Executive Director of the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), disclosed that around 60 complaints concerning breaches of election laws have emerged ahead of the Presidential election.

He noted that most complaints involve the misuse of state resources and power, which, despite being reported as isolated incidents, have a broader societal impact.

Issues include improper distribution of goods, controversial appointments and transfers, and the dismissal of presidents and chairpersons from various state and corporate positions.

August 05, Colombo (LNW): The deadline for submitting postal vote applications is today, August 5.

Completed forms must be delivered to District Returning Officers via the District Election Office by midnight.

Applications can be obtained free of charge from locations displaying the voters’ lists, district election offices, or the Election Commission’s website.

The Election Commission has stated that applications received after today’s deadline will be rejected, and claims circulating on social media about an extension are false.

For additional information, visit www.elections.gov.lk.

The 2024 voters’ list is available for review at District Secretariats, Divisional Secretariats, and Grama Niladhari Offices from July 26, 2024.

August 05, Colombo (LNW): The Kandy Esala Perahera festival kicks off today with the traditional ‘Kap’ planting ceremony at the four principal Devalayas: Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Pattini.

The ceremony is set to take place at 4:10 a.m.

Following the completion of the five internal peraheras of the Devalayas, the first Kumbal Perahera will process through the streets on August 10.

The Randoli Perahera is scheduled to start on August 15, with the grand Randoli Maha Perahera concluding the festivities on August 19.

August 05, Colombo (LNW): The National Election Commission has dismissed reports suggesting that voters will be able to cast their ballots at any polling station for the forthcoming Presidential Election.

In a statement, the Commission clarified that such claims are inaccurate and misleading.

Voters will be required to vote at their designated polling stations within their registered divisional areas, as per the electoral register.

August 05, Colombo (LNW): The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has highlighted the crucial role of Sri Lanka Police and state officials in providing impartial legal protection, as mandated by Article 12 of the Constitution.

The HRCSL has announced that it will now accept complaints regarding breaches of election laws by police and other government personnel in connection with the Presidential Election.

Complaints can be lodged via telephone at 0767914696 or by fax at 0112505566.

This move aims to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. Additionally, the HRCSL has appointed specialised officers at its Head Office and regional branches to address allegations of human rights violations promptly.

The Commission has also issued new guidelines to reinforce the constitutional duties of Sri Lanka Police and state officials.