August 29, Colombo (LNW): Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, who is the presidential candidate for the Samagi Jana Sandhanaya, is set to launch his campaign manifesto today (29), at the historic Queens Hotel in Kandy.
The event marks a significant moment in Premadasa’s bid for the presidency, as he prepares to outline his vision and policies aimed at steering Sri Lanka towards a more prosperous future.
The manifesto is expected to cover a broad range of issues, addressing the pressing concerns of the nation and offering concrete solutions for economic recovery, social justice, and national unity.
Premadasa, known for his strong stance on social welfare and grassroots development, is likely to emphasise these areas, aiming to resonate with a wide spectrum of voters.
August 29, Colombo (LNW): Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry, has issued a stark warning regarding the potential repercussions of renegotiating Sri Lanka’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), labelling it a high-risk and potentially futile endeavour.
Speaking at a press conference titled ‘Two Years of Progress and Advancement’ at the Presidential Media Centre, Minister Sabry cautioned that reopening negotiations with the IMF could endanger the disbursement of the next tranche scheduled for December.
Additionally, he highlighted that such a move might also jeopardise further funding from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.
“If these negotiations are disrupted, Sri Lanka stands to lose between USD 1.2 billion and 1.3 billion from December 2024 to January 2025, which could plunge the country into deeper economic instability,” Sabry asserted.
The Minister also reflected on the challenges faced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2022, noting that the department had been tasked with repairing fractured international relationships and restoring global confidence in Sri Lanka.
“Over the past two and a half years, we have worked tirelessly to stabilise the nation by strengthening our foreign relations and leveraging them to boost the economy,” he stated.
August 29, Colombo (LNW): The term “dark horse” in politics refers to a candidate who is relatively unknown or unlikely to win but who gains unexpected support or momentum during an election, eventually becoming a serious contender. When a presidential candidate is described as a “dark horse,” it typically means that they weren’t initially considered a major player in the race. However, due to various factors—such as effective campaigning, appealing to a wide range of voters, or benefiting from opponents’ missteps—they manage to surpass expectations and become a significant challenger.
Ranil’s Position
Current surveys present a mixed picture, with different results and messages. Some place Ranil Wickremesinghe in a distant third, positioning the main contest between Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sajith Premadasa. Both parties have been actively promoting surveys on social media to influence public opinion. The Election Commission has taken steps to curb such activities, but the situation remains fluid.
The accuracy of political predictions is always in question, as seen in recent elections in India, where even the Prime Minister struggled to secure a majority. This underscores the importance of understanding the complex dynamics at play.
Economy and stability seem to be the top priorities for voters, areas where Ranil Wickremesinghe has shown his strength. On issues like corruption and poverty alleviation, Anura Dissanayake appears to have the edge, while Sajith Premadasa is also seen as a strong advocate for the underprivileged. However, when it comes to actual performance, Wickremesinghe stands out as the only candidate with a proven track record. Anura Dissanayake represents the call for change, appealing to those who seek a new direction.
If we consider this as a hiring decision, would we prioritize sentiment over proven performance? Ranil Wickremesinghe, despite his challenges—such as the Visa scandal, the excesses of his staff, and his conflict with the judiciary—brings a wealth of political experience and diplomatic acumen that his rivals lack.History is replete with examples of dark horse candidates who, despite initial obscurity, went on to make significant impact at an election. The election marks a critical juncture for the country as it struggles to rebuild after the 2022 crisis, with voters weighing continuity against calls for sweeping change. For continuity Ranil Wickramasinghe has the edge and for change Anura Kumara is ahead of the President and Sajith Premadasa.
August 29, Colombo (LNW): A former Western Provincial Councillor has been apprehended on charges of assisting and harbouring individuals implicated in the high-profile murder of businessman Surendra Wasantha Perera, alias ‘Club Wasantha’.
The suspect is accused of providing shelter to both the second gunman and the getaway driver involved in the fatal shooting, which also claimed the life of another individual.
Authorities have been intensifying efforts to track down and apprehend all those connected to the crime.
The ex-councillor’s involvement raises concerns about the extent of support networks available to those engaged in organised criminal activities, particularly when individuals in positions of influence are implicated.
The murder of Surendra Wasantha Perera, a prominent businessman with a well-known public profile, has drawn widespread attention, prompting a swift and thorough investigation by law enforcement.
Certain individuals are currently in the authorities’ custody and it is determined to bring all perpetrators and accomplices to justice.
August 29, Colombo (LNW): National People’s Power (NPP) presidential candidate MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake has committed to forming a government dedicated to eliminating the pervasive influence of drugs and organised crime in Sri Lanka.
During a rally in Negombo, Dissanayake highlighted the longstanding connection between certain local politicians and criminal networks.
He lamented that while crime has always existed, the emergence of organised crime gangs is a relatively recent development, fuelled by political complicity.
“Historically, Sri Lanka did not have organised crime syndicates. While crimes occurred, there were no established criminal networks. However, today we see murders orchestrated from abroad, and drug operations managed from within prisons,” Dissanayake stated.
This is a direct result of the protection and support these gangs receive from local politicians, he pointed out.
He further assured that under an NPP-led administration, decisive measures would be taken to dismantle these criminal networks and restore safety and justice across the nation.
August 29, Colombo (LNW): Showers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, with fairly heavy showers about 50 mm being likely to occur at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Nuwara-Eliya and Puttalam districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (29).
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the evening or night.
Strong winds about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Hambantota and Trincomalee districts.
Cloudy skies can be expected in Northern, North-central, Eastern and Central provinces.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
In a subsequent development, the sun is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka during 28th of August to 06th of September due to its apparent southward relative motion.
The nearest places of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (29) are Oddusuddan, Mankulam, Terankandal and Mallavi about 12.11 noon.
Marine Weather:
A low-pressure area is likely to form over Northern Bay of Bengal today (29). Very strong winds (70-80) kmph accompanied with heavy rainfalls and very rough seas are likely over above sea areas. Naval and fishing communities in the above sea areas are requested to be attentive to future forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.
Condition of Rain:
Showers may occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mullaittivu to Hambanthota via Kankasanthurai, Puttalam, Colombo and Galle.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly in direction and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (55–60) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Chilaw via Mannar and Puttalam and from Hambantota to Pottuvil. Wind speed can increase up to50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Chilaw to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle and from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Chilaw via Mannar and Puttalam and from Hambantota to Pottuvil will be rough at times. The sea areas off the coasts extending from Chilaw to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle and from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai may be fairly rough at times.
August 29, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Meteorology has released an urgent advisory regarding heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas for multi-day boats operating in the deep sea areas of the Northern Bay of Bengal.
According to the advisory, a low-pressure system is expected to develop over the Northern Bay of Bengal today (29).
This system is likely to bring extremely strong winds ranging between 70-80 kmph, accompanied by heavy downpours and turbulent sea conditions in the affected areas.
The Met. Department has strongly advised naval and fishing communities to avoid venturing into the sea regions bounded by coordinates 10N – 17N and 83E – 92E for the next three days.
Those currently at sea within these coordinates are urged to return to the coast or move to safer areas immediately.
The department also emphasises the importance of staying updated with future forecasts, as conditions may evolve rapidly.
August 29, Colombo (LNW): The Elections Commission has officially announced the appointment of Karunarathna Paranawithana as a Member of Parliament, following the resignation of Thalatha Athukorala.
This appointment fills the vacancy left by Athukorala, who recently stepped down from her parliamentary duties.
Paranawithana, who served as a Deputy Minister in the 2015 government, brings with him a wealth of experience.
Athukorala’s resignation has prompted discussions about the future direction of her political career and the implications of her departure for the SJB.
August 29, Colombo (LNW): Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) presidential candidate and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has vowed to pursue legal action against individuals responsible for enforcing forced cremations during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking at a rally in Akkaraipattu, Premadasa criticised the controversial practice, which sparked widespread concern and distress among affected families, particularly in communities where burial rites are culturally and religiously significant.
Premadasa assured supporters that a future government led by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) would prioritise justice for those impacted by the forced cremations.
He further pledged that compensation would be provided to the families who suffered as a result of these actions.
The issue of forced cremations has remained a deeply contentious topic in Sri Lanka, with many calling for accountability and reparations, especially in the backdrop of zero scientific evidence suggesting the burial of bodies of those died of the disease being contributory to the spread of the contagion.
During the tenure of the ousted president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, cremation was declared a mandatory practice for those died of Covid.
Premadasa’s commitment to addressing this matter signals a potential shift in how these grievances might be handled under an SJB administration, focusing on both legal redress and financial compensation for those who were wronged.
August 29, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Rubber Research Institute (SLRRI) has announced significant progress in controlling the circular leaf spot disease affecting the country’s rubber plantations.
Dr. Sarojani Fernando of the SLRRI disclosed that 80 per cent of the chemical research undertaken by the institute has proven effective in managing the disease, which has been spreading across Kalutara, Ratnapura, Monaragala, and Ampara.
The circular leaf spot disease, caused by a fungus, disrupts the food production process in rubber trees, leading to a decline in latex yield by approximately 10 per cent annually.
The disease is not unique to Sri Lanka, as it has been detected in several other Asian countries. However, effective treatments have remained elusive until now.
During a press conference held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries on the 27th, Fernando highlighted that the SLRRI had conducted over 10 studies to combat this disease, with one particular chemical treatment showing 80 percent efficacy.
This promising solution has already been tested in the field and is expected to be made available to rubber growers across the country by next year.
The Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, Mahinda Amaraweera, who was present at the event, praised the research as an international achievement for Sri Lanka.
He also committed to increasing government funding for further research in the plantation sector, recognising the critical role such innovations play in sustaining the nation’s agricultural output.
