January 09, Colombo (LNW): Forbes magazine’s recent rankings have positioned Sri Lanka as the fourth most sought-after solo travel destination globally for 2024. This recognition stems from a survey conducted by Flash Pack, a travel agency specializing in small-group expeditions tailored for solo travelers aged 30 to 50.

The report in Forbes highlighted Sri Lanka’s remarkable resurgence following challenging times, attributing its appeal to the captivating upcountry train routes. The article emphasized a significant rise in interest from US travelers alongside a burgeoning attraction among UK patrons, foreseeing 2024 as the year when Sri Lanka stages a remarkable comeback to dominate the travel scene with its immersive, unhurried adventures.

Notably, Forbes’ top solo travel destinations for 2024 showcased Japan at the pinnacle, followed by Argentina and Egypt. The subsequent spots in this prestigious list were secured by Colombia, Ecuador, the Galapagos, Jordan, Thailand, the Philippines, Bali, and the Gili Islands, respectively.

January 09, Colombo (LNW): Vidura Wickramanayaka, the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs, announced the government’s intent to introduce fresh legislation aimed at preventing the intentional distortion of religious teachings and practices. This decision comes in the wake of recent incidents involving a religious cult that resulted in multiple suicides, prompting concerns about community disharmony.

Investigations led by the Police uncovered that an individual named Ruwan Prasanna Gunaratne (47) had been promoting the concept of suicide in relation to the next birth during his preaching. Shockingly, seven reported suicides across the country were linked to his religious teachings before he himself succumbed to suicide at his residence in Homagama.

Minister Wickramanayaka highlighted that the Cabinet of Ministers has already assembled a committee tasked with investigating matters associated with the manipulation of religious teachings and practices.

Emphasizing the importance of fostering an environment where individuals can freely practice their religions within legal boundaries, the Minister stressed the necessity of this legislation to safeguard against distortions that could potentially disrupt communal harmony.

January 09, Colombo (LNW): In a recent meeting between the High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka and the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), the High Commissioner reaffirmed India’s commitment to being a reliable partner in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery efforts.

Discussions centred around key initiatives, including the early introduction of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payment system in Sri Lanka.

Additionally, there were talks about fostering growth in Indian Rupee (INR) trade settlements and India’s support in Sri Lanka’s ongoing debt restructuring process.

“The High Commissioner reiterated that India will continue to be a steadfast partner in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery in his meeting with the CB Governor. Discussed early launch of his UPI payment system in Sri Lanka, growing in INR trade settlements and India’s support in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process,” the Indian High Commission wrote on its official X handle.

This reaffirms the enduring partnership between the two nations, emphasising collaborative efforts for economic development and stability.

January 09, Colombo (LNW): Amidst efforts to fortify the country’s economy, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya reiterated the stance against permitting vehicle imports at the current phase. Responding to media inquiries regarding a potential lift on the ban, he affirmed that no such decision had been made by the Government.

Dismissing speculations suggesting the possible allowance of imports for vehicles under 1000ccs, the State Minister asserted that no vehicle imports would be sanctioned until further consolidation of the economy.

Highlighting the formation of a committee specifically tasked with scrutinizing vehicle imports, Siyambalapitiya outlined the parameters under consideration. The committee is diligently evaluating factors such as prioritizing vehicle categories for import, assessing existing vehicle shortages, and scrutinizing the adequacy of the road infrastructure to accommodate additional vehicles.

Emphasizing the crucial role of the committee’s recommendations in dictating future decisions on imports, the State Minister underscored the strain that vehicle imports place on foreign reserves. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the gradually improving economy from potential setbacks.

Addressing circulating rumors, particularly on social media platforms, Siyambalapitiya firmly dispelled claims of an imminent allowance for vehicle imports, reiterating that the Government remains resolute in withholding such permissions.

“At present, the Government is unwavering in its decision to prohibit vehicle imports,” he concluded.

January 09, Colombo (LNW): Japan has stressed the urgency of finalizing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on debt restructuring between the Official Creditor Committee and the Sri Lankan Government. In a recent statement from the Japanese Foreign Ministry, transparency and comparability in agreements with creditors beyond the Official Creditor Committee were also highlighted.

Kazuya Endo, Director-General of the International Cooperation Bureau at Japan’s Foreign Ministry, emphasized these points during the Japan–Sri Lanka Economic Cooperation Policy Dialogue held in Colombo. This dialogue, conducted with Finance Secretary K.M.M. Siriwardana, aimed to comprehensively discuss bilateral economic cooperation following up on last year’s Japan–Sri Lanka Summit Meeting.

Acknowledging Sri Lanka’s reform efforts under the IMF programme, DG Endo expressed Japan’s support for continued necessary reforms. Secretary Siriwardana, in turn, detailed ongoing reform implementations and debt restructuring while appreciating Japan’s contributions to the debt discussions.

The dialogue also encompassed discussions on Japan’s future economic collaborations with Sri Lanka, focusing on stabilizing and reinforcing Sri Lanka’s economy while addressing socio-economic challenges through existing Yen loan projects.

DG Endo assured Japan’s ongoing support for Sri Lanka’s recovery from the economic crisis, emphasizing the importance of steady development. Secretary Siriwardana expressed gratitude for Japan’s support toward this goal.

Notably, a preliminary agreement on debt restructuring involving approximately US$ 5.9 billion of Sri Lanka’s outstanding public debt was reached in November last year among a group of creditor nations and Colombo. Japan, co-chairing this group alongside France and India, played a pivotal role in this agreement. Additionally, Sri Lanka has forged a debt restructuring deal with China alongside these efforts.

January 09, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan Rupee is holding its ground against the US Dollar at various commercial banks in Sri Lanka today, maintaining stability compared to the rates observed on Monday, January 9th.

At Peoples Bank, the rates for buying and selling the US Dollar have remained consistent at Rs. 316.77 and Rs. 327.81, respectively.

Commercial Bank reports a slight decrease in the buying rate of the US Dollar, which has shifted from Rs. 316.41 to Rs. 315.54. However, the selling rate remains steady at Rs. 326.50.

Similarly, Sampath Bank’s rates for buying and selling the US Dollar have not changed, remaining at Rs. 318 and Rs. 327, respectively.

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has refuted recent assertions made by State Minister of Power and Energy, Indika Anuruddha Herath, regarding a purported proposal for the reduction of electricity tariffs.

State Minister Herath had conveyed to the media that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) had submitted a proposal to the PUCSL for the reduction of electricity tariffs. He suggested the likelihood of a potential decrease in electricity charges before February 2024 following PUCSL approval.

However, the PUCSL has categorically denied receiving any such proposal from the CEB. Jayanath Herath, the Corporate Communications Director at PUCSL, clarified through an official statement that the commission had not been presented with any request for electricity tariff reduction.

Emphasizing the absence of such a request from the CEB, Jayanath Herath assured that as of January 8, 2024, no such proposal had been received by the PUCSL. This statement from the PUCSL directly contradicts the claims made by the State Minister regarding the submission of a tariff reduction proposal to the commission.

1. Leader of Mawbima Janata Party Dilith Jayaweera says the main parties UNP, SJB, NPP & SLPP have come together: asserts that is why every bill is passed in Parliament at any time with price & tax increases: points out “red parades” do not come to the Galle Face now: challenges NPP & JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake for a live TV debate.
2. Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Leader & MP Udaya Gammanpila asserts the Presidential election will be held any day between 18 Sept and 18 Oct’24.
3. Urban Development & Housing Ministry announces plans to raise Rs.21bn by “leasing” state lands over a period of 3 years, commencing 2024: such lands are to be leased for long term projects undertaken jointly by the public & private sectors.
4. National Medicines Regulatory Authority says legal action will be taken against private health institutions, despite their status, where medicines and other medical items are sold at high prices, thereby violating the Govt’s regulations regarding the Maximum Retail Prices.
5. Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera meets French Ambassador to Colombo Jean-Francois Pactet: tweets that French Power Utility, “Electricity De France” has made a proposal to SL on nuclear energy: also says he discussed “possible partnerships” in the future.
6. Public Utilities Commission says there is no truth to reports in the media that the CEB has submitted a report on a proposed electricity tariff reduction.
7. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa files a Fundamental Rights petition before the Supreme Court requesting an order that the current power tariffs be reduced: PUCSL, CEB, Minister of Power & Energy, Secretary of Ministry of Power & Energy and Attorney General, named as respondents: asserts the CEB has made Rs.52bn by selling electricity at exorbitant prices.
8. Tourist Hotels Assn President M Shanthikumar hails the strong rebound in tourism in 2023: thanks Tourism Minister Harin Fernando and the SL Tourism Board for the effort: in 2023, earnings from tourism amounted to USD 2bn with 1.48 mn arrivals, the highest since 2019: analysts point out that tourism was affected in 2019 by the Easter attack, 2020 & 2021 by Covid, and 2022 by the “Aragalaya”.
9. International Chess Master Susal de Silva from Nalanda College, wins the Under-18 Open event at the Asian Youth Chess Championships 2023 held in UAE: in the Under-12 Girls’ category, Oshini Devindya Gunawardhana of Wycherley International School secures the 1st runner-up position.
10. SL wins the 2nd Cricket ODI against Zimbabwe by 2 wickets: Zimbabwe – 208 all out (44.4 overs): Mahesh Theekshana – 31/4: SL – 211/8 (49 overs): Janith Liyanage – 95.

January 09, Colombo (LNW): Upon President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s directive, the Sri Lanka Navy is gearing up to dispatch ships to the Red Sea and adjoining waters. This move aligns with Operation Prosperity Guardian, spearheaded by the US, targeting the containment of Houthi rebel activities in Yemen.

Captain Gayan Wickramasuriya, spokesperson for the Sri Lanka Navy, affirmed the preparations for this deployment in support of Operation Prosperity Guardian. Although the specific deployment date remains undisclosed, Captain Wickramasuriya confirmed ongoing arrangements for the naval vessels’ readiness in the Red Sea.

Operation Prosperity Guardian extends beyond the Red Sea, encompassing the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. India has already contributed six warships to this multinational initiative.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, speaking in Colombo on January 3rd, publicly disclosed Sri Lanka’s commitment to join global endeavors against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. He announced the imminent deployment of a Sri Lanka Navy ship to the Red Sea, prompting the Navy to initiate preparations for this mission.

The Houthi rebels, advocating for an end to Israeli attacks on Palestine, have conducted drone and missile strikes on ships navigating the Red Sea. This aggressive activity has compelled vessels to seek alternative routes, circumnavigating Africa and resulting in a crisis within the commercial shipping sector.

To counter these disruptions and uphold maritime security, international collaboration has become imperative, prompting nations like Sri Lanka to contribute to efforts aimed at restoring stability in these crucial waterways.

January 09, Colombo (LNW): The Minister of Finance of Japan, Shunichi Suzuki, is set to undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka spanning from January 11 to January 12, 2024.

During this visit, Minister Suzuki has scheduled official discussions with President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry.

As part of the itinerary, Minister Suzuki and the accompanying delegation will visit key locations including Parliament, the Jayawardene Centre, Sri Jayawardenepura Hospital, Colombo Dockyard, and the Lanka Nippon Biztec Institute situated in Maharagama, as outlined by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.