Colombo (LNW): The list of eligible persons for the welfare benefits entitled to the differently-abled, elderly and sick persons will be made public record next week, announced Social Empowerment State Minister Anupa Pasqual.

He added that there is still time to submit the appeals or objections pertaining to the “Aswesuma” beneficiaries list, if such submissions have not yet been made.

Anyone not interested with the appeals process can refer a copy of the relevant appeals to the Presidential Secretariat, said Director General of Trade Unions Saman Ratnapriya.

By: Isuru Parakrama

Colombo (LNW): “Muthu Raja”, a Tusker elephant gifted by Thailand to Sri Lanka twenty two years ago, was taken back to Bangkok, Thailand by a Russian cargo plane this (02) morning.

Muthu Raja was gifted from the Thai Royal Family to former Sri Lankan President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in 2001 and was resided at the Aluthgama Kande Viharaya.

Reports emerged that the Tusker was ill-treated and subject to severe abuse due to the inconsiderate behaviour of the elephant keeper who was in charge of Muthu Raja. As a result, the Tusker had become ill on multiple occasions.

Accordingly, the Thai authorities have decided to bring the Tusker back to Thailand for expert care, and requested the Sri Lankan government to send Raja back to Thailand.

She is to receive treatment from veterinary surgeons in Thailand.

1. Dept of Excise announces increases of all Excise Duty rates: as a result, prices of all varieties of hard liquor to increase by around Rs.300 per bottle: beer to increase by around Rs.50: each cigarette to increase by Rs.25.
   
2. Govt’s Domestic Debt Restructuring proposal passed in Parliament with a majority of 60 votes: 122 MPs vote in favour and 62 against: SJB MPs Rajitha Senaratne, Mayantha Dissanayake, Rohini Kaviratne & Mano Ganesan among absentees from the Opposition: from the SLPP ranks, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Namal Rajapaksa & Chamal Rajapaksa, absent: SLFP stays neutral.
   
3. State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says the Domestic Debt Restructuring will not pose any risks to provident funds or bank deposits: analysts however point out that the Monetary Board has already cut 20% off the EPF Member balances in 2022 by crediting only 9% when the actual earnings were 29%: accordingly, based on the EPF Member balances of Rs.3,068 bn as at end-Dec’21, analysts state that the EPF Members have been deprived of a staggering Rs.614 bn in earnings for the year 2022.
   
4. Govt condemns the burning of the Holy Quran outside a mosque in Sweden amidst Eid celebrations.
   
5. Parliament appoints a 12-Member Parliamentary Select Committee under Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles to submit recommendations on the eradication of the drug menace within the country.
   
6. According to CEB Chairman Nalinda Illangakoon the CEB which is being restructured to be more cost-effective, may incur around Rs.37 bn in losses within the coming 6 months with the introduction of the new tariff revision last week: say the effect of the tariff reduction proposed by the CEB for the next 6 months was around Rs.10 bn, but the new tariff reduction approved by the PUCSL will cost Rs.47 bn.
   
7. Industrial Development Board Chairman Dr. Saranga Alahapperuma says an exemption of import tax on raw and intermediary material is being seriously considered by the Ministry of Industries, and asserts a positive response in this regard can be expected before the end of this year.
   
8. Geological Survey and Mines Bureau reports a magnitude 5.8 earthquake deep below the seas off South-East of Sri Lanka, approximately 1,260 kms away from Colombo: Bureau confirms there has been no adverse effects from the tremor.
   
9. A Russian cargo plane takes Tusker elephant “Muthu Raja” which was donated by Thailand to Sri Lanka, back to Thailand: “Muthu Raja” is to receive treatment from Thai veterinary surgeons in Thailand.
   
10. Fast bowler Lahiru Kumara, who suffered a side strain during the match against Netherlands, to miss the remainder of the ICC tournament: to be replaced by Sahan Arachchige: Wanindu Hasaranga receives official reprimand and penalty of 50% match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the match against Netherlands.

By: Isuru Parakrama

Colombo (LNW): The government’s proposed plan on domestic debt optimisation (DDO) has been passed in Parliament with a majority vote today (01).

Accordingly, the government’s DDO plan was passed in Parliament with a majority of 60 votes, with 112 votes in favour and 62 against.

The DDO plan proposed the granting of all necessary power to the Minister of Finance and Economic Stabilisation for the optimisation of domestic debt in Sri Lanka and was tabled in Parliament by Leader of the House, Minister Susil Premjayanth.

The DDO plan was passed with certain amendments.

Colombo (LNW): The parliamentary debate on the government’s proposed domestic debt optimisation plan has been extended by two more hours, Daily Mirror reported quoting Chief Opposition Whip and SJB MP Lakshman Kiriella.

The vote on the government’s DDR plan will be taken up at 9.30 pm tonight (01), he added.