Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena expressed his gratitude to Seychelles for introducing Air Seychelles’ direct flights to Colombo, stating that it would lead to a rapid increase in tourist arrivals. The Prime Minister made these remarks during a meeting with Seychelles High Commissioner Lalatiana Accouche at Temple Trees on June 3.

High Commissioner Accouche, who recently presented her credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe in a vibrant ceremony in Kandy, expressed her admiration for the beauty of Sri Lanka. She mentioned that a significant number of Sri Lankan professionals, including judges, engineers, and teachers, are working in Seychelles, and their contributions are highly valued by her country.

In response, the Prime Minister requested the High Commissioner to explore the possibility of creating more employment opportunities for Sri Lankans in fields such as nursing and healthcare.

The introduction of Air Seychelles’ flights from Seychelles to Colombo was celebrated with a water cannon salute upon its arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). The inaugural ceremony included a traditional Kandyan dance performance, showcasing Sri Lanka’s unique hospitality.

The High Commissioner stated that two weekly flights will operate between the two countries, greatly benefiting tourism and people-to-people connectivity. She emphasized that this initiative will raise awareness about Sri Lanka as a distinctive travel destination, attracting more tourists and fostering bilateral and business partnerships between the two nations.

The number of dengue cases diagnosed across the country since January has surpassed 50,000, according to the National Dengue Control Unit. As of yesterday (4), a total of 640 cases were reported in the last three days of this month alone. Since the beginning of the year, 9,916 cases have been recorded, with June reporting the highest number of cases. Tragically, there have been 31 reported deaths related to dengue this year.

To address this alarming situation, 43 dengue high-risk zones have been identified. The total number of reported infected individuals stands at 49,960 as of yesterday, with the Western Province accounting for 24,930 cases, approximately 49.8% of the overall figure.

Medical professionals emphasize the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding sites to reduce the number of infections. Additionally, they advise individuals experiencing fever persisting for more than 24 hours to seek prompt medical attention from qualified doctors. Delays in diagnosis and treatment after dengue infection can lead to an increase in fatalities.

Doctors further recommend avoiding the use of painkillers other than paracetamol for fever management. It is crucial for the public to heed these guidelines and take necessary precautions to mitigate the spread of dengue and prevent further loss of life.

Three Cassowary birds are set to arrive in Sri Lanka today (5) as part of an animal exchange program. The birds, consisting of two females and one male, will be transported by air from Thailand to their new home.

Thilak Premakantha, the Director General of the Zoological Department, confirmed the upcoming arrival of the Cassowary birds. Presently, the Dehiwala Zoo already houses two male Cassowary birds. With the addition of the incoming birds, the zoo will have a more balanced gender representation among these magnificent creatures.

Cassowaries are large, flightless birds known for their striking appearance and unique features. They primarily subsist on a diet of fruits, contributing to the preservation and dispersal of various plant species.

Initially scheduled to be transported to Sri Lanka on Monday via SriLankan Airlines, the plans had to be revised due to air conditioning issues. As a result, alternative arrangements were made, and the Cassowary birds will now be transported by Malaysian Airlines.

The arrival of these rare and fascinating birds through the animal exchange program reflects the continuous efforts of Sri Lanka’s authorities in promoting wildlife conservation and enriching the diversity of the country’s zoological collections. The new additions are expected to captivate visitors with their beauty and contribute to the educational and conservation initiatives of the Dehiwala Zoo.

In a significant development, an official delegation from Israel recently met with senior officials from the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) to discuss avenues for promoting trade and economic cooperation between the two nations. The fruitful discussion took place last Thursday and aimed to strengthen bilateral ties.

Representing Israel were Mr. Ophir Kariv, Head of Bureau at the Economic Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ms. Hagar Sapiro-Tal, First Secretary of the Embassy of Israel in India, with accreditation for Sri Lanka.

The meeting focused on exploring mechanisms to enhance bilateral trade, with valuable insights shared on trade opportunities available in Israel. The Israeli delegation expressed their satisfaction regarding the informative webinar organized by the Sri Lanka Embassy in Israel and the EDB, in collaboration with the Israel–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Israel–Asia Chamber of Commerce, held on June 19, 2023. The webinar played a vital role in informing Sri Lankan exporters about the Israeli market, generating growing enthusiasm among them.

In light of this enthusiasm, senior EDB officials expressed their intention to conduct sector-specific webinars and facilitate inward and outward business-to-business (B2B) missions in collaboration with Israeli authorities. Furthermore, the EDB directors provided an overview of the capabilities of the Sri Lankan export sector, categorized by sectors and markets, to the visiting Israeli representatives.

The representatives from Israel highlighted potential collaboration opportunities in sectors such as Health-tech, Biotech, and Agro-tech. Israel’s advanced scientific and technological capabilities make these sectors particularly promising for joint ventures and partnerships between the two countries.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides expressing their commitment to further explore and harness the immense potential for trade and economic cooperation between Israel and Sri Lanka. The outcomes of this discussion are expected to lay the foundation for future collaborations and boost bilateral trade to the mutual benefit of both nations.

Today (July 05), the Sri Lankan Rupee has experienced slight changes against the US Dollar at commercial banks in Sri Lanka. The exchange rates at different banks have been updated accordingly.

At People’s Bank, the buying rate of the US Dollar has decreased from yesterday’s rate of Rs. 299.74 to Rs. 297.8, while the selling rate has also dropped from Rs. 317.47 to Rs. 315.41.

According to Commercial Bank, the buying rate of the US Dollar has increased marginally from Rs. 296.92 to Rs. 297, while the selling rate remains unchanged at Rs. 315.

At Sampath Bank, the buying rate has been adjusted to Rs. 298, and the selling rate stands at Rs. 313.

These fluctuations in the exchange rate highlight the dynamic nature of currency markets and their impact on the Sri Lankan Rupee’s value against the US Dollar. Individuals and businesses involved in international transactions should stay updated on these exchange rate movements to make informed decisions.

The All-Island Canteen Owners’ Association has made an announcement to reduce the prices of fried rice and Kottu by 10%, effective from today, July 05. Asela Sampath, the president of the association, shared this news during a press briefing, highlighting the revised pricing structure.

According to the association’s statement, the price reduction applies to both fried rice and Kottu dishes. For instance, a packet of Kottu, previously priced at Rs. 700, will now be available at a reduced price of Rs. 630, resulting in a reduction of Rs. 70. Similarly, a Rs. 1000 Kottu will now be priced at Rs. 900 after a decrease of Rs. 100.

This decision by the All-Island Canteen Owners’ Association is aimed at providing relief to customers by offering more affordable options for these popular food items. The price reduction comes in the wake of Litro Gas Lanka’s recent announcement of its fourth consecutive price slash this year, indicating a positive trend towards reducing costs for consumers.

The association’s initiative is expected to benefit individuals who frequently enjoy fried rice and Kottu meals from canteens across the country. This move not only addresses the needs of customers but also demonstrates the commitment of the canteen owners to provide quality food at reasonable prices, contributing to the overall satisfaction of their patrons.

Minister of Justice Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe announced that the Anti-Corruption Draft Bill and the draft bill for the Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Act will be presented once again to Parliament on Thursday (06) for approval.

The Anti-Corruption Draft Bill was initially presented to Parliament and discussed on June 21, but it did not receive the necessary approval at that time. However, the Minister is determined to reintroduce the bill in order to advance the government’s efforts in combating corruption effectively.

In addition to the Anti-Corruption Draft Bill, the draft bill for the Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Act will also be presented on the same day. This bill aims to provide comprehensive protection and support for victims of crime and witnesses, ensuring their safety and well-being throughout legal proceedings.

The Minister’s announcement reflects the government’s commitment to address corruption and strengthen the legal framework for the protection of victims and witnesses. The presentation of these bills to Parliament marks an important step towards achieving these goals and fostering a more transparent and just society.

The Power and Energy Minister, Kanchana Wijesekera, announced yesterday that the Petroleum Corporation has successfully repaid all loans owed to the Bank of Ceylon and the People’s Bank. This achievement has significantly bolstered the corporation’s financial standing, marking a milestone in its restructuring process.

Minister Wijesekera highlighted the ongoing restructuring efforts of the Petroleum Corporation and mentioned that the revised draft for the restructuring of the Electricity Board has been forwarded to legislators. Once received, it will be submitted to the Attorney General and subsequently presented to the Cabinet for recommendations. In this regard, there is a possibility of passing a new act to facilitate the restructuring process.

During a media briefing held at the Presidential Media Centre under the theme of “Collective Path to a Stable Country,” Minister Wijesekera addressed concerns related to the recent electricity price revision. He emphasized that the government provided substantial relief to 3.5 million out of the total 6 million consumers, resulting in a 55% reduction in electricity prices for them. The revision also included concessions for religious establishments and industries. Furthermore, the minister highlighted the favorable environment created for the initiation of new renewable electricity projects.

Regarding fuel supply, Minister Wijesekera announced that the first fuel shipment from one of the two newly contracted companies will arrive in Sri Lanka by the end of the current month. This marks the beginning of fuel distribution operations by the new suppliers. He expressed confidence in the government’s program, led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, to promote financial stability in both the Electricity Board and the Petroleum Corporation. These entities have experienced financial crises in the past but are now on a path towards achieving stability.

The minister also provided updates on various initiatives, including the resumption of maintenance work by the electricity board, fulfillment of new connection applications, and the imposition of a fuel tax to address outstanding debts. Additionally, he discussed the cancellation of a tender call for renewable energy and the granting of permissions to the ‘Adani’ company for the construction of a renewable energy power plant.

Minister Wijesekera emphasized the importance of restructuring these institutions to ensure their long-term stability and efficiency. He addressed concerns regarding potential loss of trade union privileges and reiterated the government’s commitment to providing salary increments and bonuses based on productivity and profitability. The minister also mentioned plans for solar panel installations in government institutions and religious sites, as well as the exploration of nuclear energy options for the country’s future energy generation plan.

In a recent development, the Railway Department has announced that train services on the Up-country Railway Line have been severely disrupted following a derailment incident. The incident occurred between the Watagoda and Talawakelle railway stations, resulting in a halt in train operations along the affected line.

The exact cause of the derailment is yet to be determined, and the Railway Department is actively investigating the incident to ascertain the circumstances leading to the disruption. Prompt measures are being taken to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of passengers and railway personnel.

Passengers relying on the Up-country Railway Line are advised to seek alternative transportation arrangements until the necessary repairs and safety assessments have been completed. The Railway Department is working diligently to rectify the situation and resume train services as soon as possible.

The disruption caused by the derailment serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing maintenance and safety protocols within the railway industry. The Railway Department remains committed to addressing such incidents swiftly and implementing necessary measures to prevent future disruptions and ensure the smooth functioning of train services across the country.