- Global group of 182 economists and experts warn that some of the world’s most powerful hedge funds and other investors are holding up vital help for Sri Lanka by their “hardline” stance in debt-relief negotiations.
- Elections Commission requests Attorney General to appear for it when the Supreme Court takes up 2 petitions calling for LG elections in March’23: elections hang in the balance with divisions within the EC re. decision to call nominations.
- Sri Lanka State Trading (General) Corporation says international tenders will be called to import eggs: quantity and selection of suitable importers to be decided this week.
- Delegations from SLPP and UNP discuss “fast-tracking economic recovery and uplifting lives of people”: SLPP group – Basil Rajapaksa, Sagara Kariyawasam, Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Johnston Fernando & Sanjeeva Edirimanna: UNP group – Wajira Abeywardana, Sagala Ratnayake, Range Bandara, Akila Viraj, Ravi Karunanayake & Ruwan Wijewardene.
- Sri Lanka & Thailand FTA negotiations (3rd round) to commence today under 7 themes: namely, Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, Investments, Rules of Origin, Custom Cooperation, Trade Facilitation & Economic Cooperation.
- President Ranil Wickremasinghe says a new holding company will be set up this month to hold shares of SOEs that are to be reformed/privatised: also says a key concern of those providing “financial assistance” to Sri Lanka is that funds provided to the country should not be used to fund losses.
- Central Bank says from 16th January, the Central Bank’s Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) – the overnight deposit facility that allows Banks to park excess liquidity with the Central Bank and earn interest – will be limited to 5 times per calendar month.
- CB Governor Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe says the only refinery in the country is operated with Iranian oil and that Sri Lanka had to stop operations following US sanctions on Iran: also says the country pays high prices for fuel due to the inability to make direct purchases from Russia.
- Kurunegala District Secretary R M R Ratnayake says those behind the “fake” Dalada Maligawa under construction at Pothuhera have not obtained a letter of recommendation from the District Secretariat to get it registered under the Buddha Sasana Ministry.
- Public Utilities Commission Chairman Janaka Ratnayake says Sri Lanka will successfully avoid 10-hour powercuts in 2023 after securing a continuous supply of coal: asserts it is now a favourable situation as around 25 coal shipments for this year have been secured.
