Colombo (LNW): A critical ‘Level 03’ Red alert for landslide risks has been issued for Eheliyagoda area in the Ratnapura District by the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO).
The NBRO also issued an ‘Amber’ landslide early warning for select regions across the districts of Kalutara, Kegalle, and Ratnapura. Specific areas include:
Kalutara District – Bulathsinhala and Ingiriya Divisional Secretariat Divisions
Kegalle District – Warakapola Divisional Secretariat Division
Ratnapura District – Ratnapura and Kuruwita Divisional Secretariat Divisions
Further, the initial ‘Level 01’ warnings have been issued for several areas as follows;
Galle District – Baddegama, Elpitiya and Nagoda Divisional Secretariat Divisions
Kalutara District – Palindanuwara, Mathugama and Walallawita Divisional Secretariat Divisions
Kegalle District – Bulathkohupitiya, Dehiowita, Deraniyagala, Yatiyantota and Ruwanwella Divisional Secretariat Divisions
Ratnapura District – Kiriella, Ayagama and Kalawana Divisional Secretariat Divisions
These pertinent landslide warnings are slated to remain in place until 10.30 p.m., today (04), and residents living across the flagged areas are strongly advised to stay vigilant about the possibility of landslides, slope failures, rock falls, cutting failures and ground subsidence.
Colombo (LNW): Due to the active south-west monsoon condition, wind speed may increase up to 60 – 70 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Hambantota to Pottuvil and in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankasanthurai, the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology said in a warning today (04).
Wind speed may increase up to 50 – 60 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle, the statement added.
The naval and fishing communities who are engaged in fishing and naval activities in the aforementioned areas are urged to be vigilant in this regard.
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee today (04) indicates somewhat a fluctuation against the US Dollar in comparison to last week as revealed by the official exchange rates list issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
Accordingly, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 313.93 from last week’s Rs. 314.19, but the selling price has increased to Rs. 326.28 from last week’s Rs. 325.86.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Rupee has also appreciated against several other foreign currencies, including Gulf currencies.
Public Security Minister Tiran Alles springs into action as Cabinet approves visa scheme for key tourism segment
1-year visa at $ 500 and extendable if applicant shows monthly income of $ 2,000
In a proactive move to bolster the tourism sector and attract a new wave of remote workers, the Cabinet of Ministers has given its seal of approval to a range of visa programs, including a novel offering known as the “Digital Nomad Visa” (DNV).
Under the Digital Nomad Visa program, applicants are required to demonstrate a minimum monthly income of $ 2,000, which must be channelled through the Sri Lankan banking system. This visa is renewable annually, subject to certification of the requisite funds. The application fee for the DNV is set at $ 500, and it encompasses the visa holder’s spouse and dependents.
This initiative comes in response to a noticeable shift in people’s attitudes towards online business and the newfound ability to work remotely, anywhere with an internet connection. Several factors have driven this change, including technological advancements, the flexibility of work-life balance, global connectivity, and evolving work cultures.
The breakthrough move was proposed by and secured Cabinet approval by Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles.
Sources said notably, many countries in the region and beyond have introduced DNV to attract a distinct type of tourism. For instance, Germany offers a freelance visa tailored for self-employed individuals. Malaysia has its “DE Rantau Nomad Pass,” which also mandates a monthly income of $ 2,000. New Zealand refers to its visa as a “Working Holiday Visa,” requiring proof of $ 2,700 in funds. Norway’s Digital Nomad Visa spans two years and necessitates a monthly income of $ 3,140. Portugal’s version is initially valid for one year and can be extended up to four years, with a monthly income requirement of $ 2,950. Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa calls for a monthly income of $ 2,215.
Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa entails an annual income of $ 80,000 and grants a 10-year stay. Additionally, numerous countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, Seychelles, Romania, Saint Lucia, Panama, Montserrat, Namibia, Mexico, Mauritius, Malta, Latvia, Iceland, Grenada, and Hungary, have introduced Digital Nomad visas or similar programs to stimulate their tourism sectors by attracting remote workers and digital nomads.
“By promoting these initiatives proactively and effectively, Sri Lanka can position itself as an appealing destination for remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads, harnessing their economic contributions to bolster its foreign exchange reserves and boost the overall economy,” sources said. “This strategic approach can help the country diversify its revenue streams, reducing its vulnerability to external economic fluctuations and contributing to long-term economic stability,” they added.
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) after a series of appreciations over the past few days once again displays a slight depreciation against the US Dollar at leading commercial banks of the country today (04) in comparison to yesterday.
Accordingly, Peoples Bank reveals that the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 312.39 from Rs. 311.42, and the selling price to Rs. 327.07 from Rs. 326.05.
However, at Commercial Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 312.26 from last week’s Rs. 313.72, and the selling price to Rs. 324.50 from Rs. 326.
At Sampath Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 314 from last week’s Rs. 312, and the selling price to Rs. 325 from Rs. 323.
Colombo (LNW): The Chinese energy solution SINOPEC recently joined hands with the government of Sri Lanka will invest in the proposed oil refinery to be established in Hambantota, announced Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara, speaking to reporters yesterday (03).
The project proposal in this regard will be submitted within next week, Wijesekara told media, after attending a meeting with the local distributors of SINOPEC and the representatives of the SINOPEC Refinery yesterday.
Treasury recommends that the system to allow SL migrant workers to import electric vehicles on concessionary terms be scrapped as it is not viable: says the Forex remittances gained through the scheme were not adequate and taxes imposed on the imports were insufficient.
Peradeniya University Economics Professor Wasantha Athukorale says the value of pawned Gold has shot up from Rs.250bn to Rs.650bn by the middle of 2023: also says that indicates people are using their savings to meet their daily consumption expenditure.
Finance Ministry says a pledge loan scheme under a concessional interest rate for small and medium scale paddy millers has been implemented from 1st September for paddy purchasing in 2023 Yala Season: also says the move will help to maintain a reasonable price to farmers and strengthen the SME paddy millers.
National Building Research Organisation issues landslide warnings for the districts of Kegalle, Kalutara, Ratnapura and Galle.
State Ministers complain to President Ranil Wickremesinghe that they have no functions to discharge due to their Ministerial colleagues usurping them: also complain that they have not been issued with good vehicles or other facilities they are entitled to.
Exporters to be required to pay VAT upfront and claim their respective taxed funds after proceeds are brought back and declared in the country, according to a proposed Bill: the new law will replace the existing Simplified Value Added Tax (S-VAT) scheme whereby the state bears the tax cost temporarily until the proceeds are declared voluntarily by the exporter: the new Bill is a part of the IMF programme which the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has strongly supported.
Sources close to MP Nimal Lanza says dissident SLPP MP Anura Priyadarshana Yapa is set to head a new Alliance initiated by MP Lanza: the proposal to hand over all responsibilities to MP Yapa including the power of carry out discussions with various parties was made by MP Lanza and Minister Susil Premajayanth.
Former President Maithripala Sirisena says there could be a “Maithri era” once again, and that the SLPP is no match for the SLFP: Sirisena has already declared himself a Candidate at the next Presidential election which is due in less than an year.
Central Bank’s Weekly Indicators show that credit to Govt from the banking system had increased by an alarming Rs. 288bn in July’23: analysts express grave concern about this development in the light of the unilateral debt default and huge increase in tax rates.
Schools Rugby League Champions St. Peter’s College beat St. Joseph’s College by 16-11 in the 2nd semi-final of the Schools Rugby President’s Trophy Knock-out Tournament: accordingly, St. Peter’s College will meet Isipathana College in the final.
Colombo (LNW): Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) former Provincial Council member of the Central Province Michael Ecculas De Silva was killed by electrocution as he trampled on a live wire laid by him to protect his vegetable farm.
Father to one child, Silva, 62 and a resident of Shanthapura, Nuwara Eliya, was nominated in 2023 to contest the upcoming Local Government Election for the Nuwara Eliya Pradeshiya Sabha from the National Peoples’ Power (NPP) and served as the Pradeshiya Sabha team leader. Silva also served as an Executive member of the Party.
The ex JVP Provincial Council member had also been the Principal of a government school before leaving his job to politics. Following separation from his wife, Silva had been living alone in the house. His son had gone abroad.
The live wire that ended up in Silva’s demise had directly been connected to the main switch of the house, Police said, and the officers who arrived at the scene recovered the body on Saturday evening (02).
Investigations determine that Silva may have been electrocuted resulting in his death on the morning of Saturday.
The accident site was visited by Nuwara Eliya Acting Magistrate Jayamini Ambagahawatta, and preliminary magisterial inquiry was held yesterday (03) morning. The body was referred to the Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) of the Nuwara Eliya General Hospital expecting an autopsy report as per the order of the Magistrate.
The Nuwara Eliya Police are conducting further investigations.
Meanwhile, the funeral rites of Mr. Silva will be performed at the public cemetery in Shanthipura Kalapura tomorrow (05).
