- Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksha says exporters have withheld over USD 53.5 bn in Forex overseas, and not remitted to Sri Lanka: also says the situation has arisen mainly due to the change in the foreign exchange law in 2017: asserts that several exporters have provided false information or concealed the true figures from the Central Bank.
- President’s Office says that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has highlighted “SL’s distinct expertise in global economics, particularly in connecting climate financing with debt management and proposed a National Consultative Committee involving both private & public sector entities to effectively coordinate these climate initiatives”.
- Central Environmental Authority says the manufacture & sale of one-time use plastic drinking straws, cups, plates, knives, forks, spoons, string hopper trays, garlands etc. in Sri Lanka will be banned with effect from 01 October 2023.
- The crop damage suffered due to the prevailing drought has increased to around 51,479 acres (51,055 acres of paddy), affecting 46,072 farmers.
- State Minister of Education Aravindh Kumar says the results of the 2022 GCE Advanced Level examination will be released before September 10.
- Analysts say that the National Consumer Price Index had recorded a value of 4.6% in July’23 on the highly elevated base of 66.7% in July’22: point out that the prices have increased a further 4.6% even from the very high index level of July’22: allege the new inflation indices introduced since Jan’23 has helped to mask the true increases in prices which have seriously affected peoples’ lives.
- Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar tells Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene & Sri Lankan MPs that India will continue to support the development activities of Sri Lanka: Indian High Commissioner Gopal Bagle says India-Sri Lanka relations are expected to be further enhanced in 4 main areas of Food security, Energy security, Currency Support and Long-term investment.
- Chairman of the Office on Missing Persons Mahesh Katulanda says justice will be served for the families of missing persons within a period of 6 months: asserts the tracing mechanism has been fast tracked with regard to the missing persons, and the process is being carried out transparently.
- Face value of the Treasury Bill stock reaches Rs.5,600 bn by 31July’23 with the Book value being only Rs.5,117 bn, thus indicating that a massive sum of Rs.483 bn has been suffered as interest by the Govt: this week’s T/Bill auction fails to attract the offered amount even after increasing the weighted average yield: Monetary Board maintains the Standing Deposit and Lending Facility Rates at current levels of 11% & 12% respectively.
- Dept of Meteorology warns that the Northern, North Central and Eastern provinces are expected to be affected by the high heat levels: adds that the heat index is forecasted to reach high levels in Vavuniya, Mullaitivu & Monaragala districts, as well: advises proper hydration, staying in the shade whenever possible, & wearing light-colored or white clothing to minimize heat absorption to mitigate potential risks associated with these arid weather conditions.
Sri Lanka Original Narrative Summary: 24/08
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