Sri Lanka not out of the woods yet, says IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cautioned that while Sri Lanka has made notable progress in its economic recovery, the nation is still vulnerable and must work to protect the hard-earned gains it has achieved so far, the President’s Media Division said.

SJB indulging in cheap politics: Ruwan

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is practising cheap politics by hurling a false allegation that there is a political deal between independent candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe and National People’s Power (NPP) Candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said today.

Cabinet approves changes to Personal Income Tax

The Cabinet has approved changes to the Personal Income Tax (PIT) structure, which will take effect in April 2025, according to the President’s Media Division.

EC bars voters from carrying mobile phones into polling stations

Following the release of the image of a marked postal ballot paper to social media, the Election Commission has decided to bar voters from carrying their mobile phones inside polling stations at the presidential poll on September 21, an official said today.

Some 80 SLPP MPs to leave country due to RW’s actions: Mujibur

Around 80 SLPP MPs have booked tickets to leave the country because of President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s action of promoting NPP candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake, SJB MP Mujibur Rahman said.

Minister Tiran Alles claims ’mafia’ operating behind passport queue

Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles accused a ’mafia’ of operating behind the recent long queues for passports at the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

Elon Musk’s Starlink launch withheld till Presidential Election is over

Sri Lanka’s plan to set up operations of Elon Musk’s Starlink, the satellite unit of SpaceX, has been withheld till the Presidential Election is over because of some clearance pending with the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, a top source said.

Ruwan predicts another Presidential election in two years if Ranil loses

Sri Lanka will have to go for another Presidential election in two years time if Ranil Wickremesinghe loses the Presidential election this month, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said today.

UAE declares visa amnesty, Lankans urged to rectify residency status or return to Sri Lanka

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has launched a two-month amnesty scheme starting from September 1, 2024 which provides an opportunity for individuals to correct their visa status or return to their home countries without incurring fines or facing entry bans.

SLPP defectors form new alliance

A group of SLPP MPs together with several other parties today formed the Podujana Eksath Nidahas Peramuna (PENP) led by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

Anura will overcome Sajith this year and become opposition leader: Ranil

The National People’s Power (NPP) Presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake will surpass Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) candidate Sajith Premadasa at this year’s presidential polls and become the main opposition leader later this year, President Ranil Wickremesinghe believes.

RW asks SJB, NPP to withdraw proposals on public sector salaries

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the National People’s Power (NPP) should retract the proposals in their policy statements regarding increasing the public servants’ salaries, as this task has already been accomplished, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

Government behind the release of viral video clip, says Marikkar

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP S. M. Marikkar today said that the viral video clip showing him having a discussion with President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been released by associates of the President himself.

Mujibur rule out RW and SP reconciliation

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mujibur Rahman today ruled out a possible political marriage between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa before the Presidential election.

The other three candidates come with serious, troubled pasts, I do not-Namal

SLPP’s Presidential Candidate, Namal Rajapaksa said that the other three leading candidates - Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake came with serious, troubled pasts, but he was the only candidate who did not have any such allegations.

How to vote in 2024 Presidential Election

The Election Commission has released guidelines for voters on how they should cast their votes in the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election scheduled for September 21, 2024.

India’s move to secure ties as presidential race heats up

Ahead of the presidential poll, in an apparent move to ensure that Indo-Lanka bilateral cooperation on national security is not compromised under a future government, visiting Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with four main presidential candidates - President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) candidate Sajith Premadasa, National People’s Power (NPP) candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Not been informed of removal: Range Bandara

United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara said today that he has not been informed of his removal by the party leadership.

Range Bandara removed from UNP General Secretary post

The United National Party (UNP) is set to replace its General Secretary, Palitha Range Bandara, a top source said.

President vows to appoint committee to expedite laws against corruption

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said he will appoint a committee to look into matters regarding the enactment of new laws against corruption.

Petition challenging RW’s eligibility for Presidential poll rejected

The Supreme Court rejected a petition challenging President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s eligibility to run in the Presidential election, which was based on claims of failure to appoint the Acting IGP and judges to the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.

Complaint against AKD lodged with Bribery Commission

A complaint has been lodged against the Presidential candidate of the National People’s Power (NPP), Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption over the possession of a house.

NPP manifesto will reduce state revenue by Rs 200 billion: President

Pledges made by National Peoples Power (NPP) if implemented will reduce annual state revenue by Rs 200 billion, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday.

Vital to adhere to agreement with IMF: Wickremesinghe

As Sri Lanka will see some major changes in about three weeks time with the upcoming Presidential election, President Ranil Wickremesinghe asserted that to sustain economic growth, it’s vital to adhere to the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Ranil and Sajith should unite: Rajitha

While stating that former MP Thalatha Athukorala was correct in calling for unity between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Sajith Premadasa, MP Rajitha Senaratne said today that this is the best course of action for the country.

Harin, Manusha in hot water if entitled vehicles used for election campaign

In the wake of controversies surrounding the recent appointment of Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara as Presidential Advisors by President Wickremesinghe, the Election Commission stated it is carefully monitoring whether the duo is abusing their privileges for election purposes.

RW invites SP, AKD for live discussion with IMF

President Ranil Wickremesinghe invited his rival candidates Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake for a live dicussion with IMF officials and see how they will react to ammendments they have proposed to the agreement which Sri Lanka has signed with the donor agency.

Every tax payer to get SMS on tax update under NPP government: Anura Kumara

A National People’s Power (NPP) government will collect reasonable tax in a transparent manner and every tax payer will be informed of the taxes paid and how it is utilised by the end of every year through an SMS, NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

LG poll possible only after presidential poll: Election Commission

Close on the heels of the Supreme Court’s direction to conduct elections to the local authorities as early as possible, the Election Commission said it would be possible only after the conclusion of the Presidential Election.

Ranil among lowest earning Presidential candidates: Assets declaration reveals

Assets and liabilities declared by Presidential candidates contesting the 2024 Presidential election revealed that President Ranil Wickremesinghe is earning a monthly earnings of Rs.177,316, which is the lowest among the leading candidates.