Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickramasinghe this (23) morning conducted a cabinet reshuffle at the President’s Office.
Mahinda Amaraweera took on the role of Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, while Keheliya Rambukwella became the Minister of Environment.
Dr. Ramesh Pathirana was appointed Minister of Health and Industries, and Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, in addition to his existing role as Minister of State for Finance, was named the Non-Cabinet Minister of State Plantation Enterprise Reform.
Colombo (LNW): The National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) recorded a drop in overall year-on-year inflation, moving from 2.1% in August 2023 to 0.8% in September 2023, as per the Department of Census and Statistics.
Conversely, food inflation rose slightly from -5.4% in August to -5.2% in September 2023.
For September 2023, the NCPI-based year-on-year headline inflation rate was calculated at 0.8%, down from the 2.1% seen in August 2023.
The report highlighted that the food group and non-food group contributed -2.4% and 3.2% respectively to September’s inflation rate.
When assessing monthly year-on-year variations, food group inflation climbed from -5.4% in August to -5.2% in September 2023.
Meanwhile, non-food group inflation decreased from 9.0% in August to 5.9% in September.
Regarding month-on-month shifts, September 2023’s NCPI (with a 2021 base of 100) grew to 203.5 from August’s 201.9, marking an increase of 1.6 index points or 0.8%.
This increase was attributed to rises in both food and non-food items, contributing 0.41% and 0.36%, respectively.
Additionally, September 2023’s core inflation, which excludes the volatile sectors of food, energy, and transport, reduced from 4.1% in August to 1.7%.
Colombo (LNW): Proposals regarding the restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) will be tabled before the Cabinet next week, said Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera.
On Sunday (22), Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe said efforts are being accelerated to restructure public entities.
Semasinghe emphasised that the overhaul of loss-making state institutions is progressing well, aiming to address the ongoing economic challenges.
Earlier in the year, discussions revolved around the CEB undergoing management reforms to bolster renewable energy generation in Sri Lanka, supported by both government-led and public-private partnerships.
On 17 April, the Cabinet gave the green light to the proposed roadmap and timeline for the CEB’s restructuring process.
Colombo (LNW): The public is being alerted to the rising spread of three infectious diseases in the country, attributed to the current adverse weather conditions.
People are specifically being warned about the proliferation of eye conditions, diarrhoea, and respiratory illnesses, often accompanied by high fevers.
The public is encouraged to take all necessary precautions and maintain good personal health practices.
Upul Rohana, Chairman of the Public Health Inspectors’ Association, highlighted the crucial role of personal hygiene in combating these diseases, adding that a marked rise in dengue cases across the country, particularly as floodwaters recede from areas recently inundated due to heavy rainfall.
Colombo (LNW): The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has deferred the hearing of a petition from Ministers Manusha Nanayakkara and Harin Fernando until October 27, 2023.
The two Ministers are contesting the decision by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) to remove them from the party and strip them of their parliamentary seats.
This delay is due to the absence of Justices who were part of the initial hearing on 12 October.
Earlier in July, the SJB had expelled both MPs after they accepted ministerial roles in the government, which was in contrast to the party’s stance.
Despite resigning from these roles in July 2022, both were reappointed by the current President Wickremesinghe, later that month.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankans near Israel have been urged not to attempt illegal entry into the country via any border at this time.
This appeal comes from the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), in light of the intensifying conflict between Israel and Palestine.
SLBFE Media Spokesperson, Gamini Senarath Yapa, assured that, as of now, Sri Lankans in Israel are not facing any additional threats and their safety is being prioritised.
Speaking to the media today, he highlighted the proactive steps being undertaken to ensure the safety of Sri Lankans in Israel, considering the growing tensions with Palestine.
Moreover, Gamini Senarath Yapa revealed that 32 Sri Lankans are currently detained in Israel.
Regarding a Sri Lankan man reported missing, he mentioned that efforts are underway to gather more information about the individual, named Yatawara Bandara.
“We’re working closely with the Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel. Should the need arise to identify a body, we might require a DNA sample from a close relative of Bandara,” he added.
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) indicates slight depreciation against the US Dollar today (23) in comparison to last week’s Friday, as per the official exchange rates issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
Accordingly, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 320.32 from Rs. 319.64, and the selling price to Rs. 331.00 from Rs. 330.41.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Rupee has fluctuated against several other foreign currencies, including Gulf currencies.
Colombo (LNW): Keheliya Rambukwella, who previously served as the Minister of Health, has been sworn in as the Minister of Environment today (23).
Dr. Ramesh Pathirana has taken over the role of Minister of Health, adding to his existing responsibilities as the Industry Minister.
Mahinda Amaraweera, currently the Minister of Agriculture, has now also been sworn in as the Minister of Plantation Industries.
Furthermore, the non-cabinet role of Minister of Plantation Industries has been allocated to Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, who will maintain his present duties as the State Minister of Finance.
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) indicates depreciation against the US Dollar today (23) in comparison to last week’s Friday, as revealed by leading commercial banks in the country.
At Peoples Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 317.88 from Rs. 316.67, and the selling price to Rs. 331.15 from Rs. 329.88.
At Commercial Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 319.66 from Rs. 318.18, and the selling price to Rs. 330 from Rs. 328.50.
At Sampath Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 321 from Rs. 320, and the selling price to Rs. 331 from Rs. 330.
