- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says political stability in Sri Lanka has created a favourable environment for investment: He assured that investment opportunities would not be influenced by political affiliations and that the Board of Investment (BOI) would have full autonomy to attract beneficial, clean investments: During a meeting with BOI officials, he emphasised the need for both political and financial stability, announcing plans to enhance the BOI’s efficiency and establish five new investment zones in the coming year.
- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that the current government will honour the agreement made by the Ranil Wickremesinghe administration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), leading to an additional burden of 2.3 billion US dollars for Sri Lanka’s debt relief: He made these comments during a Samagi Jana Balawegaya party meeting in Negombo, held under his leadership.
- Minister Vijitha Herath says for the first time, Sri Lanka has combined foreign affairs and tourism under a single ministry, reflecting their interconnected nature: He made this statement during the International Bazaar and Cultural Extravaganza 2024 in Colombo, which featured international cuisine, cultural performances, a fashion show, and a charity raffle: Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya highlighted the need for Sri Lanka’s Apparel and Textile sector to become globally competitive: Funds raised from the event will support the M. H. Omar Liver Care Facility.
- The Essential Food Commodities Importers & Traders Association says the first shipment of imported rice is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka next week: Rice has been ordered from India and Pakistan, following the government’s decision to allow rice imports without control permits until December 20, 2024, due to local shortages: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has also set regulated prices for rice, which rice mill owners began supplying to the market at controlled rates from December 8.
- Starting today (09), Lak Sathosa will sell 200,000 coconuts daily at concessionary rates: Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe announced that coconuts will be available for 130 rupees each at Sathosa outlets in Colombo and other urban areas: This is an increase from the previous 100,000 coconuts sold daily: Coconuts from state-owned plantations will be distributed through Lak Sathosa.
- Private companies have requested government permission to import salt due to challenges in domestic production: Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe confirmed the request, noting issues in local production: Lanka Salt Limited’s GM, R.M. Gunaratne, stated that while there is a 12-month supply, adverse weather has reduced production: Despite current reserves, some traders have raised prices amid concerns of a shortage: A final decision will follow consultations with the Ministry of Industry.
- The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas in the Southeast Bay of Bengal deep sea areas: A low-pressure area in the region is expected to move west-northwest and reach the southwest Bay of Bengal near Sri Lanka-Tamil Nadu coasts by December 11: Very strong winds of 60 km/h, heavy rainfall, and rough seas are forecasted: Fishing and naval communities are advised to monitor further updates.
- Japan has donated 300 million rupees in aid to Sri Lanka for disaster relief, including tents, mattresses, plastic sheets, and other essential supplies: The aid, delivered via a special cargo plane from Japan, was received at Bandaranaike International Airport by officials, including the Secretary of Defence and the Director General of the Disaster Management Centre: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) facilitated the donation.
- The 2024/25 Sripada pilgrimage season will begin on December 14, with a procession carrying sacred relics, the deity’s image, and royal regalia from Sripada Rajamaha Vihara to Sri Padasthanaya: The procession will follow multiple routes through Ratnapura, Hatton, and Nallathanniya: Authorities, under Ven. Bengamuwe Dhammadinna Thera’s guidance, have arranged facilities for pilgrims and prohibited plastic bottles and tobacco along the route: Police will ensure safety and prevent intoxicants.
- Sri Lanka’s young innovators excelled at the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Awards (APICTA) 2024 in Brunei, with three students earning accolades: Dasindu Sithmira Mahabodhi won second place in the Junior Category, while Sineth Daham Bandara Jayasundera and Ramiru Thehan Wijayasiriwardhane received merit awards in the Senior Category: The competition, with 17 participating countries, highlighted their exceptional creativity and technological skills.
