August 25, Colombo (LNW): This week, two prominent presidential hopefuls are set to reveal their election manifestos.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the leader of the National People’s Power (NPP), will present his manifesto on Monday in Colombo. The event will take place at 10:00 AM at the Monarch Imperial Hotel in Thalawathugoda, confirmed an NPP spokesperson.

On Wednesday (28 August) Sajith Premadasa, the Opposition Leader and candidate from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), will disclose his manifesto. The exact time and venue for this event in Colombo will be announced shortly, according to Sujeeva Senasinghe, head of SJB’s election operations.

Premadasa’s manifesto is expected to address key areas such as education, agriculture, digital transformation, health, entrepreneurship, and the cooperative sector.

In addition, today (25) the United National Party (UNP) will convene a special meeting at its headquarters in Sirikotha, starting at 2:00 PM. This conference, chaired by party leader and presidential candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe, aims to secure endorsement for his candidacy in the 2024 Presidential Election, where he will run as an ‘independent’ candidate.

August 25, Colombo (LNW): In a recent public address in Tissamaharama, Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, Mahinda Amaraweera, commended President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s leadership, attributing his successes to resilient governance during a challenging period.

Highlighting the economic recovery and strategic IMF-aligned decisions, Amaraweera noted Wickremesinghe’s ability to stabilise the nation.

He stressed that the President’s competence has reshaped public opinion positively, even amidst ongoing political challenges.

The minister further forecasted widespread support across party lines, driven by the growing consensus on the President’s effectiveness, predicting a strong electoral performance.

Amaraweera also addressed economic concerns, such as increasing public servants’ salaries and expanding retirement benefits, arguing these measures are crucial despite the ongoing crisis.

He emphasised that such progress under adverse conditions is a sign of significant future national growth.

The event also saw local leaders reaffirming their commitment to ensuring President Wickremesinghe’s victory, reflecting a broad coalition uniting diverse factions in support of the President’s re-election.

August 25, Colombo (LNW): The National Election Commission has announced that representatives from 12 countries have been invited to observe Sri Lanka’s upcoming 2024 Presidential Election.

The observers will include officials from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the Maldives. Additionally, Commonwealth election observers and delegates from the Asian Election Observation Network will also participate.

The European Union (EU) has already dispatched election observers to Sri Lanka.

The Commission’s Chairman, R.M.A.L. Ratnayake, stated that the international observers will monitor all election-related activities, including the voting process.

These observers are expected to deliver a comprehensive report post-election. This initiative aims to ensure transparency and uphold democratic standards during the election.

The presence of diverse international observers signals Sri Lanka’s intent to demonstrate credibility in its electoral process amidst a politically charged environment.

August 25, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has raised concerns regarding a fraudulent website mimicking the official National Election Commission’s platform and falsely advertising job opportunities related to the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election.

The deceptive website, which uses the national emblem and Election Commission’s branding, was identified as a phishing site designed to extract personal data from unsuspecting individuals.

SLCERT advised the public to remain cautious, urging them to verify such claims before sharing sensitive information.

The phishing website was first detected on 9 August, hosted on a US-based Google server. Authorities acted swiftly, leading to its removal by Google LLC on 12 August after intervention by SLCERT.

Although the site has been taken down, the Computer Crime Investigation Division (CCID) is continuing its probe, seeking to uncover the identity of those responsible.

Collaboration between the Election Commission, SLCERT, and the CCID was instrumental in promptly eliminating the threat.

However, concerns remain over similar fraudulent activities, with the public being urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious sites or job offers.

The authorities also stressed the importance of verifying the legitimacy of such websites and offers through official channels.

August 25, Colombo (LNW): The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has initiated measures to freeze around 900 bank accounts linked to tax defaulters as part of an effort to recover outstanding taxes.

This action was revealed by the Parliamentary Committee on Ways and Means, chaired by MP Patali Champika Ranawaka.

The move follows substantial revenue losses totalling nearly Rs. 2 trillion, stemming from tax exemptions amounting to Rs. 978 billion and inefficiencies in collecting over Rs. 1 trillion from major revenue agencies.

Despite these challenges, the IRD, alongside Sri Lanka Customs and the Excise Department, has managed to gather Rs. 1,680.2 billion during the first half of the year—representing 44 per cent of the government’s revenue target.

However, the collection system still faces significant issues, including the issuance of Tax Identification Numbers (TINs). Although around 13 million individuals qualify as taxpayers, only 5 million have received TINs.

The authorities plan to issue TINs to the remaining eligible population by year-end, but the integration of these numbers with other government systems, like driving licences, remains a challenge.

Regarding Sri Lanka Customs, MP Ranawaka highlighted systemic invoicing problems, such as under-invoicing, over-invoicing, and ghost invoicing, which obstruct efficient tax collection.

Additionally, the continued use of a temporary import scheme for 65 per cent of goods, especially food items, has contributed to an annual loss of approximately US$ 4 billion—exceeding the country’s balance of payments deficit.

The Excise Department has reported Rs. 7.9 billion in uncollected taxes, primarily from ten distilleries.

Although repeated warnings have been issued to revoke their licenses and recover these dues, the department claims it lacks the authority to act without direct orders from the Ministry of Finance.

August 25, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Transport has rolled out a digital ticketing system for train passengers, accessible through the Pravesha platform at pravesha.lk.

Commuters can now easily purchase second and third class tickets online using debit or credit cards.

After completing the transaction, a QR code is sent via SMS or email, valid only on the specified date.

Although seat reservations are yet to be included, travellers can buy tickets up to a week in advance through this platform.

This initiative marks a significant step in modernising the nation’s railway services, offering greater convenience and reducing queues at stations.

August 25, Colombo (LNW): As of 21 August, the Election Commission of Sri Lanka has received 901 complaints regarding the upcoming Presidential election.

These reports primarily address violations of electoral laws, with concerns escalating in recent weeks.

The complaints include incidents ranging from alleged irregularities in campaigning to acts of intimidation.

The commission’s efforts focus on ensuring a transparent election amidst heightened public scrutiny.

August 25, Colombo (LNW): The Indian Navy’s frontline destroyer, INS Mumbai, is set to arrive in Colombo on 26th August 2024 for a three-day visit, as announced by the Indian High Commission in Colombo.

This marks the warship’s first visit to a Sri Lankan port and the eighth port call by Indian naval vessels this year.

The Sri Lanka Navy will ceremonially receive INS Mumbai, which is the third destroyer of the Delhi-class, indigenously constructed and commissioned into service in January 2001.

After completing its mid-life upgrade, the vessel joined the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam in December 2023.

The ship’s visit underscores the deepening maritime collaboration between India and Sri Lanka, particularly in enhancing regional security and operational readiness.

In addition to fostering diplomatic ties, INS Mumbai will deliver essential spare parts for the Dornier maritime patrol aircraft operated by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).

The Dornier aircraft, introduced two years ago, plays a crucial role in surveillance over Sri Lanka’s maritime areas and has significantly bolstered the nation’s search and rescue capabilities.

The Indian Navy continues to support the maintenance of this aircraft through technical expertise and the provision of necessary spares.

During its stay, INS Mumbai will facilitate a familiarisation tour for Sri Lankan naval personnel, promoting the exchange of best practices between the two navies.

The visit will include joint activities such as sports, yoga sessions, and a beach cleaning initiative, further strengthening the camaraderie between the crews.

The Commanding Officer of INS Mumbai is scheduled to meet with Rear Admiral W.D.C.U Kumarasinghe, Commander of the Western Naval Area, at the Western Naval Area Headquarters.

The ship’s visit is classified as an Operational Turn Around (OTR), during which it will replenish fuel and provisions while the crew enjoys rest and relaxation, with opportunities to explore Colombo and Galle’s cultural landmarks.

This visit is part of the broader framework of regular Indian Naval port calls at Sri Lankan ports, reinforcing the enduring maritime partnership between the two neighbouring nations.

August 25, Colombo (LNW): The Postal Department has suspended all employee leave with immediate effect to ensure smooth operations during the 2024 Presidential Election, according to Deputy Postmaster General Rajitha Ranasinghe.

This directive, effective until the election concludes, is aimed at maintaining efficient management of election duties.

Employees requiring leave for essential reasons must seek approval from the respective Deputy Postmaster General for their province.

The Presidential Election is slated for 21st September.

The Deputy Postmaster General emphasised that ensuring seamless postal services during the election is a top priority.

August 25, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in a significant dialogue with Bishop Harold Anthony Perera, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, and other leading members to address a range of pressing national issues.

The meeting, held at the President’s House, saw discussions on education reforms, progress on the Easter Sunday attack investigation, environmental challenges, and matters concerning the Catholic Church’s role in social affairs.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the dialogue was constructive and focused on fostering collaboration between the government and the Church on several critical fronts. The President provided updates on ongoing educational reforms aimed at modernising the system to better meet current demands.

Concerns raised by the bishops about the investigation into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks were also addressed, with the President reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ensuring justice and transparency.

Environmental issues were also high on the agenda, with both parties exploring ways to balance development and sustainability, particularly in preserving areas of ecological significance.

Additionally, President Wickremesinghe briefed the bishops on the current economic situation and outlined government strategies for managing the rising cost of living, emphasising the need for resilience and collective efforts in overcoming the country’s financial difficulties.

The meeting concluded with an understanding that ongoing dialogue between the government and the Church would be essential in addressing national challenges and enhancing societal well-being.