- Exports plunges by 14.6% to USD 898.0 mn in October’23 compared to October’22 as per Customs provisional data: it’s also a 13.1% drop compared to the value in September’23.
- “Hot-money” investments in Govt Treasuries continues to exit rapidly: foreign investment in Govt Treasuries records a massive reduction from Rs.159.2 bn (USD 492mn) on 30th Sep’23 to Rs.124.8 bn (USD 381mn) by 1st Dec’23: currency depreciating pressure expected to escalate further as more nervous “hot-money” investments exit.
- President Ranil Wickremesinghe discusses key government initiatives, such as the Climate Change University, funding for climate change projects with US Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change, John Kerry: emphasizes the significance of involving the private sector.
- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says Govt MPs who harassed him in Parliament will not be able to undo his resolve to bring to book, those that brought SL to financial ruin.
- Citrus Leisure PLC says it will open SL’s first Revolving Restaurant on the 27th floor of the Lotus Tower Colombo on or around 9th December.
- State Defence Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon says women officers will be given an opportunity to reach the top level positions of the Tri-Forces in the future.
- State Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe says “Aswesuma” payments for October’23 for 1,406,932 families amounting Rs 8,775 mn has been transferred to Banks: also says the amounts will be credited to the beneficiary accounts from today.
- SL Under-19 Head Coach Jehan Mubarak says the Asia Cup Under 19 Cricket tournament to be held from Dec 8 to 17 in Dubai will give vital exposure for the SL U-19 team: also says the team led by Sineth Jayawardena is having a good team spirit.
- Sports Minister Harin Fernando says a decision has been taken to appoint a new Selection Committee for SL Cricket headed by former cricketer Upul Tharanga: also says necessary steps will be taken within this week to get the ICC ban on SL Cricket revoked.
- Sports Minister Harin Fernando appoints a 15-member National Sports Council chaired by Dr Maiya Gunasekera: replaces former Chairman Arjuna Ranatunga.
