The Manila city government is considering preserving Mali, the Manila Zoo’s only elephant, following her passing on November 28.

Mayor Honey Lacuna suggested the possibility of taxidermy to conserve Mali’s body, proposing that she could be displayed in a museum. “Mali is a cherished part of our history. She was a star attraction at Manila Zoo,” Mayor Lacuna expressed in a press briefing on November 29, addressing the potential preservation of Mali for exhibition in a local museum.

Dr. Heinrich Patrick Peña-Domingo, the chief veterinarian at Manila Zoo, suggested that Mali might have succumbed to heart failure after spending more than 40 years living alone at the zoo.

Described by animal rights activists as “one of the world’s saddest elephants,” Mali’s age remains uncertain, though estimations place her between 48 to 49 years old.

Mali arrived in Manila in 1977 as a gift from Sri Lanka to then-Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos. As a long-standing attraction at Manila Zoo, Mali was a fixture for generations of Filipinos who visited the zoo during their primary school field trips.

Rescued as an orphaned elephant in the wild at approximately three years old, Mali was initially housed with an older female elephant named Shiba, who had been saved from a circus. Shiba passed away six years after Mali’s arrival.

In 2012, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) initiated a campaign advocating for Mali’s relocation to an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, citing her as “perhaps one of the world’s saddest elephants.”

According to the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS), Sri Lanka observed a notable upswing in its year-on-year inflation, with the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) registering a rise from 1.5% in October to 3.4% in November.

The DCS’s latest report delineated a divergent trend in inflation for food and non-food categories. In November, year-on-year inflation for the food group saw an increase to -3.6% from October’s -5.2%. Conversely, the non-food group experienced a surge in inflation, rising to 6.8% from October’s 4.9%.

The report highlighted that in November, food commodities contributed -1.20% to inflation, while non-food items contributed 4.5%. This shift was primarily attributed to substantial increases in value change within various groups, including housing, water, electricity, gas, other fuels, education, clothing, footwear, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, narcotics, recreation, culture, health, and miscellaneous goods and services.

However, certain categories witnessed a decline in value change, including furnishing household equipment, routine household maintenance, restaurants, hotels, and transport. The group of communication reported a marginal price increase during the month.

The CCPI serves as a pivotal economic indicator for measuring inflation, calculated based on the percentage change in the CCPI over the year. Typically, two widely used measures of inflation are the year-on-year base (or point-to-point inflation) and ‘moving average inflation,’ which compares the average price index of the last 12 months with that of the previous 12 months.

The Minister of Economy and Planning of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Faisal bin Alibrahim, has announced the forthcoming resumption of flights to Sri Lanka by Saudia, previously known as Saudi Arabian Airlines. This development, unveiled during his official visit to Sri Lanka from November 26 to 27, 2023, aims to reignite travel opportunities between the two nations.

During his visit, Minister Faisal bin Alibrahim highlighted the potential for Saudi travelers to explore Sri Lanka, emphasizing the benefits this would bring to both countries. The Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the significance of this decision, foreseeing a substantial influx of affluent Saudi travelers to the island nation.

Beyond the aviation realm, the Minister engaged in high-level discussions with Foreign Minister Ali Sabry to lay the groundwork for an Economic Roadmap between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka. Encompassing diverse sectors such as trade, investment, energy, tourism, culture, technology, and employment opportunities, particularly in construction, this roadmap aims to solidify cooperation and mutual growth.

The meeting, attended by key Sri Lankan officials including the Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera, State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe, Foreign Affairs State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya, and senior representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signifies a pivotal step in fostering stronger ties between the two nations.

In November, Sri Lanka witnessed a persistent surge in inflation for the second successive month, primarily propelled by the escalation of energy tariffs crucial for upholding the International Monetary Fund’s $3 billion bailout.

The statistics department in Colombo revealed a 3.4% year-on-year spike in the consumer price index, surpassing the anticipated 3.0% increase indicated by a Bloomberg survey. This acceleration contrasts sharply with the 1.5% uptick noted in October.

This inflationary surge coincides with Sri Lanka’s recent agreement to restructure approximately $5.9 billion of its debt with key creditors, including India and the Paris Club. This pivotal move is anticipated to facilitate a $330 million loan disbursement from the IMF board in December. In alignment with the conditions of the loan bailout, authorities raised electricity tariffs.

Sri Lanka’s central bank, in response to these economic dynamics, signaled a temporary halt after reducing interest rates for the fourth time this year. Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe conveyed to Bloomberg earlier in the month that once the uncertainties surrounding debt restructuring dissipate, the pace of monetary policy transmission will accelerate, allowing the policy measures to permeate through the economy effectively.

The Director General of the Central Cultural Fund, Prof. Gamini Ranasinghe, highlighted the significant revenue generated—exceeding three thousand US Dollars—by offering foreigners the opportunity to witness the sunrise at Sigiriya.

Prof. Ranasinghe emphasized ongoing efforts to identify sectors around Sigiriya that can further entice tourists. Acknowledging the potential, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has committed an aid package of US$ 8 million to enhance these initiatives.

Speaking at the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Religious Affairs and Co-Existence in Parliament, Prof. Ranasinghe discussed the need to amend the Central Cultural Fund Act to specify the fund’s utilization, preventing its use for illegal activities.

Highlighting the Central Cultural Fund’s impressive financial growth, Prof. Ranasinghe mentioned a remarkable 614% increase in dollar generation over the past two years, alleviating previous debt burdens.

The meeting also addressed concerns regarding overcharging by informal three-wheeler drivers in tourist areas, advocating for mandatory meter installations to curb exorbitant pricing.

Additionally, officials urged the committee’s intervention in hiring for vacant positions within the Central Cultural Fund and proposed measures to confirm the status of 286 employees currently in temporary roles.

The session welcomed officials from the Public Trustee Department, who outlined strategies aimed at enhancing revenue by leveraging the department’s land and property effectively. Plans for digitalizing departmental activities were also highlighted for increased efficiency.

MPs Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thero and M. Rameshwaran, along with government officials including Somaratne Vidhanapathirana, the Secretary of the Ministry of Religious and Cultural Affairs, participated in the discussion, focusing on strategies to fortify tourism in Sigiriya and optimize departmental revenue streams.

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe leaves the country to attend the COP’28 World Leaders Summit in Dubai: the President was accompanied by 3 Ministers, 2 Opposition MPs and 20 young participants passionate about environmental concerns.
2. Overall Rate of Inflation, as per the CCPI, increases to 3.4% in Nov’23 from 1.5% in Oct”23: Food-Inflation increases to (-3.6)% in Nov’23 compared to (-5.2)% in Oct’23: Non-Food Inflation increases to 6.8% in Nov’23 from 4.9% in Oct’23.
3. CPC Fuel prices revised: Octane 92 Petrol reduced by Rs.10 to Rs.346, Octane 95 Petrol increased by Rs.3 to Rs.426, Auto Diesel reduced by Rs.27 to Rs.329, Super Diesel increased by Rs.3 to Rs.434 and Kerosene reduced by Rs.2 to Rs.247 per litre: SINOPEC and LIOC also to revise their fuel prices, matching that of CPC.
4. Chief Govt Whip & Minister Prasanna Ranatunga urges Speaker to take steps to manage the time of Parliament: says 552 minutes had been used by Ruling & Opposition MPs in Parliament in addition to their allocated times: also says Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has used 204 minutes out of that.
5. Pastor Jerome Fernando provides a statement to the CID for around 8-hours: summoned to the CID today as well, to continue statement.
6. Former Secretary to the Ministry of Health Janaka Chandragupta gives a statement for nearly 4 hours to the CID over the controversial Immunoglobulin import.
7. Petition filed by Attorney-at-Law Dimitri Pietrangeli, alleging that a statement made by former Minister of Sports Roshan Ranasinghe during a recent Parliamentary session was prejudicial to the President of the Appeals Court: Appeals Court orders Ranasinghe to file objections, if any, on or before 15th Dec’23: Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene says the contempt of court case filed against MP Roshan Ranasinghe is wrong as no one can file legal action against an MP for the remarks he makes in Parliament.
8. Director of National STD/AIDS Control Programme, Dr. Janaki Vidanapathirana says Smart Condom Vending Machines will be set up at public places to make it easy for the public to have access to condoms, as a measure to prevent HIV/AIDS.
9. Commissioner General of the Dept of Motor Traffic Nishantha Weerasinghe says his Dept is unable to print about 900,000 driving licences due to the non-availability of blank plastic cards: also says his Dept is doing its best to solve the problem, which could be sorted out in 6 months or so.
10. Minister of Sports Harin Fernando says he hopes to bring amendments to the prevailing Sports Act in the near future: asserts sports associations are the biggest problem for the Sports Ministry: laments that due to the issues of the associations, there is no time to focus on the issues of players.

Minister of Sports, Harin Fernando, announced his intentions to introduce amendments to the existing Sports Act, aiming to tackle prevalent issues within sports associations in Sri Lanka.

During an event hosted by the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency, Minister Fernando highlighted sports associations as a significant challenge for the Sports Ministry, emphasizing the hindrance they pose in addressing players’ concerns.

Expressing his commitment to resolving cricket-related matters, he stated, “I have been entrusted to resolve this cricket issue.”

Furthermore, Minister Fernando referenced provisions within the Anti-Corruption Act that enable severe penalties for cricket-related corruption, mentioning the possibility of a 10-year imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs. 200 million for offenders.

Comparing governance structures, he cited Pakistan’s practice where the Prime Minister appoints the President of their cricket board, underscoring that such appointments fall within their sports law, making them beyond the jurisdiction of the ICC’s political interference claims.

In addition, Minister Fernando expressed optimism about the imminent lifting of the ban imposed on Sri Lanka Cricket by the ICC. He lamented the loss of hosting rights for the Under 19 World Cup, emphasizing the missed opportunity for further tourism industry development through the event.

On December 1st, WHO, in collaboration with various communities and partners, will observe World AIDS Day 2023, themed “Let communities lead.”

Dr. Nishan Gunarathna from the National STD/AIDS Control Programme shared that 485 individuals tested HIV positive in Sri Lanka during the initial 10 months of this year. Notably, 79 cases were detected among individuals aged 15-24.

Highlighting the current scenario, he estimated that approximately 4,100 people in Sri Lanka are living with HIV, with 3,033 of them having registered at Sexual Health Clinics for necessary treatment and care.

HIV, a virus that weakens the body’s immune system, can progress to AIDS if left untreated.

Dr. Gunarathna emphasized that Sexual Health Clinics offer rapid, anonymous, and free-of-charge tests, delivering results within 15 minutes. For individuals hesitant to visit the clinics, self-test kits are available for discreet testing.

To access additional information regarding HIV testing and related services, individuals can visit www.knowforsure.lk. This initiative aims to promote awareness and accessibility to testing options for those concerned about their HIV status.