Sri Lanka Roundup: Elections, floods, monkeypox cases

Election Observers assigned to elections

The European Union will send 68 Election Observers to monitor Sri Lanka's upcoming Presidential Election. Lankasara reports that the mission, invited by Sri Lanka's Election Commission, aims to support credible, transparent, inclusive, and peaceful elections. This comes after a political and economic crisis in 2022, with 39 candidates contesting the presidency on September 21, 2024.

Monkeypox Cases

Sri Lanka is on alert due to a global increase in monkeypox cases, but local health authorities believe there is minimal imminent threat as contingency measures are in place. The country is considering heightened monitoring at airports and seaports. According to the DailyMirror, monkeypox typically manifests with fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes and can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected individuals.

Retired postmen engaged for elections

The Department of Posts has approved a request from the Election Commission to hire retired postmen for election duties, SrilankaMirror reports. This decision comes as part of the preparations for the upcoming presidential election. The retired postmen will be employed on a temporary basis to provide valuable support during the election process.

Flooding

Wattala, Sri Lanka experienced flooding on August 18, 2024, with people and vehicles wading through floodwater on waterlogged roads, Xinhua News reports.

Sri Lanka government defends diplomat

Sri Lanka government defends diplomat fined for exploiting former housekeeper in Australia. The diplomat was ordered to pay over $360,000 in back wages, Barrons reports.