- Ceylon Petroleum Corporation says national diesel and petrol consumption has dropped 50% in latter part of 2022, compared to the first few months of the year: daily fuel consumption averaged 5,500 MT from Dec’21 to Feb’22.
- Crime statistics released by Police indicate 497 Sri Lankans killed in violence during the first 11 months of 2022: 223 deaths by shooting and assault: 3,596 instances of kidnappings with ransom intention.
- Retired Rear Admiral and SLPP MP Sarath Weerasekera says Foreign Minister Ali Sabry owes an explanation as regards his claim that the IMF had demanded the enactment of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution as a prerequisite for the finalisation of the USD 2.9 bn loan.
- SL Embassy in Moscow says a national carrier of the Russian Federation “Red Wings” will start charter flight operations to Sri Lanka’s Mattala International Airport twice per week with effect from December 28: it will be the 3rd Russian airline serving direct flights to Sri Lanka.
- Colombo Crimes Division arrest 4 suspects for allegedly assaulting social media “Aragalaya” activist Dilan Senanayake with sharp weapons on 14th Dec: the suspects too identified as those who had been frequenting the “Aragalaya” site.
- CB Governor Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe predicts economy will stabilise in Q1 of 2023: claims the “IMF-based ongoing economic adjustment programme” will keep inflation under control and increase reserves: during Weerasinghe’s tenure of 9 months so far, inflation up from 18% to 69%: reserves down by USD 100mn: growth down from +3.4% to -11.4%: “money printing” up by 64%: T-Bill interest rates nearly triple: forex debt defaulted.
- Over 60 top & mid-level officials of the Central Bank including Superintendent of Public Debt Dr A Z M Aazim and Deputy Governor Dhammika Nanayakkara, quit this year: officials claim there are multiple resignations each day: CB Trade Unions collectively express displeasure over Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe’s actions.
- Australian Government appoints Sri Lankan-born Minoli Perera as Australia’s next Ambassador to Zimbabwe: the first time a Sri Lankan born person has been appointed to such a position.
- Kandy Mayor Kesara Senanayaka says that the main reason for flooding of Kandy City is illegal constructions: also says steps will be taken to immediately remove all buildings that are blocking canals and other drainage systems.
- Elections Commission Chairman Nimal G Punchihewa says District Returning Officers will issue Gazette notifications calling nominations for Local Government polls on 2nd, 3rd or 4th Jan’23: expresses regret over delay.
