Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media, Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, announced today that the renovation of dilapidated rural roads across the island nation is set to commence next week.

This ambitious project, aimed at reviving essential transportation networks, has received substantial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which has agreed to provide a loan amounting to nearly Rs. 20 billion.

Minister Gunawardena, addressing a news conference at the Presidential Media Center under the theme ”Collective Path to a Stable Country”, yesterday (30), emphasized the pivotal role the loan will play in rejuvenating the nation’s road infrastructure.

He highlighted that the timely disbursement of funds would enable the commencement of road reconstruction work within the next week.
The minister also disclosed key developments in the country’s debt restructuring efforts. France’s Lazard, renowned for its international expertise, has been selected to spearhead the debt restructuring process, while Clifford Hans Company will handle legal matters arising from non-payment of international debts.

Minister Gunawardena revealed that fruitful discussions with creditors had taken place, with President Ranil Wickremesinghe seeking support from Japan, India, and China during official foreign visits.

Celebrating a milestone for the nation, Minister Gunawardena declared that the international community has officially endorsed the debt restructuring process in Sri Lanka. He expressed confidence that this victory would breathe new life into stalled projects across the island, including the resumption of work on deteriorating roads, bridges, and flyovers.

The minister acknowledged the diverse opinions surrounding railways and highways, emphasizing the need for modernizing railway tracks for efficient operation. He provided insights into the efforts to operationalize 123 out of 160 railway carriages imported under an Indian loan scheme, with plans for the repair of remaining cabins.

Minister Gunawardena underscored the necessity of relying on domestic and foreign loans for the country’s development projects, citing the insufficient economic strength to allocate to such initiatives independently. He advocated for the digitization of government revenue-generating institutions, including ports, airports, and the income tax department, as a crucial step toward economic recovery.

The minister envisioned a digitally transformed Sri Lanka, likening the move to the administrative models of advanced nations like the United States and the United Kingdom.

As the country anticipates the initiation of rural road renovation and embraces debt restructuring measures, Minister Bandula Gunawardena’s announcements mark a significant stride towards fostering economic growth and infrastructural development in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka unveiled a pivotal move on December 1, introducing a skills test specifically tailored for the construction field, aiming to enable Sri Lankans to work in Japan under the Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) program.

Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment, Manusha Nanayakka, emphasized that this opportunity will empower talented Sri Lankans to contribute significantly to both Japan’s construction sector and Sri Lanka’s future development.

This initiative was announced in collaboration with key figures like Ambassador MIZUKOSHI Hideaki of Japan to Sri Lanka, Chief Representative AMADA Tetsuya of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Sri Lanka Office, and A. A. M. Hilmi, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.

Expanding the existing skills tests in Nursing Care, Food Service, and Agriculture, Sri Lanka now offers SSW skills tests in four fields, marking a significant stride in facilitating employment opportunities for its citizens in Japan.

Minister Nanayakkara highlighted Japan’s historical support to Sri Lanka, especially during severe economic crises, acknowledging Japan’s pivotal role in debt restructuring talks. Expressing gratitude, he acknowledged Japan’s assistance and underscored the growing job prospects for Sri Lankans in Japan over the next five years.

To equip Sri Lankans for these opportunities, measures include incorporating Japanese language learning into the school curriculum, launching island-wide language programs, and reimbursing language learning expenses for selected job candidates.

While SSW jobs in Japan were previously limited to Nursing Care, Food Service, and Agriculture for Sri Lankans, efforts to extend this to Construction, Building Cleaning, and Automobile sectors have succeeded. Minister Nanayakkara highlighted that individuals with Japanese language proficiency and involvement in the construction industry could now undertake the SSW category exam for employment in Japan.

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court issued an order on Friday for ex-Sri Lankan cricketer Sachithra Senanayake to aid ongoing investigations related to match-fixing allegations. Senanayake has been directed to cooperate with the Government Analyst at the request of the police.

This directive came in response to a complaint filed by the Special Investigations Unit of the Sports Ministry, and the case is scheduled for further hearing on May 17, 2024.

Senanayake, who was previously released on bail on September 25, faced accusations of match-fixing. The court, at that time, found no evidence suggesting the accused had tampered with witnesses during the investigation phase. Despite the bail, an overseas travel ban imposed by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court remains in effect.

The 38-year-old was taken into custody on September 6 after reportedly surrendering to the Special Investigations Unit over allegations of match-fixing. The charges revolve around purported attempts to influence cricketers participating in the 2020 edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) through phone calls from Dubai.

The inaugural LPL tournament took place from November 27 to December 17, 2020, in Hambantota, Sri Lanka. Media reports in 2020 initially linked Senanayake to these allegations, which he vehemently refuted, claiming they were attempts to tarnish his reputation without any factual basis.

During parliamentary session on December 1st, All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) MP Rishad Bathiudeen declared his intent to pursue legal action against multiple state officials, including former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Bathiudeen alleged that there was a deliberate attempt orchestrated by Rajapaksa and the Director of the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) to falsely incriminate him and ensure his imprisonment for political motives.

He accused the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of pressuring state officials under his jurisdiction to fabricate allegations against him. Bathiudeen claimed that due to their refusal to comply, he has been exonerated from all charges previously brought against him.

In response, Bathiudeen announced his plans to file a lawsuit next week against these officials, seeking redress and compensation for what he perceives as wrongful detention and the alleged orchestrated campaign against him.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe delivered a resounding call to action during the 28th Conference of Parties (CoP28) at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai, UAE. His address underscored the urgent need for concerted efforts to tackle the unfolding climate crisis while emphasizing the historical significance of environmental defense for present and future generations.

Acknowledging the dire warning of the UNEP’s 2023 report titled “Broken Promises,” President Wickremesinghe highlighted the looming threat of a 3-degree Celsius rise in global temperatures by the century’s end. He emphasized the challenges faced by developing nations, stressing the critical need for investments in finance, technology, and climate resilience.

Expressing concern over the lack of concrete measures in funding arrangements, the President urged a more transparent approach, specifically addressing global debt relief. He advocated for climate justice accessible to all nations and proposed the establishment of a Climate Justice Forum, scheduled for presentation at the upcoming UN Environment Assembly.

President Wickremesinghe’s comprehensive approach involved regional initiatives like the Tropical Belt and the Indian Ocean’s sustainable development, aligning with Sri Lanka’s commitment to global climate action. He proposed a panel to report on the Tropical Belt Initiative, aiming to leverage its rich biodiversity and renewable energy potential to combat the Triple Planetary Crisis.

Linking the health of the Indian Ocean to climate change, Wickremesinghe stressed the necessity of a sustainable Blue Economy to counter rising sea levels and preserve ocean biodiversity. As the Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), he highlighted the collective efforts to ensure a sustainable future for the region.

Furthermore, Wickremesinghe revealed plans for the International Climate Change University (ICCU), aiming to advance research and capacity building to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Operationalizing ICCU next year would significantly contribute to global climate efforts.

In conclusion, President Wickremesinghe’s address at COP28 outlined a roadmap for immediate action, blending regional initiatives with global cooperation, showcasing Sri Lanka’s dedication to climate leadership on the international stage.

1. Ad Hoc Group of Bondholders says the “Agreement in Principle” between SL authorities & the Official Creditor Committee as well as that with China Exim Bank on 11th Oct”23, have not been shared with them: regrets there’s such a significant lack of transparency.
2. Govt imposes a Special Commodity Levy on certain goods with effect from 1st Dec’23: Yogurt – Rs.2,000 per kg, Butter – Rs.1,500, Apples – Rs.600, Dates – Rs.200, Grapes (Fresh & Dried) – Rs.600, Fish – Rs.200, Big Onions – Rs.10.
3. Police say selected Post Offices in the Western Province will be kept open for 24-hours per day to facilitate the payment of traffic fines and other postal matters: such post offices are Borella, Wellawatte, Havelock Town, Dehiwala, Moratuwa, Panadura, Kalutara, Kotahena, Kompanna vidiya, Battaramulla, Mount Lavinia, Nugegoda & Seethawakapura.
4. Pastor Jerome Fernando arrested by the CID upon his arrival at the CID to provide a statement: produced before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court & remanded until 13th Dec’23.
5. State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says discussions pertaining to the revision of operating hours of liquor stores are currently underway: also says certain existing laws pertaining to the sale of alcohol encourage people to turn towards the illicit sale of alcohol, as opposed to discouraging them for such illegal acts.
6. Constitutional Council approves the appointment of Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon.
7. Parliament Committee on Privileges recommends the suspension of Parliament for State Minister Diana Gamage and SJB MPs Sujith Sanjaya Perera & Rohana Bandara for a period of 1 month over the clash that took place in Parliament.
8. October’23 Imports up to USD 1,610mn from USD 1,336mn last year: Exports fall to USD 928mn from USD 1,052mn: Tourism receipts up to USD 137mn from USD 55mn: and Remittances rise to USD 683mn from USD 284mn.
9. Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Sustainable Development, chaired by Ajith Mannapperuma reveals that the highest number of elephant deaths is reported in SL compared to other countries, due to the elephant-human conflict.
10. Sri Lankan Cricket legend Muttiah Muralitharan says Hindi & Tamil films enjoy a huge fan following in SL: asserts the craze for cinema comes in a close second to Cricket: says he recently watched Tamil hits – Jailer & Leo and Hindi movies – Jawan and Tiger 3.

In a recent government notification, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, also acting as the Minister of Finance, announced the imposition of a Special Commodity Levy on specific goods starting today. This levy, outlined under the Special Commodity Levy Act, No.48 of 2007, will remain in effect until December 31, 2024, as per the stipulations of Sub Section (3) of the Act.

The affected items include yogurt, butter, dates, fresh and dried grapes, apples, fish, and big onions.

The Depression over Southwest Bay of Bengal is located near latitude 10.3°N and longitude 85.3°E, at 2330hrs of 01 December and about 490 km northeast of Trincomalee. It will develop into a deep depression during next 12hrs and further into a Cyclonic storm by December 03, 2023. The system is expected to move west northwestward near North coast of Sri Lanka towards North Tamil Nadu coast of India by December 05, 2023.

Cloudy skies can be expected over most parts of the island.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern, North-central, Eastern and North-western provinces and heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in other provinces of the island after 01.00 p.m. Showers may occur in Southern and Western province during the morning too.

Strong winds about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over the Northern, Northcentral, Northwestern and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts.

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