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Saudi Arabia expresses interest in enhancing economic ties with SL, especially in Garment and Tourism sectors

News

MIAP

November 28, 2023

Saudi Arabia expresses interest in enhancing economic ties with SL, especially in Garment and Tourism sectors

Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in discussions with the Minister of Economy and Planning for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Faisal F. Alibrahim, at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (27).

During the meeting, Minister Alibrahim underscored Saudi Arabia’s keen interest in bolstering economic relations with Sri Lanka, focusing on various sectors, including garments and tourism.

The Saudi Minister highlighted his government’s commitment to expanding economic ties in the region, expressing significant regard for Sri Lanka, the President’s Media Division reported.

Wickremesinghe welcomed the Minister’s remarks, emphasising Sri Lanka’s proactive efforts to enhance cooperation in Asia, particularly West Asia. He further identified tourism and agriculture as sectors with considerable investment potential, and emphasised that the country is committed to modernising these areas.

Accompanying the President were the Secretary to the President, Saman Ekanayake, and the Director of International Affairs to the President, Dinouk Colombage.

Today’s (Nov 28) weather: Heavy showers about 75 mm likely to occur

News

MIAP

November 28, 2023

Today’s (Nov 28) weather: Heavy showers about 75 mm likely to occur

By: Isuru Parakrama

Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district, and several spells of showers will occur in Northern and North-central provinces, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (28).

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in other provinces of the island after 01.00 p.m, the statement added.

Fairly heavy showers about 75mm are likely at some places in Central, Uva and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

A low-pressure area is formed over south Andaman Sea and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal Sea area. It is likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a depression over southeast Bay of Bengal around 29^th November 2023. Fishing and naval community are requested to be attentive to future forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.

Condition of Rain:

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Trincomalee to Puttalam via Pottuvil, Hambantota and Galle.

Winds:

Winds will be North-easterly. Wind speed will be (30-40) kmph in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Trincomalee via Puttalam, Kankasanthurai. And from Galle to Hambantota via Matara. Wind speed will be (20-30) kmph in the other sea areas around the island.

State of Sea:

The sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Trincomalee via Puttalam, Kankasanthurai and from Galle to Hambantota via Matara will be moderate and slight in the other sea areas around the island. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.

Update: Harin Fernando sworn in as Sports Minister; Pavithra Wanniarachchi Irrigation Minister

News

MIAP

November 27, 2023

Update: Harin Fernando sworn in as Sports Minister; Pavithra Wanniarachchi Irrigation Minister

Colombo (LNW): Harin Fernando has been appointed as the Minister of Sports, while Pavitra Vanniarachchi has been appointed as the Minister of Irrigation.

Both individuals were sworn in before President Ranil Wickremesinghe a short while ago.

These ministerial appointments have been conferred upon them in addition to their existing ministerial responsibilities.

New Sports Minister Harin Fernando?

News

MIAP

November 27, 2023

Colombo (LNW): Minister Harin Fernando is set to assume the role of the new Sports Minister and will be sworn in shortly, sources confirmed.

The Minister has verified the preparedness of the President’s Secretariat for the forthcoming responsibilities.

President Ranil Wickramasinghe has also recently arrived at the Presidential Secretariat.

Presently serving as the Cabinet Minister for Tourism and Lands, Fernando is poised to take on the additional responsibilities as the Sports Minister.

Sri Lanka set to reclaim Colonial-Era artefacts in December

News

MIAP

November 27, 2023

Colombo (LNW): In December, six colonial-era artefacts originating from Sri Lanka will be repatriated from the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam in the Netherlands, according to the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Among the items returning to the island are the Lewke’s cannon, a Golden Kasthane, a Silver Kasthane, a Sinhalese Knife, and two Guns that have been confirmed to belong to Sri Lanka.

After more than 200 years abroad, Dutch Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation Dewi van de Weerd will lead a mission overseeing the handover on behalf of the Netherlands.

The physical return of these artefacts is scheduled for a two-day event at the Colombo National Museum on December 5 and 6, which will be open to the public and include educational activities highlighting the shared history of Sri Lanka and the Netherlands.

“With the restitution the Netherlands aim to strengthen the bilateral ties with Sri Lanka, while also coming to terms with its colonial past. As a part of this, Ambassador Van de Weerd hopes to discuss possibilities for further strengthening the cultural cooperation between the Netherlands and Sri Lanka,” the Embassy said in a statement.

It added: “Governments, museums, universities and advisory committees in both countries are already working together to return more Sri Lankan cultural heritage in the future. Through these initiatives the government of the Netherlands aims to open a new chapter in its relationship with Sri Lanka. A chapter with more focus on justice, reconciliation and equality”.

Cabinet grants approval to SINOPEC for refinery project in Hambantota

News

MIAP

November 27, 2023

Cabinet grants approval to SINOPEC for refinery project in Hambantota

Colombo (LNW): China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (SINOPEC) is set to be awarded the contract for establishing a new petroleum refinery and associated product processing centre in Hambantota, announced Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera.

Cabinet approval was granted for the contract with SINOPEC to build the refinery. The $4.5-billion project is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and follows previous Chinese investments, including a 99-year lease at Hambantota port and a logistics and storage hub in Colombo port.

“Cabinet approval was granted today to award the contract to China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (SINOPEC) of China, to enter into an agreement to establish a new Petroleum Refinery & Associated Product Processing centre in Hambantota,” the Minister wrote on his official X handle.

Cabinet approval was granted today to award the contract to China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (SINOPEC) of China, to enter into an agreement to establish a new Petroleum Refinery & Associated Product Processing center in Hambantota.
— Kanchana Wijesekera (@kanchana_wij) November 27, 2023

SINOPEC, the world’s top refinery and a major petrochemical maker, aims to expand its footprint beyond China through this venture.

The company will initiate the engineering design process after obtaining official approval, potentially targeting markets beyond Sri Lanka and leveraging its partnership with China Merchants Port to expand bunker fuel supply at Hambantota.

The move aligns with Beijing’s broader goal of enhancing global trade infrastructure.

Ministry taken from Roshan to be kept under President?

GOSSIP

MIAP

November 27, 2023

Ministry taken from Roshan to be kept under President?

Colombo (LNW): Following the removal of Roshan Ranasinghe from his posts as the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs and the Minister of Irrigation, these scopes will operate under President Ranil Wickremesinghe for a certain period of time, sources indicate.

Sources further informed that Ruling Party MP S.B. Dissanayake is likely to be appointed as the next Minister of Sports.

Earlier, the President issued a letter confirming the removal of Ranasinghe from his post as the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs and the Minister of Irrigation effective immediately, following a serious allegation levelled by the ex Minister in Parliament that the President was attempting to frame him for political retribution.

Speaking in Parliament earlier this (27) morning, Ranasinghe asserted that the President was utilising false information regarding a vehicle to falsely implicate him in unlawful activities.

Expressing concern for his safety, Ranasinghe lamented that his life was ‘at risk’ and that he ‘may be killed,’ thereby holding both the President and his Advisor, Sagala Ratnayake accountable in any such event.

Previous report:

Roshan Ranasinghe sacked from post of Minister of Sports

Demonstration marking action to stop violence against women! (PHOTOS)

PHOTO STORY

MIAP

November 27, 2023

Demonstration marking action to stop violence against women! (PHOTOS)

Colombo (LNW): On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Women’s Centre staged a demonstration in front of the Fort railway station today (27).

The protest aimed to advocate for the establishment of a respectful society that is free from violence and abuse towards women and girls.

Various women’s organisations, including Lakbima Mawuwaru, Diyaniyo Women’s Network, South Lanka Women’s Labour Forum, and others representing districts across the island, actively participated in the event.

Photo Courtesy: Ajith Senevirathne

To view full photos, visit READPHOTOS.

Today’s (Nov 27) official exchange rates

BUSINESS

MIAP

November 27, 2023

Today’s (Nov 27) official exchange rates

Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) indicates depreciation against the US Dollar today (27) in comparison to last week’s Friday, as per the official exchange rates list issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).

Accordingly, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 323.63 from Rs. 323.55, but the selling price has dropped to Rs. 333.70 from Rs. 333.74.

The Sri Lankan Rupee, meanwhile, also indicates depreciation against several other foreign currencies, including Gulf currencies.