July 29, Colombo (LNW): The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) has expressed concerns regarding the President and Government’s response to the Supreme Court’s interim order, which restrained Deshabandu Thennakoon from performing the duties of Inspector General of Police (IGP).

The CPA fears that the Government’s reaction, including a recent parliamentary statement by the Prime Minister, may signal a potential constitutional crisis.

The CPA urged the President to avoid actions that could exacerbate the situation, especially given the forthcoming Presidential Election set for 21 September 2024.

They emphasised the need for all parties to uphold constitutional principles and election integrity.

The CPA welcomed the Supreme Court’s interim order, which challenges Thennakoon’s appointment as IGP due to a lack of Constitutional Council support.

They argue that the President must adhere to the Constitution and consider making an acting appointment if necessary.

The CPA also criticised misinformation regarding the Court’s order, asserting that it does not undermine parliamentary functions or prevent the President from making acting appointments.

They stressed that adherence to the Court’s ruling and Constitutional requirements is essential for maintaining legal and democratic standards, particularly in light of upcoming elections.

July 29, Colombo (LNW): Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has announced his resignation from his roles overseeing Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms, as he prepares to run in Sri Lanka’s upcoming Presidential Election.

In a media briefing today (29), Rajapakshe explained his decision to resign to focus on his presidential bid.

He noted that his resignation follows discussions with the President about the implications of two Cabinet members running for the presidency, despite representing different parties.

Rajapakshe officially declared his candidacy for the 2024 Presidential Election last week, promising to address key issues and drive development if elected.

He also expressed confidence in the National Election Commission’s impartiality and mentioned that he has garnered substantial support from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).

July 29, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission has submitted a preliminary budget of approximately Rs. 08 billion to the Treasury for the upcoming Presidential Election, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya disclosed.

He assured that if the costs exceed this amount, additional funding will be provided as needed.

The Minister also noted that the previous budget allocated Rs. 10 billion for election-related expenses, with financial arrangements carefully managed to avoid any cash flow issues.

The Treasury stands ready to release funds for urgent needs such as printing, security, and ballot box preparation.

Should the number of candidates increase and the costs rise, there are sufficient resources available to cover the additional expenses.

July 29, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission will convene with District Returning Officers this week to discuss matters related to the forthcoming Presidential Election.

Following the event, Secretaries from all participating political parties will be summoned for a discussion.

This marks the first instance of such a meeting since the Presidential Election was announced.

The Commission plans to issue a special circular outlining how government bodies and institutions should operate during the election period.

Election Commission Chief R.M.A.L. Ratnayake said the circular, currently being drafted and soon to be officially gazetted, will include directives for government officials and media organisations alike.

July 29, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Election Commission has announced that applications for postal voting must be submitted to District Returning Officers no later than 5 August.

July 29, Colombo (LNW): Wildlife, Forest Resources Conservation and Irrigation Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi has announced the commencement of the country’s first elephant population survey in 13 years, set to begin in the next two months.

This initiative aims to address the ongoing human-elephant conflict, with over 4,700 workers hired to maintain 5,390 km of electric fencing.

Speaking at the “Two Years of Progress and Way Forward” press briefing at the Presidential Media Centre, Wanniarachchi highlighted significant increases in tourist numbers.

In 2022, 289,405 tourists visited, rising to 444,053 in 2023, and reaching 364,521 in the first half of 2024 alone.

The proportion of foreign tourists also grew from 19.8% in 2022 to 40% in 2024.

To boost the eco-tourism sector and strengthen the economy, regulations have been approved by Parliament.

The Gal Oya National Park opened as a new tourist destination in 2023, along with the Kudava Dorana Ela information centre in Sinharaja Forest.

This year saw the inauguration of the Manigala Forest Lodge in Knuckles Forest Reserve, a bicycle path in Udawattakele, Kandy, and the Bandarawela Falls Lodge and Galwila Ecological Park in Puttalam.

Sanitary facilities for foreign tourists have been established at popular destinations, and an online ticket reservation system, “Day Visitor E-Permits,” is now available for several national parks.

Efforts to increase forest cover to 32% by 2030 are underway, including acquiring 144,000 hectares of new forest land and encouraging tree planting outside forests.

Mangrove restoration has received international acclaim, with 326 hectares planted in the past two years, earning Sri Lanka the United Nations Flagship Award.

Despite economic challenges, the Department of National Zoological Gardens reported significant revenue growth, reaching Rs. 728.60 million by June 2024.

The State Timber Corporation is also expected to record a net profit, with revenue reaching Rs. 2,000 million in 2024.

The press briefing was attended by key officials including Gunadasa Samarasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry, M.G.C. Sooriyabandara, Director General of Wildlife, E.A.P.N. Edirisinghe, Conservator General of Forests, Anoma Priyadarshani, Director of National Zoological Gardens, and the Deputy General Manager (Marketing) of the State Timber Corporation.

July 29, Colombo (LNW): The Committee on Public Accounts (CoPA) has highlighted significant shortcomings in the Department of Buildings, despite employing 79 engineers.

During a recent meeting chaired by State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna, it was revealed that the department’s service delivery is inadequate.

The institution incurs an annual salary expense of Rs.260 million, yet fails to meet performance expectations.

Alagiyawanna warned that if improvements are not made, a recommendation to close the department will be issued.

The Department of Buildings has the lowest performance among evaluated state institutions, he emphasised.