September 20, Colombo (LNW): Former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, founder of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), reportedly left the country early this morning (20th), a day before the presidential election. According to sources, Rajapaksa boarded Emirates Airline flight EK 659, which departed from Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport at 3:05 am, heading to Dubai, from where he is expected to continue his journey to the United States.

Rajapaksa used the Gold Route Special Entry of the airline and was traveling alone. Reports indicate that former State Minister DV Chanaka, along with MPs Sanjeeva Edhirimanna and Jayanatha Katagoda, also accompanied him to the airport to his departure.

Basil Rajapaksa has been a key figure in the election campaign of Namal Rajapaksa, the SLPP candidate in this year’s presidential election.

September 20, Colombo (LNW): Nine government officials in the Hambantota district have been barred from participating in election duties due to allegations of promoting political parties. The banned individuals include teachers, principals, and public health inspectors, according to Hambantota District Election Officer MP Sumanasekara.

Sumanasekara revealed that further complaints have been lodged against ten other government officials, and the Election Commission has been notified for further action.

The Election Commission reiterated the importance of neutrality among government officials engaged in election-related duties. In a statement, it emphasized that public officials must maintain respectful and professional relationships with voters, candidates, and their authorized representatives.

The Commission instructed all officials to act courteously and efficiently, ensuring a smooth and respectful voting process. It highlighted the need for officials to perform their duties with utmost diligence to allow voters to exercise their right to vote freely and fairly.

1. The National Security Council of Sri Lanka has met and discussed ensuring security for the 2024 presidential election and maintaining law and order during the post-election period. They discussed ensuring security for the 2024 presidential election, supporting the Election Commission, securing candidates and polling stations and maintaining law and order post-election without disrupting daily life.
2. Sri Lanka Police has informed the voters regarding the items that are not permitted at polling stations when they visit to cast their votes. Police Media Spokesman DIG Nihal Talduwa explained the responsibility of voters when they go to cast their votes. He stated that they have observed some individuals consume alcohol from the morning and then struggle to enter the polling station where they are unable to make a proper decision.
3. Election Commission (EC) Chairman R. M. A. L. Rathnayake said that they hope to conclude the official releasing and announcing of the 2024 Presidential Election results declaring the winning candidate by September 22.
4. Sri Lanka said it’s reached an agreement in principle with bondholders to restructure its $114 billion debt load, just days before the country heads for presidential elections. The parties agreed to introduce “governance-linked bond features” as part of the revised bond treatment, it said, referring to clauses that would cut Sri Lanka’s repayments if it meets certain governance and anti-corruption-related targets.
5. Sri Lanka’s National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) has issued a serious warning about a rising trend in forced criminality linked to cyber scam centers in Myanmar. Human traffickers are actively targeting young IT professionals through fraudulent job offers abroad, it said issuing a statement.
6. The Ministry of Education (MoE) has issued a special statement regarding the controversy over the incident of the Grade 5 Scholarship examination paper allegedly being leaked. The communiqué stated that the Department of Examinations and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are conducting an investigation regarding the issue with the first paper of the 2024 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination.
7. The Colombo High Court has issued an order preventing the use of two luxury apartments located in the Colpetty area which had been purchased by Ramith Rambukwella, the son of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. The two luxury apartments had allegedly been purchased for Rs. 80 million and Rs. 65 million.
8. The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has announced the allocation of 1,360 buses for election duties in connection with this year’s presidential election. Deputy General Manager Panduka Swarnahansa confirmed that these buses will be provided based on requests from district election offices.
9. the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) and the Election Commission have planned to implement a special joint program to address any disruptions to the presidential election that could be cause by natural disasters. Accordingly, the Director of the Disaster Management Centre, Pradeep Kodippili mentioned that the program is planned to be implemented from 19th until September 22.
10. Cricket Australia (CA) has banned former Sri Lankan Test player Dulip Samaraweera for 20 years after he “committed a serious breach” of the organisation’s code of conduct. Samaraweera is banned from holding any position within CA or a state or territory association, including any WBBL or BBL teams.

September 20, Colombo (LNW): IShowers will occur at times in Sabaragamuwa province and in Kalutara, Galle and Matara districts.

Several spells of showers will occur in North-western province and in Colombo, Gampaha, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Eastern and Uva provinces during the evening or night.

Strong winds about (40-45)kmph can be expected at times over the western slopes of the central hills and in North-central and Southern provinces.