April 08, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) indicates further appreciation against the US Dollar today (08) in comparison to last week’s Friday, as per leading commercial banks in the country.
At Peoples Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 293.46 from Rs. 293.95, and the selling price to Rs. 303.39 from Rs. 304.26.
At Commercial Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 292.98 from Rs. 293.47, and the selling price to Rs. 302.25 from Rs. 302.75.
At Sampath Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 294.25 from Rs. 295, and the selling price to Rs. 303.25 from Rs. 304.
April 08, Colombo (LNW): A total of 120 plantation workers, including children, were hospitalised last night following an incident of food poisoning after consuming meals provided at a Kovil in Nallatanniya.
The affected individuals experienced symptoms such as vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhea, and faintness after partaking in the food served at a dansala event held at the Kovil.
They were subsequently admitted to the Maskeliya Divisional Hospital for medical assistance.
25 individuals are currently receiving treatment within the facility, while the remaining patients have been discharged after receiving medical care, according to a medical officer at the hospital.
Public Health Inspectors have taken food samples for further investigation, which will be sent to the Government Analyst for analysis and assessment.
April 08, Colombo (LNW): A Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Corporal, affiliated with the Sri Lanka Air Force Rugby team, was fatally shot by the police and Special Task Force (STF) personnel in Angamuwa, Padukka, this (08) morning.
The deceased is suspected to be the primary perpetrator in a shooting incident in Moragahahena, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, according to Police.
Allegedly disregarding an order to halt at a checkpoint during a joint Police-STF operation earlier today, the victim, riding a motorcycle, purportedly opened fire at the law enforcement officers.
In response, the police returned fire, resulting in the motorcyclist sustaining fatal injuries.
He was pronounced dead upon arrival at Padukka Hospital.
SLAF spokesman Group Captain Dushan Wijesinghe confirmed that the SLAF Commander has initiated an investigation into the incident.
Preliminary inquiries suggest an exchange of gunfire between the off-duty SLAF Corporal (volunteer) and police officers stationed at the checkpoint.
The injured Corporal succumbed to his injuries upon admission to the hospital, as reported by the police.
April 08, Colombo (LNW): The remaining Rs. 5,000 of the increased allowance of Rs. 10,000 for government employees will be disbursed to the relevant institutions today, along with their monthly salary, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya asserted.
Previously, the government had released the initial portion of Rs. 10,000 to government employees, with the total festival advance amounting to nearly Rs. 6 billion for the New Year season, already distributed.
Traditionally, government employee salaries commence on the 16th of each month, prioritising teachers’ salaries, followed by tri-forces salaries and Provincial Council employee salaries.
However, in light of the New Year, salaries for April will be issued on April 10, deviating from the usual payment date of the 25th of the month.
“The government has decided to disburse the salaries of government employees, including the remaining Rs. 5,000, totaling Rs. 107 billion, to the relevant institutions starting today. An additional Rs. 13 billion has been allocated for this month, apart from regular salaries,” Siyambalapitiya said.
Pensioners have already received nearly Rs. 28 billion.
The Finance State Minister further assured that other welfare allowances related to April will be provided without delay.
April 08, Colombo (LNW): The military administration in Myanmar has indicated the difficulty of rescuing 48 Sri Lankans held captive by cybercrime operatives in the Myawaddy area, as it is controlled by ethnic armed groups, a report by Daily Mirror disclosed.
Among the 56 Sri Lankan victims of cybercrimes, eight have been successfully rescued, according to report.
Presently, arrangements are being made to repatriate them to Sri Lanka via Thailand due to the challenges of transporting them by road from Myawaddy to Yangon, where they would board flights back home.
However, the transit route remains obstructed.
Despite efforts, the rescue operation for the remaining 48 Sri Lankans has encountered obstacles, conveyed the military government of Myanmar.
The complexities involved suggest that a rescue attempt might necessitate a military operation, potentially endangering the lives of the captives.
In response, the military government has requested additional time to devise a strategic plan for their rescue.
The Sri Lankan government has exhausted diplomatic channels to engage with Myanmar authorities, including a direct appeal from President Ranil Wickremesinghe to Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing for prompt assistance in securing their release.
Furthermore, numerous other Sri Lankans engaged in illicit activities within the cybercrime region have shown reluctance to return to Sri Lanka.
However, the exact number of such individuals remains uncertain at present, the report further added.
April 08, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet of Ministers will deliberate on the possibility of designating April 15 (Monday) as a public holiday due to the auspicious timing of certain events related to the 2024 Sinhala and Tamil New Year on April 14.
The discussion is slated to take place during today’s Cabinet meeting, scheduled for April 8.
This year, April 13 and 14 mark significant dates for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, while April 15 falls on a typical working day, being a Monday.
Requests have been made by various parties to declare April 15 as a public holiday, but a conclusive decision has yet to be reached on the matter.
Home Affairs State Minister Ashoka Priyantha has highlighted the necessity for a Cabinet resolution to formalise April 15 as a public holiday.
Consequently, the issue is set to be addressed during the Cabinet session scheduled for this afternoon.
April 08, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe officially unveiled the newly constructed flyover, which extends over the railway line connecting Kompannavidiya (Slave Island) with Justice Akbar Mawatha and Uttarankanda Mawatha, confirmed the President’s Media Division (PMD).
The inauguration marks a significant milestone in the urban infrastructure development of the region, providing enhanced connectivity and alleviating traffic congestion in the bustling area.
The flyover’s strategic location is expected to streamline transportation routes and improve accessibility for commuters and motorists navigating through the area.
April 08, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has exhibited promising growth in the first quarter of the year, with total tourist arrivals reaching 635,784. Tourism Minister Harin Fernando announced.
Additionally, he reported that the revenue generated from tourism during this period amounted to US$ 1,025 million.
These figures indicate a positive trend for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, reflecting increased visitor interest and spending in the country’s attractions and hospitality services.
Fernando expressed optimism about the sector’s prospects for the remainder of the year, highlighting the importance of continued efforts to promote Sri Lanka as a premier tourist destination.
The Minister’s remarks underscore the significance of tourism as a key driver of economic growth and foreign exchange earnings for Sri Lanka.
He emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting and further developing the tourism sector to maximise its potential contributions to the country’s economy.
April 08, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places inWestern, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Northwestern provinces and in Monaragala, Mannar and Anuradhapura districts after 2.00 p.m., the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (08).
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka during 05th to 15th of April in this year. The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (08th) are Marawila, Pothuhara, Gurukete, Kalmunai, Garthalawela and Warapitiya at about 12:12 noon.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Matara via Colombo and Galle during the afternoon or night.
Winds:
Winds will be variable in direction and wind speed will be (15-25)kmph.
State of Sea:
Sea areas around the island will be slight. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
Meanwhile, heat index, the temperature felt on human body is expected to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-western and Southern, provinces and Matale, Monaragala districts.
The public is urged to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible, check up on the elderly and the sick, never leave children unattended, limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated, wear lightweight and white or light-coloured clothing.
April 07, Colombo (LNW): The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Alleviating the Impact of the Economic Crisis, this week requested a comprehensive report containing recommendations to address illegal fishing issues be submitted to Parliament promptly.
The meeting Chaired by Gamini Waleboda, convened recently at Parliament, delved into addressing the pressing concerns within the fishing community.
Representatives from the Fisheries Ministry, State institutions under the purview of the Ministry and members of the North East fishing community were in attendance.
During the meeting, fishermen from the North raised concerns about the detrimental effects of illegal encroachment by Indian fishermen along the Northern coast.
They highlighted how this activity has severely impacted their livelihoods and emphasized the urgent need to assess the damage caused to marine resources due to trawling methods employed by Indian fishermen.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of surveys conducted on marine resources in the north, Committee Chair Waleboda instructed the Fisheries Ministry Secretary to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to prevent illegal fishing activities in the region.
Additionally, discussions centered on the import of fish for re-export, with concerns raised about the potential negative consequences for the local fishing industry.
Committee members highlighted the risk of imported fish affecting the reputation of Sri Lankan fish in the international market and stressed the loss of tax revenue resulting from such imports. Of particular concern was the importation of prawns known to carry diseases, which has had a detrimental impact on local shrimp production.
In response, the Committee instructed the Fisheries Ministry to convene discussions with relevant stakeholders immediately to address this issue and make informed decisions regarding fish imports.
The fishermen issue is a contentious one in the ties between India and Sri Lanka, with Lankan Navy personnel even firing at Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait and seizing their boats in several alleged incidents of illegally entering Sri Lankan territorial waters.
The Palk Strait, a narrow strip of water separating Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka, is a rich fishing ground for fishermen from both countries.
Fishermen from both countries are arrested frequently for inadvertently trespassing into each other’s waters.
In 2023, the island nation’s Navy arrested 240 Indian fishermen along with 35 trawlers for allegedly poaching in Sri Lankan waters.
