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Independent presidential candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe has addressed concerns regarding the recent public sector salary increases, following reports from election monitoring organizations that the cabinet had not approved such hikes.

Wickremesinghe clarified, "It should be noted that the cabinet has indeed made a decision regarding salary increases. The role of election observers in this matter is unclear, and questions may arise about whether their involvement is independent or politically motivated."

He explained that in 2022, financial constraints limited expenditures, causing the GDP to fall to USD 76 billion. However, it rose to USD 84 billion in 2023. With the funds received, including support from the World Bank, the priority was to provide “Aswesuma” to low-income earners.

"Our GDP has continued to improve this year, leading to an initial allowance of Rs. 5,000 for government employees in January. By March, we observed that the economy was performing better than anticipated, allowing us to increase the allowance to Rs. 10,000. By 2025, we anticipate having sufficient funds to fully implement the recommendations from Udaya R. Seneviratne’s report," Wickremesinghe added.

A shipment of 3 million eggs from India is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka by the end of this week.

Asiri Walisundara, Chairman of the Sri Lanka State Trading Corporation (STC), confirmed that procurement is complete, and the import applications have been submitted to the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH) for approval.

He noted that the imported eggs could be sold at approximately Rs. 40 per egg.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has removed five state ministers, including Geetha Kumarasinghe, with immediate effect. The others include Shasheendra Rajapaksa, Amith Thenuka Vidanagamage, Prasanna Ranaweera & D.V. Chanaka. The removals were made under Article 47 (3) (a) of the Constitution –

At the Graduation and Ordination Ceremony of the Apostolic Diocese of Ceylon held at the BMICH this morning, President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the importance of religious rights and unity and highlighted the progress made by religious communities in Sri Lanka and discussed the challenges and opportunities facing them in the digital and technological age.

In his address, President Wickremesinghe began by extending his congratulations to Rt. Rev. Dr. Kirby de Lanerolle on his new role as General Secretary of the International Independent Apostolic Diocesan Synod (IIADS). He commended Rt. Rev. Dr. Kirby de Lanerolle and the Apostolic Diocese for their significant contributions to the Ministry of Reconciliation over the past decade.

Acknowledging the broader socio-economic context, President Wickremesinghe emphasized the importance of addressing basic needs before focusing on religious matters. “It is always said, you must look after the stomach before you can look after anything else. You have to first feed the people, and then think of the religion,” he stated.

The President lauded the achievements of the Christian community in Sri Lanka, noting that the teachings of Jesus Christ have resonated in the country for centuries. He also stressed the importance of upholding the freedom of worship and the need for religious facilities to be accessible to all denominations.

Reflecting on the current political landscape, President Wickremesinghe pointed out that recent elections are less influenced by racial or religious factors, focusing instead on economic issues. He expressed hope that this trend would continue, keeping religion separate from governance and ensuring a fair approach to all religious communities.

Addressing the future of religious practice, President Wickremesinghe highlighted two major challenges: the impact of the digital age and artificial intelligence on organized religion. He noted that technology, such as the printing press invented by Gutenberg, has historically played a crucial role in spreading religious teachings. However, the rise of digital platforms and AI presents new questions for religious institutions. “Now we are coming into a new age where even organized religions will have a question mark,” the President said. He urged religious leaders to adapt and consider how technology and AI will affect religious doctrines and practices.

President Wickremesinghe also spoke about the importance of providing psychological guidance, particularly to young people who are increasingly influenced by digital media. He highlighted recent troubling incidents involving youth and emphasized the need for religious and community leaders to address these issues. “In this coming period, it’s best that everyone gets together and considers this problem,” he urged. “The guidance we provide must be adaptable to the evolving world, focusing on the needs of all individuals, regardless of their religious background.”

The President concluded his address by reiterating the government’s commitment to supporting all religions in Sri Lanka, in accordance with the Constitution. He called for continued cooperation between religious groups to tackle the challenges of the modern age and to ensure that spiritual guidance remains relevant and effective. The ceremony, attended by Rt. Rev. Dr. Kirby de Lanerolle, the Governor of the Western Province and distinguished guests highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Apostolic Diocese in fostering reconciliation and unity within Sri Lanka’s diverse religious landscape.

Meanwhile, President’s Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor on National Security Sagala Ratnayaka addressing the Graduation and Ordination Ceremony of the Apostolic Diocese of Ceylon, focussed on Sri Lanka’s economic challenges and recovery. He emphasized that during the peak of the economic crisis, unity transcended social and economic divides, as people across the country faced similar hardships. He praised the President for taking responsibility during this difficult time and commended his calm, confident leadership.

Mr. Ratnayaka highlighted the country’s stabilization efforts, noting significant reforms such as the independence of the central bank, new public finance management laws, and the passing of a world-class anti-corruption bill. He emphasized the importance of transparency, with top officials declaring their assets online. He also pointed out improvements in the economy, including reduced inflation, a strengthened currency, and rising tourism. Looking forward, Mr. Ratnayaka stressed the need for continued teamwork and staying on track to ensure future prosperity, particularly for future generations.

Former Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Thalatha Athukorala, who recently resigned as a Member of Parliament, has extended her support to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the upcoming Presidential Election.

Meanwhile, Athukorala has also joined a public rally held in support of President Wickremesinghe in Welimada today (08).

Thalatha Athukorala, who was elected to the Parliament representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) in the 2020 general election, informed parliament on August 21 that she will be resigning from her position as a Member of Parliament.

Athukorala, the sister of the late United National Party (UNP) politician Gamini Athukorala, first entered Parliament in 2004.

She has been re-elected in subsequent general elections in 2010, 2015, and 2020 from the Ratnapura District.

In the 2020 general election, she secured her seat in Parliament as a member of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) with 45,105 votes from the Ratnapura District.

A new political alliance, the Podujana Eksath Nidahas Peramuna, was officially launched today in a ceremony held in Battaramulla.

The event saw the participation of several key ministers & mps from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) who are backing independent presidential candidate, Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has been appointed as the chairman of the United Freedom Front, while Minister Ramesh Pathirana will serve as the secretary.

During the event, the name of the alliance and its official insignia were unveiled.

Following this, representatives from the various political parties supporting the Podujana Eksath Nidahas Peramuna signed the formal agreement, marking the official formation of the alliance.

The United Freedom Front aims to consolidate support for Ranil Wickremesinghe in the upcoming presidential election.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has met with Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) senior leader MP Mavai Senathirajah at his residence in Kankasanthurai, Jaffna yesterday evening (07).

Meanwhile, during the meeting the ITAK Leader has reportedly expressed confidence that the President would win the election and ensure the development of the North.

This meeting has taken place following an invitation by the ITAK leader while Wickremesinghe is on a visit to Jaffna for a public rally as part of his “Puluwan Sri Lanka” presidential election campaign.

However, the stance of the ITAK, which is considered as the main political party of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) remains controversial as the party earlier announced that they have decided to back the presidential candidate of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya-led alliance, Sajith Premadasa, during the upcoming presidential election.

This decision was communicated by the TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran during a press briefing held on September 01, 2024.

MP Sumanthiran said that this decision was reached at the Central Committee meeting of the party.

ITAK is considered as the main political party of the Tamil National Alliance.

Meanwhile, it was also reported that the ITAK has also agreed not to support the Tamil common candidate P. Ariyanenthiran. The central committee of the ITAK has decided to request Ariyanenthiran not to contest in the 2024 presidential election.

Nevertheless, on Sunday (Sep. 01), the ITAK leader Mavai Senathirajah had stated that he was unaware of this decision which was said to have arrive by the party’s central committee.

Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumarathunga states that she will not back any candidate during the 2024 presidential election and will remain neutral.

Issuing a statement, the former President said that she does not intend to support any candidate in the near future as well.

Furthermore, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumarathunga revealed that certain media reports suggesting that she supports various candidates are false.

Incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe has shown the door to the politicians who refrain from supporting him at the presidential polls while remaining in the government, lankadeepa.lk reports quoting political sources.

He has moved to do so following demands by politicians, parties and organizations that support him.

They have told him that certain politicians in the government are leaking information to the opponents in a political double game.

It is in this context that Wickremesinghe has removed four state ministers with immediate effect.

Furthermore, several other state ministers and MPs have been issued with severe warnings.

In response, some have asked that they be allowed to resign.

Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, PC the Presidential candidate from the National Democratic Front, has voiced serious concerns regarding the financial transparency and ethical conduct of some election candidates.

Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe highlighted the significant discrepancies between the reported monthly incomes and the substantial assets accumulated by certain candidates, which have now become a matter of public record.

He pointed out that some candidates, who reportedly earn between Rs. 200,000/- to Rs. 400,000/- per month, have seen their assets grow by million. This discrepancy has led to formal complaints being lodged with the Bribery Commission. He suggested that ongoing investigations might result in some nominees facing legal consequences, including imprisonment.

At the same time, he also slammed the introduction of 'dummy candidates for the election.

He also criticized the practice of offering food items such as biryani or rice during the election period, stating that such acts are considered bribes under the law. Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe further condemned the promises made by some candidates to provide substantial financial incentives to government employees and pensioners, labeling these promises as bribes. He noted that in countries like India, such promises would lead to the cancellation of a candidate's nomination by the election commission.

Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe emphasized the need for stricter laws to address these issues and warned that regardless of the election outcome, the presidency of any candidate who wins through such questionable means could be challenged and potentially nullified within a few months.

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Former minister Manusha Nanayakkara has sent a letter of demand to ex-JVP MP Wasantha Samarasinghe demanding Rs. 500 million in damages within 14 days.

Failure to do so will result in a court case being filed to recover the compensation demanded and the legal costs, says the LoD.

It relates to an accusation by Samarasinghe that Nanayakkara had obtained money to sign documents for sending workers to Israel and Korea when he was the minister in charge.

The LoD strongly rejects the accusation.

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval for a substantial increase in state sector salaries, set to commence from January 2025.

These reforms include substantial salary increases for government employees, with a 24% to 50% hike.

The President’s Media Division (PMD) said that Cabinet approval was granted to implement the recommendations from the Presidential Expert Committee, chaired by Udaya R. Seneviratne to address salary discrepancies in the government sector.

Accordingly, commencing January 1, 2025, the basic salary for public service will be increased by at least 24% for the lowest ranks, with increases ranging from 24% to over 50% for all public service professionals.

Additionally, the appointed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe had also recommended to double all salary increment values for government employees every year.

Arrangements have also been made to implement these salary increases for public corporations, boards and statutory bodies, universities, and the armed forces from next year, the PMD said.