President Ranil Wickremesinghe receives the credentials of five new diplomats at a ceremony in Colombo: The newly appointed envoys include High Commissioners from Zambia and Bangladesh and Ambassadors from Lithuania, Vietnam, and Myanmar, underscoring Sri Lanka’s commitment to enhancing diplomatic relations with these countries, with discussions focusing on mutual cooperation and interests.
Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa vows to renegotiate Sri Lanka’s IMF deal if elected, critiquing its focus on debt sustainability over essential economic growth: argues the current 3.1% growth target by 2029 is insufficient, stressing the need for a more ambitious and inclusive economic strategy to drive long-term prosperity.
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa asserts party members currently working with other factions will eventually need to rejoin the SLPP: criticises these individuals for supporting rival parties for personal gain rather than their own, underscoring the need for unity within the SLPP.
Sri Lanka’s dollar bonds have fallen below 55 cents due to uncertainty about debt restructuring and the upcoming presidential election: The bonds, down from 59 cents in June, reflect investor concerns over the restructuring plan, which requires IMF and creditor approvals: The political instability and restructuring delays have led to Sri Lanka being one of the worst-performing emerging markets this month.
The Cabinet approves six companies to operate tourist service counters at Bandaranaike International Airport’s entrance lobby, enhancing services for international travellers: Following evaluations, successful bidders include Airport Tourist Drivers Association and Ayubowan Tours: The counters, operational for three years, support the government’s push to boost tourism by improving infrastructure and streamlining visitor services.
Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, orders the Election Commission to conduct the long-overdue Local Government elections, initially scheduled for 9 March last year: The ruling, which followed petitions from various political and civic groups, deems the delay a violation of citizens’ Fundamental Rights, urging swift action to uphold democratic processes: These petitions were filed by SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, NPP MP Harini Amarasuriya, the Centre for Policy Alternatives, and PAFFREL.
A UN report highlights rising threats to fundamental freedoms in Sri Lanka due to regressive laws, weakened democratic safeguards, and ongoing intimidation of civil society: criticises the use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and calls for accountability, economic fairness, and reconciliation ahead of upcoming elections, urging international measures if domestic reforms falter.
The Postal Department designates 8th September as a special day for distributing polling cards for the 2024 Presidential Election: Despite being a public holiday, cards will be delivered from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Distribution ends on 14th September, after which voters can collect cards from post offices: This ensures timely card delivery for voter participation.
The Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court has issued a restraining order preventing health sector trade unions and the Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF) from holding protest marches or entering the Health Ministry premises today: Effective from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., the order aims to prevent disruptions and public inconvenience amidst ongoing protests for improved working conditions and educational reforms.
On the opening day of the first Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, Sri Lanka posted 236 in 74 overs, thanks to resilient half-centuries from skipper Dhananjaya de Silva (74) and debutant Milan Ratnayake (72): Despite an early collapse to 113 for 7, their partnership helped stabilise the innings: England’s bowlers, led by Chris Woakes and Shoaib Bashir, dominated early, but play was curtailed early due to bad light, with England at 22 for no loss.
August 22, Colombo (LNW): A new report by the UN Human Rights Office has raised concerns about increasing threats to fundamental freedoms in Sri Lanka, citing regressive laws, weakened democratic safeguards, and continued intimidation against civil society and journalists.
Released on 22nd August, the report also highlights recurring human rights violations, echoing unresolved issues from the past.
As Sri Lanka prepares for its upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk emphasised the need for the government to recommit to the transformative changes demanded by its citizens, particularly in areas of accountability and reconciliation.
The report warns of recent legislative changes that empower security forces and further restrict freedoms of expression, opinion, and association, a troubling trend during this critical pre-election period.
Despite a promised moratorium, the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) continues to be used for arbitrary arrests, detentions, and reports of torture, according to the findings.
The ongoing impacts of the 2022 economic crisis, coupled with austerity measures, have disproportionately affected the most vulnerable, especially women.
Türk urged that economic policies be aligned with international human rights obligations and called for Sri Lanka’s creditors to allow fiscal flexibility to support social rights.
The report also underscores the enduring culture of impunity for crimes committed during and after the civil war, including the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.
Türk urged the next government to address the root causes of conflict through substantial constitutional reforms and initiatives aimed at reconciliation.
Additionally, the report notes consistent harassment of journalists and civil society groups, particularly those involved in sensitive issues like enforced disappearances and land disputes.
Families seeking truth and justice for the disappeared continue to face threats, surveillance, and arrests.
In the absence of meaningful domestic accountability, the report calls on the international community to explore alternative strategies, such as targeted sanctions and the application of extraterritorial jurisdiction, to ensure justice for victims in Sri Lanka.
August 22, Colombo (LNW): The Postal Department has designated Sunday, 8th September, as a special day for distributing polling cards for the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election.
Despite the date being a public holiday, Deputy Postmaster General D.A. Rajitha K. Ranasinghe confirmed that official polling cards will be delivered from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The department encourages residents to be at home during this period to receive their cards. The final date for distributing these cards is set for 14th September, as announced by the Election Commission.
After this deadline, door-to-door distribution will cease. However, voters who miss the delivery can still collect their polling cards from local post offices until election day, provided they present valid identification.
This effort aims to ensure that all eligible voters receive their cards promptly, enabling smooth participation in the election process.
August 22, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet has approved the implementation of tourist service counters at Bandaranaike International Airport’s vacant lobby near the entrance terminal.
Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Ltd. had called for bids to operate six counters, attracting twelve proposals.
Following evaluations by the Technical Appraisal and Standing Procurement Committees, the Cabinet endorsed the selection of six bidders offering the highest and most suitable bids.
These companies will now be permitted to operate in the designated areas for a three-year term.
The successful bidders are as follows:
Airport Tourist Drivers Association
Ayubowan Tours and Travels (Pvt) Ltd
Avawia Tours (Pvt) Ltd
Lanka Travel Agent Association
Casons Travels (Pvt) Ltd
JNW Lanka Tours
This initiative is expected to enhance visitor services and streamline tourist facilitation at the airport, catering to the growing influx of international travellers.
The decision aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and promote tourism as a key driver of economic growth.
August 22, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet has granted approval for a proposal to provide fertiliser subsidies to farmers cultivating paddy during the 2024/25 Maha season.
This initiative aims to boost food security and enhance agricultural productivity by supporting paddy and other crop cultivation across the country.
The approved plan, presented by the Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, involves importing fertilisers through both the State Fertiliser Company Ltd. and private sector entities.
The fertilisers will then be sold at a competitive price, ensuring wider accessibility for farmers.
Under the subsidy scheme, farmers will receive financial support of Rs. 15,000 per hectare, with a maximum of two hectares covered for each farmer.
This effort aligns with the government’s broader objective to stabilise local food production and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
August 22, Colombo (LNW): SriLankan Airlines has received Cabinet approval to renew contracts for passenger and mobile lift platform services at key airports in Saudi Arabia and China.
The existing contracts, covering services at the Dammam, Jeddah, and Riyadh airports in Saudi Arabia and Guangzhou Airport in China, are set to expire by the end of January 2025.
In preparation for the expiration, the government initiated a limited international bidding process to select qualified service providers.
Following a thorough evaluation by the Technical Appraisal Committee and the Standing Procurement Committee, the Cabinet has approved the proposal by the Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation to award three-year service contracts to the successful bidders.
Swissport Saudi Arabia Limited has been selected to manage passenger and lift platform services at the Dammam, Jeddah, and Riyadh airports.
Meanwhile, the contract for Guangzhou Airport in China will be handed to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Co. Both service providers have been chosen based on their demonstrated expertise and competitive bids.
The renewed agreements aim to ensure seamless passenger operations and enhance service quality at these major international hubs, supporting SriLankan Airlines’ regional presence.
August 22, Colombo (LNW): Opposition leader and presidential candidate for the Samagi Jana Sandhanaya (SJB) Sajith Premadasa has pledged to renegotiate Sri Lanka’s current deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) if elected.
Premadasa criticised the existing agreement, arguing it prioritises debt sustainability over vital economic growth, which he believes is essential for the country’s future.
Speaking at the National Visionary Summit in Colombo, hosted by the National Council of Professionals, Premadasa highlighted that Sri Lanka’s economy requires more than just financial stability.
He emphasised that the government should focus on areas such as trade and other critical sectors instead of merely achieving a modest 3.1 per cent growth by 2029, as outlined in the present IMF agreement.
According to Premadasa, this growth target is insufficient to meet the nation’s broader economic needs.
“We need growth that is not only sustainable but also tradable and inclusive,” Premadasa said, stressing the importance of shared prosperity.
He reiterated that while the Samagi Jana Balawegaya supports ongoing reforms, they intend to reshape policies that drive robust, long-term economic expansion.
Premadasa’s comments come as the nation debates its economic future amidst challenging times, with his message resonating strongly with professionals and the business community seeking a more ambitious and growth-oriented economic strategy.
August 22, Colombo (LNW): In a significant ruling, Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, directed the Election Commission to promptly organise the long-delayed Local Government elections.
The bench ruled that the failure to hold the polls, initially scheduled for 9 March last year, constitutes a violation of citizens’ Fundamental Rights by the Finance Ministry, Election Commission, and Attorney General.
The five-judge bench, including Justices Vijith Malalgoda, Murdu Fernando, Gamini Amarasekara, and Yasantha Kodagoda, delivered the decision in response to four Fundamental Rights petitions.
These petitions were filed by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, National People’s Power (NPP) MP Harini Amarasuriya, the Centre for Policy Alternatives, and PAFFREL.
The petitions named multiple respondents, including Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena and the Election Commission.
The petitioners’ legal team featured prominent counsel, including Upul Jayasuriya PC, Nigel Hatch PC, and Viran Corea PC, while the Election Commission was represented by Saliya Pieris PC, and the Attorney General by Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle.
This landmark decision underscores the judiciary’s stance on upholding democratic rights, pressing authorities to expedite electoral processes amidst public demand for accountability.
August 22, Colombo (LNW): Concerns are mounting among investors as Sri Lanka’s dollar bonds continue to decline, driven by uncertainty surrounding the country’s debt restructuring timeline and the potential impact of the approaching presidential election.
The bonds due in 2030 dipped below 55 cents on the dollar this week, marking a drop from 59 cents in mid-June.
This decline positions Sri Lanka as one of the worst-performing emerging markets in August, trailing only Lebanon.
In July, Sri Lanka reached a preliminary agreement with private investors to restructure $12.6 billion in bonds.
The arrangement requires approval from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and major bilateral creditors, including China and France.
The Sri Lankan government has since requested further clarifications from the IMF regarding the restructuring plan, reflecting growing apprehension over the deal’s viability.
Analysts suggest that the uncertainty stems from both the timing of the proposed bond exchange and the political ambiguity surrounding the upcoming election.
Portfolio manager Carlos de Sousa from Vontobel Asset Management noted that Sri Lankan bonds have underperformed other distressed assets due to these uncertainties.
A Bloomberg index tracking Sri Lanka’s dollar bonds shows a 1.6% decline this month, although the bonds have gained 9.7% in value this year, surpassing the Bloomberg Emerging Markets Hard Currency Aggregate Index.
According to Junior Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe, the government remains engaged in ongoing discussions regarding debt restructuring.
An initial assessment from the Official Creditor Committee has been received, but further information is awaited before finalising talks with bondholders.
The timeframe for concluding the agreement remains unspecified, heightening investor concerns.
The situation is further complicated by the looming presidential election on 21 September, where President Ranil Wickremesinghe seeks a renewed mandate amid ongoing economic recovery efforts following Sri Lanka’s 2022 debt default.
The IMF continues to review the proposed restructuring to ensure it aligns with the terms of the $3 billion loan granted to the country.
However, the debt deal faces scrutiny over concerns regarding equitable treatment of creditors. Bilateral lenders have traditionally been reluctant to disclose borrowing terms, adding to the complexity.
The restructuring plan currently includes a 28% nominal reduction in bond principal and provisions for macro-linked bonds tied to economic growth.
Analysts remain cautious about the possibility of a pre-election resolution. Barclays Plc analyst Avanti Save highlighted the limited window to finalise the deal, while portfolio manager Thys Louw from Ninety One UK Ltd. speculates that the agreement is unlikely to materialise before the election, signalling potential delays in the restructuring process.
August 22, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe formally received the credentials of two newly appointed High Commissioners and three Ambassadors at a ceremony held at the President’s House in Colombo on 21 August, the President’s Media Division (PMD) announced.
Among those presenting their credentials were High Commissioners representing Zambia and Bangladesh, as well as Ambassadors from Lithuania, Vietnam, and Myanmar.
The event highlights the continued strengthening of diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and these nations.
The list of newly designated envoys includes:
Ms. Diana Mickeviciene – Ambassador of Lithuania (based in New Delhi)
Ms. Trinh Thi Tam – Ambassador of Vietnam (based in Colombo)
Ms. Marlar Than Htaik – Ambassador of Myanmar (based in Colombo)
Mr. Percy Patson Chanda – High Commissioner of Zambia (based in New Delhi)
Mr. Andalib Elias – High Commissioner of Bangladesh (based in Colombo)
Following the formal presentations, President Wickremesinghe engaged in warm and constructive discussions with the diplomats, touching on areas of mutual cooperation and shared interests.
The ceremony, held with due protocol, was attended by prominent officials including Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry and Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake.
