August 18, Colombo (LNW): Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), expressed confidence that over one million tourists are expected to visit the country in the last five months of 2024, aiming to meet the annual goal of 2.3 million arrivals.

Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo, Gajabahu noted the positive impact of recent tourism promotion campaigns, while also stressing the need for stable conditions within the country to realise this target.

He further announced the planned soft launch of a new mobile app for Sri Lanka Tourism in October, aimed at enhancing visitor experiences.

Nalin Perera, Managing Director of the SLTPB, added that focused digital marketing campaigns targeting five key markets will be launched in September, highlighting the agency’s strategic approach to boosting tourism in the remaining months of the year.

August 18, Colombo (LNW): Nandana Ranasinghe, co-chair of the Grama Niladhari Professional Association, announced today (18) that the ongoing work-to-rule and black protest week by Grama Niladhari officers will cease at midnight.

The officers will return to their regular duties until the conclusion of the presidential election.

Ranasinghe stated that, given their role as election officers, the Grama Niladhari officers will halt their protest actions to ensure they can continue to serve the public efficiently and impartially, in line with election regulations.

He also expressed a commitment to addressing unresolved professional concerns through dialogue with the incoming president.

Should these issues remain unresolved, Ranasinghe indicated that further professional actions could be reconsidered.

1. Venerable Ralapanawe Dhammajothi Nayaka Thero praises President Ranil Wickremesinghe for preserving the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and historic Maha Vihara in Anuradhapura during a sermon on 17 August: highlights Wickremesinghe’s role in constructing a second golden fence around the Bodhi in 2001 and commends his broader efforts to protect Buddhist heritage, expressing hope for further positive outcomes.
   
2. Chanchala Gunawardena, niece of the late Minister Mangala Samaraweera, joins the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) to support Sajith Premadasa in the upcoming presidential election: She has been appointed as the Matara District Organiser: Additionally, SLPP Matara District MP Karunadasa Kodithuwakku has also pledged his support to Premadasa, joining SJB’s rally in Akuressa, Matara.
   
3. National People’s Power (NPP) presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake meets with Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith at the Archbishop’s residence in Borella: The Archbishop, Assistant Bishop Maxwell Silva, Father Anthony, and Father Cyril Gamini discussed various topics with Dissanayake and offered their blessings for his presidential bid: NPP MP Vijitha Herath also attended the meeting.
   
4. Jennifer R. Littlejohn, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, will visit Sri Lanka, India, and the Maldives from 17 to 31 August: In Sri Lanka, from 19 to 21 August, she will engage with officials and review U.S.-backed conservation projects: In India (21-28 August), she will meet with various stakeholders on space, wildlife, and green technology, and discuss river restoration: Her visit concludes in the Maldives (28-30 August) with discussions on marine conservation and climate strategies: The trip aims to bolster regional cooperation in environmental and scientific fields.
   
5. Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry met with the Canadian High Commissioner to protest the foundation stone laying for a Tamil Genocide Monument in Brampton on 14 August: condemns the monument as promoting a “false narrative” and undermining reconciliation efforts in Sri Lanka: criticises Brampton City Council’s decision, urging Canada to reconsider to avoid straining diplomatic relations and to foster constructive dialogue.
   
6. Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), projects over one million tourist arrivals in the last five months of 2024 to meet the annual target of 2.3 million: notes recent tourism campaigns have been effective and expresses optimism about achieving the target: A soft launch of the Sri Lanka Tourism mobile app is set for October, and digital promotions for five key markets will begin in September, according to SLTPB Managing Director Nalin Perera.
   
7. The European Union will deploy an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Sri Lanka for the September 21 Presidential Election, following an invitation from the Election Commission of Sri Lanka: This marks the EU’s seventh mission to Sri Lanka, with the last one in 2019: Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, affirms the EU’s commitment to supporting transparent and democratic elections: Nacho Sánchez Amor, MEP, will lead the mission, emphasising the election’s significance in advancing Sri Lanka’s democratic and reformative processes post-crisis.
   
8. The National Building and Research Organisation (NBRO) issues a Level-3 (Red) landslide evacuation alert for Kalutara and Ratnapura districts due to ongoing heavy rainfall: Areas affected include Ingirya and Bulathsinhala in Kalutara, and Elapatha, Eheliyagoda, and Kalawana in Ratnapura: With over 150mm of rain recorded in 24 hours, residents are urged to evacuate to mitigate risks of landslides, rock falls, and ground subsidence: Immediate action is advised if heavy rains persist.
   
9. Nandana Ranasinghe, co-chairman of the Grama Niladhari Professional Association, announces the Grama Niladhari officers’ work-to-rule action and black protest week will end at midnight: adds they will resume normal services until the presidential election is completed: As election officers, they will focus on their duties while remaining neutral: plans to discuss professional issues with the new president, warning that unresolved matters might lead to renewed actions.
   
10. Former Sri Lanka captain Aravinda de Silva reminisces about the unique identity Sri Lankan cricket once had, shaped by legends like Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara: Despite a recent ODI series win against India, he highlighted current challenges, particularly in Test cricket: urges adopting England’s attacking approach: Former coach Mickey Arthur discusses difficulties in rebuilding post-golden era, stressing the need for stability and nurturing talent while preserving traditional flair, especially in Test cricket.

August 18, Colombo (LNW): Venerable Ralapanawe Dhammajothi Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of Lankarama Vihara, lauded President Ranil Wickremesinghe for his dedication to preserving the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and the historic Maha Vihara in Anuradhapura.

The Thero’s remarks came during a special sermon, ‘Maha Sanghagatha Dakshinawa’, held yesterday (17) at the Sannipatha Hall in Anuradhapura, in the President’s presence.

The Thero highlighted Wickremesinghe’s longstanding commitment to safeguarding Buddhist heritage, recalling the President’s involvement in constructing a second golden fence around the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi during his tenure as Prime Minister in 2001.

Responding to a request from the Maha Sangha, President Wickremesinghe facilitated the project, leading to the establishment of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Development Fund.

With contributions from philanthropists, over LKR 10 million was raised in a single event, enabling the completion of the golden fence within a year.

The Thero expressed optimism that the President’s current visit would bring similar positive outcomes, emphasising the spiritual significance of Anuradhapura, where over 200 kings have been crowned.

He further commended Wickremesinghe’s efforts in renovating the historic Malwatu Maha Vihara, the birthplace of the Sambuddha Order in Sri Lanka, asserting that these initiatives reflect the President’s commitment to preserving Buddhist history and culture.

The event was attended by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, several cabinet and state ministers, Members of Parliament, and other dignitaries.

August 18, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry summoned the Canadian High Commissioner to voice strong opposition to the laying of the foundation stone for a Tamil Genocide Monument in Brampton, Canada on 14 August.

During the meeting, Minister Sabry condemned the monument, labelling it a promotion of a “false narrative” of genocide intended for political advantage in Canada.

He expressed Sri Lanka’s concerns over what it considers unverified and misleading claims, lacking backing from any credible authority.

The Minister described the decision by Brampton’s City Council to support the monument as an affront to efforts towards reconciliation, warning that it fosters division by glorifying terrorism.

Sabry stressed that such actions harm peace initiatives pursued by Sri Lanka following its conflict and undermine bilateral relations.

He urged Canadian authorities to reconsider their stance, underscoring the importance of preventing further strain on diplomatic ties and encouraging constructive dialogue between the two nations.

August 18, Colombo (LNW): Jennifer R. Littlejohn, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka, India, and the Maldives between 17 and 31 August.

Her trip aims to enhance cooperation in marine conservation, climate resilience, environmental protection, and scientific research across the region.

In Sri Lanka, from 19 to 21 August, Littlejohn will engage with government officials and visit U.S.-backed wildlife conservation initiatives, exploring collaboration on hydrography, climate change, and other priority areas.

Her itinerary in India from 21 to 28 August includes meetings with government representatives, businesses, and research institutions focused on space exploration, wildlife trafficking prevention, and green technology.

She will also discuss river restoration in Chennai through the Ambassador’s Water Experts Program.

The visit concludes in the Maldives, where she will hold discussions from 28 to 30 August with government and civil society leaders on marine conservation, environmental protection, and climate adaptation strategies.

The trip is part of the U.S. commitment to supporting sustainable development and environmental stewardship in the region.

August 18, Colombo (LNW): The National Building and Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued a Level-3 (Red) landslide evacuation alert for areas in Kalutara and Ratnapura districts as intense rainfall persists.

The warning covers Ingirya and Bulathsinhala in Kalutara, and Elapatha, Eheliyagoda, and Kalawana in Ratnapura.

With over 150mm of rain recorded within 24 hours, residents in these areas are advised to evacuate due to the heightened risk of landslides, rock falls, and ground subsidence.

The advisory urges immediate action should heavy rains continue.

August 18, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (18).

Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere over the island during the evening or night.

Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central and North-western provinces.

General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather: