President Ranil Wickremesinghe assures the matter concerning the appointment of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) will be settled within a week through discussions with the Speaker and the Chief Justice: confirms the presidential election on 21 September will proceed without delay, highlighting the fundamental role of elections in upholding people’s sovereignty.
Sri Lanka Muslim Congress’ (SLMC) National Organiser, MP M.S. Thowfeek says his party will support Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa in the upcoming presidential election: adds a final decision on which candidate should his party extend support to has not yet been reached by the SLMC’s supreme council, but expresses confidence that the ongoing discussions may end up in supporting Premadasa.
Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe resigns from his positions overseeing Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms to focus on his presidential candidacy for Sri Lanka’s 2024 election: announces his resignation on 29 July, citing the need to dedicate his efforts to his campaign and discussed the implications of multiple Cabinet members running for the presidency: expresses confidence in the National Election Commission and support from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).
The Committee on Public Accounts (CoPA) identifies major issues with the Department of Buildings, which employs 79 engineers but has underperformed despite an annual salary cost of Rs. 260 mn: State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna, who chaired the meeting, warns that if performance does not improve, the department could face closure: It is currently the lowest-performing state institution.
Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says the Election Commission requests approximately Rs. 8 bn from the Treasury for the upcoming Presidential Polls: assures additional funds would be allocated if costs exceed this budget: The previous election budget was Rs. 10 bn, with careful financial management to ensure readiness for urgent needs like printing and security: The Treasury is prepared to cover any additional expenses.
Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe announces vehicle import permissions will begin in August, starting with approvals for business and transportation vehicles: Whilst many import restrictions have been lifted previously, vehicle imports remained limited: The phased removal of these restrictions will start in August, with private vehicle import permissions expected in early 2025.
The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) raises concerns about the Government’s response to the Supreme Court’s interim order, which bars Deshabandu Thennakoon from serving as Inspector General of Police (IGP): fears this reaction could lead to a constitutional crisis and urges the President to uphold constitutional principles and election integrity, especially with the Presidential Election on 21 September 2024.
Sri Lanka’s Election Commission announces that applications for postal voting must be submitted to District Returning Officers no later than 5 August.
In preparation for the presidential election, Election Operation Rooms will be established at all police stations and divisional police areas to handle complaints of election violence and law violations: These rooms, overseen by divisional police officers and senior DIGs, will work under the coordination of SDIG Asanga Karavita and other senior officers: Despite the lack of an IGP, the Election Commission can issue police directives.
Sri Lanka win their first Women’s Asia Cup title on Sunday, defeating India in the final with a strong run-chase: This was only the second time India failed to win the cup in nine finals, with their previous loss in 2018 to Bangladesh: Chamari Athapaththu was named Player of the Tournament, while Samarawickrama was the Player of the Match: President Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulated Athapaththu in an emotional call.
July 29, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) indicates slight appreciation against the US Dollar today (29) in comparison to last week, as per the official exchange rates released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
Accordingly, the buying price of the US Dollar has decreased to Rs. 298.48 from Rs. 298.71, and the selling price to Rs. 307.77 from Rs. 307.95.
Meanwhile, the LKR indicates depreciation against several other foreign currencies, but indicates appreciation against Gulf currencies.
July 29, Colombo (LNW): In the serene locales of Bihar, a mathematical prodigy emerged in 1942, whose extraordinary talents promised a brilliant future.
Vashishtha Narayan Singh’s journey from a small village in Basantpur to global recognition was remarkable yet marred by unforeseen challenges.
The legacy Singh left behind raised so many questions as he was perceived to have been missing from the face of society.
What happened to Vashishtha Narayan Singh?
A distinguished student from the outset, Singh excelled in his BSc and MSc exams, leading to collaborations with renowned institutions such as NASA, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), and the University of California, Berkeley.
His academic path began at Netarhat School and continued at Patna Science College, where his exceptional abilities were first noted.
With support from college principal and later Prof. John L. Kelly, Singh earned his PhD in 1969 and gained international acclaim, even challenging Einstein’s theories.
Singh’s contributions to NASA, notably during the Apollo missions, were highly esteemed. On returning to India, he taught at elite institutions like IIT Kanpur, TIFR Mumbai, and ISI Kolkata.
However, his promising career was abruptly halted by schizophrenia, leading to professional decline and personal hardships, including a divorce and institutionalisation.
Singh’s life took a tragic turn with his disappearance during a train journey, only to be found living in poverty in his home village. Despite receiving treatment at NIMHANS Bengaluru and IHBAS Delhi, with support from actor Shatrughan Sinha, his health remained unstable.
He later resumed teaching at BNMU Madhepura, but the shadows of his past continued to affect him.
Vashishtha Narayan Singh silently passed away on 14 November 2019 at the age of 72. His demise remained unbeknownst to many, but later resurfaced in media reports.
The legacy of Singh, recognised with a posthumous Padma Shri, serves as a poignant reminder of the fragile balance between genius and personal adversity.
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): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) indicates appreciation against the US Dollar today (29) in comparison to last week, as per leading commercial banks in the country.
At Peoples Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 297.63, and the selling price to Rs. 308.31.
At Commercial Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 297.17, and the selling price to Rs. 307.
At Sampath Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 298.50, and the selling price to Rs. 307.50.
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.
