1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe thanks MPs for their support on social media, acknowledging those who backed him from the start, joined midway, or are considering future support: highlights their role in overcoming the country’s crises and urged unity beyond party politics to build a prosperous Sri Lanka: welcomes new supporters and expresses gratitude for their dedication and commitment to the nation’s future.
   
2. The Court of Appeal will deliver its decision on August 09 regarding Keheliya Rambukwella’s petition to overturn the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court’s order remanding him over the alleged import of substandard medicine: His bail application will also be addressed: Rambukwella was arrested on February 02 for his alleged role in procuring substandard IVIG vials, following pressure from civil society and health sector trade unionists.
   
3. Despite the SLPP politburo deciding to field their own candidate for the upcoming Presidential election, several SLPP MPs and Ministers, including State Ministers Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon and Shehan Semasinghe, declare their support for President Ranil Wickremesinghe: commend his leadership during crises and aim to continue supporting his vision: A group of ministers met with Wickremesinghe, opposing the politburo’s decision, and confirmed their backing for his re-election.
   
4. Foreign Affairs State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya calls for strong measures against cybercrime and employment scams in ASEAN regions during the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum in Laos: emphasises tackling security issues related to new technologies, promoting regional cooperation, and addressing climate challenges: highlights Sri Lanka’s historical ties with ASEAN and its active role, urging for climate justice programmes and stronger disaster response mechanisms.
   
5. The Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries doubles the tea fertiliser subsidy to Rs. 4,000 to boost production from 260 million to 300 million metric tonnes: The previous Rs. 2,000 subsidy was insufficient: Minister Mahinda Amaraweera directed this increase, effective from the Maha season, funded by Rs. 2 bn from the Ceylon Tea Board: The State Fertiliser Company will adjust prices accordingly.
   
6. The Election Commission has allows the 2025 annual transfer procedure to proceed if it doesn’t disrupt the presidential election: The Ministry of Public Administration announces transfers for Combined Services officers, and Deputy Postmaster General Rajitha Ranasinghe arranged for 8,000 officers to distribute ballot papers: Despite a ‘work-to-rule’ campaign, Grama Niladhari officers will support election activities.
   
7. Separate operations by the Navy and Coast Guard near Koneshwaram and Chapel Point, Trincomalee on 27 July resulted in the arrest of 27 individuals for illegal fishing: Five dinghies and unauthorised gear were seized: The Eastern Naval Command detained 17 individuals, while SLNS Mahaweli and the Coast Guard apprehended 10 more: The arrested individuals and confiscated equipment were handed over for legal action.
   
8. The Ministry of Health lauded the Sri Lanka Navy for its support to people living with thalassaemia: The Navy, instrumental in developing affordable infusion systems for chelation therapy, supplies 3,166 units since 2011: 375 new systems were handed over, with Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana and Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera attending, highlighting the Navy’s healthcare commitment.
   
9. The Cabinet approves drafting legislation to address issues within Sri Lanka Cricket based on the K.T. Chitrasiri report: A revised constitution has been prepared, and the Cabinet endorses a joint proposal from the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Power and Energy, Labour and Foreign Employment, and Public Security: The Legal Draftsman will now prepare a bill to implement the new constitution.
   
10. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) awards the National Women’s Cricket Team US$ 500,000 for their Asia Cup T20 tournament victory: SLC praised the team’s dedication and teamwork on social media, celebrating their first Asia Cup title after defeating defending champions India by 8 wickets: This historic win marks a significant milestone for women’s cricket in Sri Lanka.

July 30, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission has confirmed that the 2025 annual transfer procedure can proceed, provided it does not disrupt the presidential election process.

Following this, the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has announced the 2025 transfers for Combined Services officers.

The relevant circular was issued by the Director General of Combined Services to all Ministry Secretaries, Heads of Departments, District Secretaries, and Divisional Secretaries yesterday (29).

In addition, Deputy Postmaster General Rajitha Ranasinghe has arranged for 8,000 officers to distribute the official ballot papers for the presidential election.

A special programme has been set up to ensure the swift delivery of postal ballots and essential election-related correspondence.

Meanwhile, Nandana Ranasinghe, president of the All-Island Grama Niladhari Officers’ Association, stated that despite their ongoing ‘work-to-rule’ campaign, they will continue to support the presidential election activities.

July 30, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his gratitude to all Members of Parliament who have supported him, in a special post on his official social media accounts last night (29).

His message acknowledged the MPs who have stood by him from the beginning, those who joined later, and those considering support in the future.

“I want to thank the MPs who’ve been with me on this journey. To those who stood by me from the start, your support made the first steps we took to recovery possible. You believed in me and my plan when the country was in crisis, with people struggling for fuel, medicine, and essentials. Your commitment kept us going when the challenges seemed insurmountable.

“To the MPs who joined midway, you saw the progress and chose to be part of the change. Thank you.

“To those now joining us, welcome. Your support shows the positive direction we’re heading. You understand the importance of putting aside party politics to unite as one. Together, we can achieve even more.

“To the MPs yet to join us, we’re ready to welcome you. Our mission to build a prosperous, united Sri Lanka is ongoing, and we need every willing hand to make it a reality.”

“This journey hasn’t been easy, but by coming together, we’ve started to turn the tide. Together, we will create the Sri Lanka we all believe in.

“Thank you for your dedication, courage, and commitment to our country’s future”.

July 30, Colombo (LNW): Showers will occur at times in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather report today (30).

Fairly heavy showers above 50 mm are likely at some places.

Several spells of showers will occur in North-western province and in Mathale district.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places Badulla and in Ampara districts in the evening or night.

Strong winds of about (50-55) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee, Monaragala and Hambantota districts.

Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times elsewhere of the island.

Marine Weather:

July 30, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo District Court has prolonged the interim order preventing Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe from serving as Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and Sarathi Dushmantha from acting as its General Secretary.

This extension lasts until 24 September 2024.

The court’s decision follows a complaint filed by SLFP members Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna, and Duminda Dissanayake, which was heard yesterday (29).

The respondents have been directed to submit their objections by 24 September.

Among the defendants is Acting Chairman of the SLFP, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva.

In a related development, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe resigned from his role as Minister of Justice, Prisons Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms.

July 30, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries has announced an increase in the tea fertiliser subsidy to Rs. 4,000, aiming to boost tea production.

Current annual production has dropped to 260 million metric tons, with a new target of 300 million metric tons.

Previously, a Rs. 2,000 subsidy was provided, but it proved insufficient to meet production goals.

As a result, Minister Mahinda Amaraweera instructed the Ministry Secretary, Janaka Dharmakeerthi, to double the subsidy to Rs. 4,000.

This enhanced subsidy will take effect from the upcoming Maha season, with the State Fertiliser Company reducing the price of tea fertiliser accordingly.

The initiative, funded by the Ceylon Tea Board, will allocate Rs. 2 billion towards this effort. Minister Amaraweera presented the related Cabinet paper yesterday.

July 30, Colombo (LNW): In recognition of its commendable efforts, the Ministry of Health lauded the Sri Lanka Navy for its support to people living with thalassaemia patients at a ceremony held on 29 July 2024.

The Navy has been instrumental in developing affordable thalassaemia infusion systems, a crucial tool for administering chelation therapy to remove excess iron from the body.

The event, attended by the Minister of Health, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, celebrated the Navy’s innovative approach.

Since the inception of this project in 2011, the Navy’s Research and Development Unit has produced and supplied 3,166 infusion systems to hospitals and people living with thalassaemia nationwide.

During the ceremony, 375 newly produced infusion systems were handed over to the Ministry of Health.

Dr. Pathirana and Vice Admiral Perera symbolically presented these systems to five people living with thalassaemia, highlighting the Navy’s ongoing commitment to healthcare.

The event also saw the attendance of other notable figures, including Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena and Secretary of Health Dr. P.G. Maheepala, along with senior Navy officials.

July 30, Colombo (LNW): The National Peace Council has urged the government to reconsider its stance on the Supreme Court’s interim order restraining Deshabandu Tennakoon and to respect the Court’s decision to uphold the integrity of the country’s democracy and rule of law.

In a statement, the Council criticised the government’s refusal to implement the Supreme Court’s judgment as reckless and irresponsible, warning that it poses a direct threat to the rule of law.

The statement highlighted the government’s announcement to disregard the Supreme Court’s order preventing Tennakoon from continuing as the Inspector General of Police.

Despite this ruling, the government has maintained that Tennakoon will remain in his position.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena asserted in Parliament that the Supreme Court cannot overturn the approval granted by the Constitutional Council for Tennakoon’s appointment, while President Ranil Wickremesinghe, a candidate in the upcoming presidential election, has stated he will not appoint an acting IGP to avoid potential election petitions.

The Council expressed concern that the government’s position undermines the fundamental principle of parliamentary democracy, which depends on the separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

They emphasised that ignoring judicial decisions sets a dangerous precedent, potentially eroding public trust in the legal system and encouraging similar actions by other elected officials.

Citing the philosophies of John Locke and Montesquieu on the necessity of separating governmental powers to prevent tyranny and despotism, the Council lamented that the government’s actions contradict these principles and threaten the balance crucial to Sri Lanka’s democratic system.

They called on the government to seek legal channels for their appeals rather than disregarding court orders and condemned political efforts to bypass Supreme Court rulings as unacceptable.