- Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina seeks Sri Lanka’s support for repatriation of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, Rohingyas, to their ancestral lands in the Rakhine state of Myanmar: support sought when Foreign Minister Ali Sabry paid a courtesy call on her.
- Institute of Builders President Dr. Rohan Karunarathna says it’s “pathetic” for Govt to say the industry will have no work over the next 2 years: likens it to disruption caused by the ban on chemical fertiliser: claims over 600,000 persons have already been laid off: says it’s amusing how Govt anticipates these persons to survive on Rs.5,000 a month, after earning up to Rs.70,000.
- State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says travellers won’t be permitted to bring gold jewellery exceeding 22 karat gauge without approval of the Controller of Import & Exports: also says this decision will stop smuggling: claims smugglers illegally bring at least 50kg of gold per day, leading to a loss of USD 30 mn of forex per month.
- Commissioner General of Examinations reports 231,982 candidates who sat the GCE (O/L) exam in 2021 have qualified for GCE (A/L): 10,863 have obtained As in all subjects: results of 498 candidates temporarily suspended.
- Former CB Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal says ISB payment of USD 500 mn on 18th January 2022 was a Parliament-approved and budgeted debt repayment for 2022: also says such payment can’t be legally stopped by him: queries whether those who urged Sri Lanka to default are now taking responsibility for the serious repercussions that are following the default.
- Analyst Kusal Perera predicts over 30% of school children numbering about 1.4 mn will drop out of school in the beginning of next year due to their families being unable to have even 2 meals a day: attributes situation to Sri Lanka carrying out conditions laid down by the IMF.
- SJB MP Buddhika Pathirana alleges a large sum of money is earned by 2 political parties within the Govt by giving liquor licences to supermarkets: claims the alleged racket is carried out by a few officials at the Finance Ministry & Excise Dept.
- TNA MP Sumanthiran says Budget does not present a way out of the economic crisis: expresses concern that it allocates heavily towards defence: also says TNA refrained from voting against because the President had indicated he is willing to resolve the longstanding national question.
- Chairman of Cricket Selectors, Pramodya Wickremasinghe lashes out at his former skipper Arjuna Ranatunga: reminds that Captain Dasun Shanaka’s men clinched the Asia Cup: also says if the Sports Minister want his resignation, he will submit it, provided a valid reason is given.
- Central Bank data shows Govt Debt has increased by at least Rs. 3,900bn from 1st April to 25th November 2022 (239 days): total debt up from approximately Rs.21,700bn to approximately Rs.25,600bn, during that period: increase works out to a staggering Rs.16.3bn per day.
