March 01, Colombo (LNW): Litro Gas Lanka has opted to keep the prices of its domestic LP gas cylinders unchanged for the month of March, as announced by the company’s chairman, Muditha Pieris, on Friday. This decision aligns with the company’s stance in February, where prices were also held steady, considering the financial challenges faced by the general public.
Following the January price adjustment, the current rates for Litro Gas stand as follows:
March 01, Colombo (LNW): In response to the proposal for a reduction in electricity tariffs, a group, including the Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and the Acting General Manager, has been summoned before the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL). A special meeting has been scheduled for 3 pm on Friday (01) to delve deeper into discussions surrounding the proposed tariff adjustments.
This summons follows a prior meeting on Wednesday (28), during which the PUCSL engaged in discussions with the CEB. Subsequent to the dialogue, the PUCSL has sought additional information from the CEB regarding the proposed revision of electricity tariffs.
In response to the PUCSL’s request, the CEB is expected to submit the requisite information on Friday (01), shedding light on the details and considerations underlying the proposed electricity tariff reduction. The outcome of these discussions will play a crucial role in determining the future trajectory of electricity pricing in Sri Lanka.
China Communications Construction Company has already invested $ 1.4 b in Port City
To invest a further $ 300 m to kick start phase 2 in June
Eyes opportunities in transportation, urban development, energy, and water facilities
The Fortune Global 500 list member China Communications Construction Company Ltd., Chairman Wang Tongzhou and a delegation called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe this week.
CCCC through CHEC Port City Colombo Ltd., have invested
$ 1.4 billion, on Port City Colombo. The CCCC Chairman informed the President CCCC will put in more resources to accelerate construction and development and enhance the global marketing and promotion efforts.
For the phase 2 infrastructure, in June the company plans to invest a total investment of approximately of $ 300 million. The Chairman also requested President Wickremesinghe to provide CCCC with more opportunities in Sri Lanka’s transportation, urban development, energy, and water facilities. CCCC is ranked at 60 in The Fortune Global 500 list with $ 130.664 billion in revenue.
President’s Chief-of Staff Sagala Rathnayake, BOI and Colombo Port City Economic Commission Chairman Dinesh Weerakkody, and Port City Colombo Managing Director Xiong Hongfeng participated in the meeting.
March 01, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan government has opted to keep fuel prices unchanged throughout the month of March 2024. As a result, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has confirmed that fuel will be sold at existing prices for the duration of this month. The anticipated monthly price revision, initially scheduled for the night of the 29th, saw no adjustments, leaving fuel rates unaffected.
Notably, Lanka IOC and Sinopec are yet to announce any revisions to their fuel prices, adding an element of uncertainty to the market.
1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has assured the prompt delivery of “Aswasuma” benefits to eligible recipients and highlighted the vital role of government officials in the effective distribution of “Aswasuma” and “Urumaya” benefits. He praised the dedication of Grama Niladhari Officers for their commitment to the successful implementation of these programs despite challenges.
2. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that it is time to decide whether to continue being part of an assembly where its leader consistently violates the Constitution. Premadasa made this statement during a meeting held at Saranakara Maha Vidyalaya in Bingiriya. The comment suggests a critical assessment of the assembly’s leadership and its adherence to constitutional principles.
3. In a major development surrounding the supply of substandard human immuniglobulin, a RED NOTICE was issued for the arrest of Jayanath Buthpitiya, a member of the Evaluation Committee For Emergency Procurement, who also faces allegations over the medicine procurement scandal.
4. The newly appointed Inspector General of Police, Mr. T. M. W. Deshabandu Tennakoon, met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat. In his capacity as the 36th Inspector General of Police in Sri Lanka, Mr. Deshabandu Tennakoon assumed his duties and had discussions with President Wickremesinghe.
5. The State Minister for Technology, Mr. Kanaka Herath, revealed plans for the introduction of the National Cyber Security Act this year, along with the establishment of the Cyber Security Authority. Furthermore, he emphasized the preparations for the Digital Economy Summit scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka by the end of July.
6. Purchasing Managers’ Index for Construction (PMI – Construction) showed an expansion in construction activities in January 2024, with a Total Activity Index recording a value of 52.9. This marks the first time since January 2022 that the index has surpassed the neutral threshold, indicating positive growth. Respondents noted the availability of new construction work, and some previously suspended projects resumed on a limited scale during the month.
7. The overall rate of inflation as measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) on a Year-on-Year (Y-on-Y) basis, has further decreased to 5.9% in February, compared to the previous month. The CCPI-based inflation was calculated as 6.4% for the month of January 2024.
8. The Supreme Court quashed the Cabinet decision allowing former President Maithripala Sirisena to occupy his official residence at Paget Road in Colombo 07 even after he left office. Accordingly, the court stated that an order will be issued invalidating the Cabinet decision taken on 15 October 2019 in this regard.
9. Sri Lanka has entered into a nuclear security agreement with the United States aimed at detecting and preventing illicit trafficking of special nuclear and radioactive materials, addressing global security concerns. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the Sri Lankan Navy and the US National Nuclear Security Administration at the Navy headquarters, witnessed by US Ambassador Julie Chung and Sri Lanka Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera.
10. An Age Group Artistic Swimming team will represent the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU) at the 11th Asian Age Group Championships to be held from March 2 to 6 in New Clarke City, Philippines. The participation is part of the larger contingent of a little over 100 athletes representing the national federation in swimming, diving, water polo and artistic swimming.
March 01, Colombo (LNW): The All Ceylon Poultry Product Manufacturers’ Association (ACPPMA) has voiced apprehensions regarding the import of eggs, stressing the need to redirect the substantial funds spent on imports towards the development of the local poultry industry.
ACPPMA President Ajith Gunasekara, in a statement to the Daily News, expressed concern about the significant foreign exchange outflow for importing eggs from India. He advocated for redirecting these substantial funds, running into millions of dollars, towards supporting the local poultry sector by establishing new farms. Gunasekara proposed collaborative efforts between the Agriculture Ministry and Local Government authorities to initiate poultry farms with the assistance of unemployed youth, leveraging available land, water resources, and favorable climatic conditions.
Gunasekara highlighted that such an investment could lead to a reduction in the current market prices of chicken, currently ranging between Rs.1,100 and Rs.1,250 per kilogram. He urged swift action to develop the local poultry industry, asserting that it would result in a significant decrease in both egg and chicken prices, especially during the upcoming New Year season.
Additionally, Gunasekara pointed out the increasing trend of individuals establishing poultry farms in their home gardens. He urged the government to support these initiatives by providing financial loans with low interest rates, encouraging the growth of small-scale poultry farming.
In response, Trade Minister Nalin Perera assured the public that necessary poultry food and medicine are readily available in the market at reasonable prices, aiming to alleviate concerns about potential shortages or price spikes.
March 01, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Health has initiated measures to enhance the training system for healthcare professionals. The introduction of the National Continuous Professional Development Programme (NCPDP) aims to bring the proficiency of the healthcare workforce to optimal levels, ensuring the delivery of regular, efficient, and quality health services in Sri Lanka.
The NCPDP will be executed by the Education, Training, and Research Division, under the guidance of Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Samindi Samarakoon. The official launch ceremony took place at the National Blood Transfusion Centre Auditorium in Narahenpita, with Health and Industry Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana presiding over the event on the 28th.
With over 150,000 health professionals employed across 268 different categories in Sri Lanka’s health service, the primary objective of the NCPDP is to enhance their professional skills. This strategic training program is expected to contribute significantly to the improvement of patient care services and overall healthcare quality.
During the ceremony, Minister Pathirana awarded certificates to 64 health professionals, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, who underwent registration and training in the Ministry of Health’s education, training, and research department. The Ministry plans to confer these certificates annually as a recognition of their commitment to continuous professional development.
Minister Pathirana emphasized that the NCPDP is the culmination of long-term efforts by the Health Ministry and aims to align healthcare professionals with international standards. The event witnessed the participation of key figures, including Secretary to the Health Ministry Dr. Palitha Mahipala, Additional Secretary Dr. Sunil De Alwis, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, and other high-ranking officials, hospital superintendents, provincial health service directors, specialist doctors, and nurses.
March 01, Colombo (LNW): In a concerning revelation, the National Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS Prevention Programme has disclosed a significant 14.3% increase in reported new HIV infections. According to Director Dr. Janaki Vidanapathirana, the rise in cases is notably higher in 2023 when compared to the preceding year, 2022.
Dr. Vidanapathirana revealed that in 2023, a total of 694 new HIV cases were identified, marking a stark contrast to the previous year’s figures. The majority of these cases, constituting 88%, were found in men, numbering 611. Additionally, 81 cases involving HIV-infected women were reported, representing 11.7% of the total cases. The overall count of infected individuals in society has now reached 4,100, indicating a worrisome prevalence.
Medical experts emphasized that symptoms of the virus may take up to eight years to manifest. Stressing the importance of proactive measures, they recommended HIV testing, especially for individuals engaging in risky sexual behavior. Notably, the testing process has been simplified with the introduction of the Know4Sure app, allowing individuals to conduct the test in the comfort of their homes. Through this app, users can conveniently order the necessary test kit, which will be delivered directly to their doorstep. The initiative aims to enhance accessibility to testing and encourage early detection and intervention in the face of the escalating HIV infection rates.
March 01, Colombo (LNW): In a major breakthrough, Peradeniya University’s Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Department, led by Senior Professor Janaka Ekanayake, has successfully implemented a pioneering project that utilizes semi-transparent solar panels on tea plantations. Covering an area of 800 square meters within a tea estate near the Hanthana Research and Training Center, this initiative is set to generate approximately 100 megawatts of electricity annually.
The inauguration of Sri Lanka’s inaugural semi-transparent solar-powered agriculture-integrated pilot project took place on the 29th, under the auspices of State Minister Lohan Ratwatte and in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Power and Energy Ministry (MOPE), and the Plantation Industries Ministry (MOPI). The ADB contributed a grant of US dollars 250,000 towards this groundbreaking venture.
Professor Janaka Ekanayake highlighted the global precedence of such projects, emphasizing that this marks Sri Lanka’s debut in implementing a venture of this nature. Beyond its significance in the realm of sustainable energy, the project aims to address challenges faced by the agriculture sector in a land-stressed country like Sri Lanka, contributing to both energy security and agricultural sustainability.
Exploring future possibilities, Professor Ekanayake revealed plans to extend the project to tomato and bell pepper cultivations, with ongoing experiments being conducted at Peradeniya University.
March 01, Colombo (LNW): A few showers may occur in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Polonnaruwa and Matale districts.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara and Nuwara-Eliya districts in the evening or night.
Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times in Northern, North-central, North-western, Uva and Eastern provinces and in Hambantota district.
The public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize the damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
