- Nielsen’s most recent Business Confidence Index survey shows 62% of business-people expect the economy to “decline” in the next 12 months: 13% expect the economy to “improve”: 25% expect the economy to remain “steady”.
- Geological Survey & Mines Bureau says a minor earthquake of 4.65 magnitude in the Richter Scale occurred in the seas about 300 km North-East of Batticaloa on 11September: further reports that there was no threat of a tsunami to the island.
- CB data shows that tourism earnings surpassed USD 1.3bn in the first 8 months of 2023, with over 930,000 visitors to the country: reflects a 57% increase from the corresponding period of last year.
- Combined earnings of 288 listed companies on the Colombo Stock Exchange in the quarter ending June 2023 crashes by a massive 45% to Rs.52.7bn, compared to the quarter ending March 2023 figure of Rs.95.3bn: also down by a huge 69% from the earnings for the quarter ending June 2022 of Rs.169.7bn.
- Media baron Dilith Jayaweera appointed the Leader of the Mawbima Janatha Party: takes over from veteran politician Hemakumara Nanayakkara, who will serve in an advisory capacity with the title of Senior Leader.
- President Ranil Wickremesinghe meets SLPP National Organizer Basil Rajapaksa: the duo discuss the importance of announcing relief measures for people in the upcoming budget: Rajapaksa reported to have asked the Govt to ensure job security for people of the state institutions earmarked to be reformed and liquidated under the IMF programme.
- Former External Affairs Minister Professor G L Peiris says the Opposition would seek the IMF’s commitment to rein in rampant corruption within the Wickremasinghe-Rajapaksa government in spite of the country being declared bankrupt over a year ago: also says the Opposition intends to furnish transcripts of the 3 day debate on the No Confidence Motion against the Health Minister, to the IMF delegation.
- National Peoples’ Power leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the only way the current leadership could remain in power is by unleasing chaos.
- National Dengue Control Unit Director Dr Nalin Ariyaratne says around 900 cases of dengue have been reported in the first 10 days of September: warns that the current rainy weather is likely to lead to an increase in the dengue mosquito population unless steps are taken to reduce potential breeding sites.
- Top bowlers – Hasaranga, Chameera and Madushanka named in Sri Lanka’s 15-man provisional squad for next month’s Cricket World Cup despite injury concerns: Squad: Shanaka (Capt), Nissanka, Dimuth, Kusal Mendis, Asalanka, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya, Sadeera, Hasaranga, Wellalage, Theekshana, Chameera, Rajitha, Pathirana, & Madushanka.
Sri Lanka Original Narrative Summary: 12/09
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