- NPP Economic Expert Sunil Handunhetti says SL’s International Sovereign Bond investors have factored the risk when they invested in the SL Sovereign Bonds, and would therefore readily agree to substantial “hair-cuts” on their investments: also says a future NPP Govt will borrow from the IMF without any conditions, or not borrow at all.
- SJB Economic Guru MP Harsha de Silva says whenever anyone including the Govt borrows money, it’s not possible to default and the debt must be paid: analysts however point out that Silva had been vociferously advocating for the Govt’s debt to be re-structured and had in fact specifically called upon the Govt to restructure it’s Debt and not settle it’s maturing ISBs from as far back as 23rd June 2021.
- Govt increases Annual Excise Licence Fees by massive amounts: Distillery Licence fee excluding Palmyrah arrack – up from Rs.1mn to Rs.25mn: Palmyrah arrack – from Rs.250,000 to Rs.5mn: Toddy – from Rs.1mn to Rs.10mn: Vinegar – from Rs.500,000 to Rs.2.5mn: Tourist Board approved hotels: 200 rooms or more – Rs.1mn: 20 to 199 rooms – Rs.500,000: below 20 rooms – Rs. 250,000: Night Clubs reduced from Rs.500,000 to Rs.250,000.
- Farmers Federation President Namal Karunaratne warns of a severe shortage of vegetables by April’24, as farmers struggle to continue their cultivation due to the high production cost triggered by the recently-increased VAT: says prices will further increase in the coming months due to a declining harvest.
- Govt increases Casino Licence fees by massive amounts: Casinos with minimum investment of USD 250mn – Rs.10bn & Renewal Rs.10bn: Casinos with investment less than USD 500mn – Rs.5bn & Renewal Rs.10bn: existing Casino operators – Rs.2bn & Renewal Rs.10bn.
- Milk Powder Importers’ Association says prices of imported milk powder will increase from next week due to the VAT hike: 400g packet up by Rs.30: 1kg packet up by Rs.75.
- Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa orders probe into the crash of the MI-17 helicopter in the Central African Republic on Thursday: sends a 3-member team to CAR to obtain a first-hand report.
- CEB proposes reduction of the electricity tariff by 3.34% from 1st February’24: sends proposal to the Public Utilities Commission for approval.
- The Chief Prelates of 3 Buddhist Sects urge the President to enact legislation to act against those who distort Buddhism: move prompted by the recent emergence of a self proclaimed “Awalokitheshwara” who is allegedly misleading the public with distorted interpretations of the Buddhist philosophy.
- SL wins the 1st T20 Cricket International by 3 wickets in a last ball thriller: Zimbabwe 143/5 in 20 overs – Maheesh Theekshana 16/2, Wanindu Hasaranga 19/2: SL 144/7 in 20 overs – Angelo Mathews 46, Dasun Shanaka 26*.
