Sri Lanka has initiated a new promotional campaign in Brazil to lure tourists in the New Year 2023 following the revival of tourism this year with arrivals around a total of 73,314 tourists as of December 26.
The Tourism Minister Harin Fernando stated that a considerable number of tourists are scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in the months of January and February next year.
Meanwhile, the US Silver Spirit luxury cruise left the island on Dec.26 The luxury cruise ship docked at Colombo Port on December 23, along with 438 tourists and 404 members of its staff.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brazil had a networking session with Brasilia based Printed and Electronic Media Journalists to promote Sri Lankan Tourism, Food and Ceylon Tea.
This was a part of the Trade and Tourism promotion initiatives of the Embassy, at its premises on 21 December, 2022.
In his address to the journalists, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Brazil, Sumith Dassanayake stated that currently Sri Lanka has reached the stability level of the pre-pandemic era and the country is ready to receive large number of tourists from across the world.
He invited the gathering to promote Sri Lanka as a Trade and Tourist destination amongst other in the country. Responding to journalists at the Q & A session, Ambassador Dassanayake spoke of the possibility of arranging a familiarization tour to a group of Brazilian journalists to visit Sri Lanka, in due course.
The Minister Counselor (Commercial) of the Embassy conducted a workshop on Ceylon Tea, highlighting the history, the process of bringing tea leaves to the cup and unique characteristics of Ceylon Teas.
The event concluded with a Sri Lankan Dinner and tea tasting which allowed invitees to sample different varieties of Ceylon teas.
The guests shared live updates of the event on their social media platforms, reaching out to their large number of subscribers and followers.
Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando states that 701,331 tourists visited Sri Lanka between January 2022 and December 26, 2022.
The minister pointed out that the government expects tourist arrivals to hit 720,000 in total by the end of 2022.The number of tourist arrivals in the year 2021 stood at 194,495.
Sri Lanka launches a tourism promotion drive in Brazil in the New Year eve
Sri Lanka shines at “3rd International Thai Silk Fashion Week” in Bangkok
Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Bangkok coordinated the participation of Creative Director of Buddhi Batiks Darshi Keerthisena at the “3rd International Thai Silk Fashion Week” held at Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon, Bangkok. SriLankan Airlines was one of the sponsors of Sri Lanka’s participation.
The “3rd International Thai Silk Fashion Week”, the biggest fashion extravaganza in Thailand was co-hosted by the Office of the Permanent Secretary, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Association of Thai Culture and Promotions in honour of the 90th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.
Inaguaring the Fashion show the Deputy Prime Minister Professor Dr. Wisanu Krua-ngam stated that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his Government considers the Thai Silk Fashion Show as an opportunity to promote cross-cultural exchanges and enhance multilateral relationships with other countries through Thai silk, an important legacy of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.
Fashion designers from 60 countries showcased traditional and contemporary outfits made of Thai silk during their shows, which were telecasted live on “Fashion TV”. Renowned fashion designers, such as Jimmy Choo, Rocco Barocco and Danha Kim were among the participants. Some of them joined the judging panel and exchanged ideas with fashion students.
The Organizing Committee of the “3rd International Thai Silk Fashion Week” comprised Heads of Mission and their Spouses based in Bangkok including Sri Lanka Ambassador to Thailand Chaminda Colonne’s spouse, Stephen Senanayake.
The event drew at least 10,000 visitors per day, including members of the diplomatic corps, local and foreign media, international design houses, representatives of luxury brands, fashion designers, merchandisers and travel agents.
Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Bangkok
28 December 2022
CB Governor Nandalal warns of business collapse except forex earners
Uttering an obvious again in front of a podium, Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe recently said only those who could survive this crisis are the ones who could make earnings in foreign currency at a time when the economy is undergoing a dramatic reset in its attempt to come out of its worst balance of payment crisis.
“Only those who can survive as I always say are the foreign exchange earning sectors,” he said referring to the potential pain that could be felt in the process of restructuring the country’s debt stock, which is now in default.
Speaking at a recent forum in Colombo, .Weerasinghe however urged every business to transform itself to earn dollar incomes using the current crisis as an opportunity as those who earn in dollars get a better deal compared to a year ago after the rupee collapsed shedding nearly 80 percent of its value.
He said such companies could navigate the import shortages and beat domestic inflationary forces much better than those who are confined to the home market alone, earning only in rupees.
“In this kind of situation, and especially in a balance of payment crisis situation, people who are engaged in foreign exchange earning sectors can only survive and do business, ” he claimed.
This is an incentive for all the industries to focus on turning to businesses which are more competitive, foreign income operating entities. This is where the future is,” he stressed.
Many enterprises with the exception of those who have at least an element of foreign income started feeling the squeeze in their operations and thereby their financial performance in the man made economic crisis.
This was because they were compelled to either significantly phase down their operations or close certain business lines altogether when they could not import either the intermediate goods needed to keep their production lines running.
They found it extremely difficult to find foreign currency to open letters of credit when the dollar shortage grew out of control for the finished goods imports which generated those steady incomes.
Making the conditions worse in 2022, these companies were confronted with multifold increase in costs due to both runaway inflation and the sharp loss of value of the rupee against the dollar, sending their manufacturing and operational costs through the roof and thereby shrinking their margins.
This was seen from the Producer Price Index, which remained stubbornly above 100 percent during the last couple of months. However, most of such costs were passed down to the end consumer as seen from the 70 percent increase in consumer prices.
Tightening of the monetary policy aimed at squeezing demand conditions also reduced much of their incomes forcing businesses to downsize their operations.
However, the dollar income earning companies showed much resilience during this period as they found little disruption in sourcing the imported materials they needed while the rupee depreciation added a sudden boost to their toplines in rupee terms, adding further strength to their financial performance.
Three suspicious dead bodies found in three different locations!
The police said that the bodies of three people who had died suspiciously were found in three places.
A dead body of a man was found in a field in Uhana, Herodurua area last night (27th) and it was later revealed that he was a 37-year-old resident of the same area.
Also, a dead body of a 64-year-old man was found in a well in Ilukkanuwa area of Peradeniya.
Also, a dead body of a male person was found in a canal in Karadibokku area of Kilinochchi and his identity has not yet been identified. The police say that the person is between 40-50 years old.
Uhana, Peradeniya and Kilinochchi police stations are conducting further investigations.
Do schools really need buses?
A program of providing buses to schools in various parts of the island is being implemented under the “Sakwala” program which is being implemented based on the concept of the opposition leader Sajith Premadasa. Buses have been provided to 51 schools under this program.
When doing any good work in our country, it is inevitable to be criticized. Those could be meaningful criticisms, pointless criticisms, things that come out of your mouth as well as deliberate political attacks, or even insults and slanders.
These days, Sajith Premadasa is constantly being attacked by political opponents for providing buses to these schools. They have even given him the name called “Busman”.
What these people often tell people is, “Why does schools need buses?” or “Is it necessary to provide buses to schools at this time?”
As a very simple answer to this question, the transportation costs between two schools in two distant areas in 2022 are posted below. These expenses are for various educational activities involving students and teachers. These are paid for by students’ parents, teachers and school funds.
Out of which, the transport cost of Tambuttegama Madhya Maha Vidyalaya, Anuradhapura in the year 2022 is 32 lakh rupees. The transport cost of Mahawa Vijayaba Middle School in the year 2022 is close to 27 lakh rupees. The value of a bus given to a school through Sakwala program is 50 lakh rupees. If the school had a bus like that, how much would the parents of these school students have reduced for the work of these school children? How much relief will it be for those parents? If that happened, the teachers could have used the school’s funds for another educational purpose.
It is easy to pretend to be education experts and berate opponents. But it is a difficult task to go around the country to find out about the practical problems in the country’s education sector and find solutions to them in the best possible way even if there is no government power. The opposition leader is currently doing that difficult task.
On the other hand, if someone does something good, no matter what the politics is, one should be able to appreciate that good thing as a human being. A politics without that “humanity” will not be good for anyone.
*Adapted from original article “පාසල්වලට බස් රථ ඕනෑ ඇයි ?” published on 28.12.2022
Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brazil networks with Brazilian media to promote Sri Lankan Tourism, Cuisine and Ceylon Tea
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brazil had a networking session with Brasilia based Printed and Electronic Media Journalists to promote Sri Lankan Tourism, Food and Ceylon Tea as part of the Trade and Tourism promotion initiatives of the Embassy, at its premises on 21 December, 2022.
In his address to the journalists, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Brazil, Sumith Dassanayake stated that currently Sri Lanka has reached the stability level of the pre-pandemic era and the country is ready to receive large number of tourists from across the world. He invited the gathering to promote Sri Lanka as a Trade and Tourist destination amongst other in the country. Responding to journalists at the Q & A session, Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake spoke of the possibility of arranging a familiarization tour to a group of Brazilian journalists to visit Sri Lanka, in due course.
The Minister Counsellor (Commercial) of the Embassy conducted a workshop on Ceylon Tea, highlighting the history, the process of bringing tea leaves to the cup and unique characteristics of Ceylon Teas. The event concluded with a Sri Lankan Dinner and tea tasting which allowed invitees to sample different varieties of Ceylon teas. The guests shared live updates of the event on their social media platforms, reaching out to their large number of subscribers and followers.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Brazil
27 December 2022
President appoints new secretaries to 08 ministries, extends the term of three
President appoints new secretaries to 08 ministries, extends the term of three
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has reshuffled the secretaries of eight ministries with effect from January 01st 2023 and extended the tenure of the secretaries of three ministries for a further year.
Accordingly, the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils &Local Government Mr M.M.P.K. Mayadunne has been transferred to the Minister of Transport and Highways while Mr H.K.D.W.M.N.B. Hapuhinne who served as the Secretary to the Ministry of Women Child Affairs & Social Empowerment has been transferred to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils & Local Government with effect from 01-01-2023.
Meanwhile, the Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment Mrs M. Yamuna Perera has been appointed to the post of Secretary to the Ministry of Women Child Affairs & Social Empowerment, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils & Local Government Mr M.M. Naimuddin has been appointed as the Secretary to the Ministry of Investment Promotion and Mr R.M.W.S. Samaradivakara, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture has been appointed as the Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism and Lands.
Mr A.M.P.M. B. Atapattu, Senior Secretary to the President has been appointed as the Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Food Security, the Commissioner General of the Department for Registration of Persons Mr. P.V. Gunatillake has been appointed to the Ministry of Public Security and Jaffna District Secretary Mr K. Mahesan has been appointed as the Secretary to the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs.
Further, the tenure of the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reform Mrs Wasantha Perera, the Secretary to the Ministry of Education Mr M.N. Ranasinghe and the Secretary to the Ministry of Irrigation Mr U.D.C. Jayalal was extended for one year.
These new appointments will be effective from 01st January 2023.
President’s Media Division (PMD)
SRI LANKA ORIGINAL NARRATIVE SUMMARY: 28/12
- Ceylon Institute of Builders President Rohan Karunaratne says over 500,000 construction workers laid off and 70% of the industry is on hold: also says turnover is down 65%: laments private developers are reluctant to start projects now: asserts Rs.209bn is due to the contractors from Govt, but only Rs.25 bn is to be released by the year-end.
- Govt revenue for the first 9 months this year rises, compared to last year’s levels as a result of the hike in the indirect taxes including VAT: however, data shows the Govt’s interest cost increase has been much higher than the revenue generated by such tax increase: entire tax increase fully negated, as a result.
- Ceylon Petroleum Corporation says current reduction in daily fuel consumption by half is due to fuel rationing and end of hoarding of fuel: data shows Sri Lanka spent an average of USD 467mn per month on fuel between January and March 2022, but less than USD 250mn per month, thereafter.
- CID interrogates murdered Janashakthi Director Dinesh Schaffter’s mother-in-law: also question his wife for the 4th time: investigations into the murder continue.
- Thilini Priyamali, who was in remand prison for alleged financial fraud, released from prison after receiving bail: says the media has already made her the culprit, done her a huge injustice and crucified her.
- Number of dual citizenship applications in 2021 to the Immigration Department was 5,401: from Australia – 1,621: from UK – 885: from US – 795: from Canada – 371:. applications also submitted from Sri Lankans living in Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, New Zealand, France and Denmark.
- Two members involved in the “Aragalaya”, Dhanish Ali and Anuruddha Bandara interrogated by the CID for about 6 hours in connection with the arson attack on President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s private residence at 5th Lane, Kollupitiya.
- Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara says all religious places of worship will be provided with a 5KW solar power unit, free of charge, under an Indian credit facility within 3 months.
- Former President of the Peradeniya Students Union Anuradha Widanage and current President Chamod Sathsara suspended from the University over the assault on former Vice Chancellor Professor Athula Senaratna.
- Tourism Minister Harin Fernando says number of tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka from 1st to 31st December has increased to 73,314: total arrivals so far this year increased to 701,331.
Tender for supplying coal to Norochchole Power Plant given to an Indonesian company
Chairman of Ceylon Coal Company Shehan Sumanasekara says that the tender for supplying coal to Norochchole Power Plant has been given to Arista Mitra, an Indonesian company.
He also mentioned that this tender was given to that company as the lowest bidder.
He said that these coal orders will be received with a credit period and said that 720000 metric tons of coal will be delivered to Puttalam Port in 12 occasions starting next February with 60000 metric tons at a time.
Coal tenders were called three times since last September, but all three tenders were canceled due to various reasons.
Orientation programme for newly appointed Sri Lanka Heads of Mission
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conducted an orientation programme from 16 – 23 December, for fourteen (14) newly designated Heads of Sri Lanka Missions abroad and two (02) Heads of Post who were recently appointed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Those appointed are due to assume duties shortly.
The Foreign Ministry welcomes the appointment of a large number of career diplomats as Heads of Mission. Twelve (12) of the new Heads of Mission designate and one (01) Head of Post are members of the Sri Lanka Foreign Service.
The orientation programme was inaugurated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry who highlighted the current priorities for Sri Lanka Missions and foreign policy challenges. Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane emphasized on the leadership role of Heads of Mission in achieving the goals and objectives of the country. The orientation programme included discussions on economic, political, security, cultural and consular matters and field visits to the Northern Province as well as other government entities. The Ambassadors designate presented their strategies for their term of office at a panel discussion attended by Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya and Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane. The Heads of Mission designate paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and will pay a courtesy call on President Ranil Wickremesinghe in due course.
The newly appointed Heads of Mission designate from the Foreign Service include, Permanent Representative designate to the UN in Geneva Himalee Arunathilaka, Ambassador designate to Bahrain Reethi Wijeratne, High Commissioner designate to Australia Chitranganee Wagiswara, Ambassador designate to Vietnam Dr. Saj Mendis, Ambassador designate to France Manisha Gunasekera, , Ambassador designate to Kuwait B. Kandeepan, Ambassador designate to Ethiopia & Africa Union Theshantha Kumarasiri, Ambassador designate to Germany Varuni Muthukumarana, Ambassador designate to Lebanon Kapila Jayaweera, , Ambassador designate to Jordan Priyangika Wijegunasekara, Ambassador designate to the Philippines Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa, Ambassador designate to Israel Nimal Bandara and Consul General designate to Milan Dilani Weerakoon .
In addition, Ambassador designate to Indonesia Admiral Jayanath Colombage, Ambassador designate to the UAE Udaya Indrarathna and, Consul General in Melbourne Sandith Samarasinghe have also been appointed.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
27 December 2022
Captions:-
- The group of newly appointed Heads of Mission/Post who completed the orientation programme appearing in a group photograph with Foreign Minister Ali Sabry and Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Foreign Minister Ali Sabry delivering the opening remarks at the inaugural session of the orientation programme at the Main Conference Hall of the Ministry on 16 December 2022.
- Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane briefing on the role of Heads of Mission/Post as a Leader and a Manager during the briefing sessions of the orientation programme at the Main Conference Hall of the Ministry, on 19 December 2022.
- The group of newly appointed Heads of Mission/Post presenting their strategic plans with respect to their individual assignments to the panel of Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya and Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane, at the Main Conference Hall of the Ministry, on 23 December 2022.
- Mrs. Krishanthi Weerakoon, Etiquette Expert delivering representational duties during the briefing sessions of the orientation programme at the Hilton, Colombo, on 16 December 2022.
- The group of newly appointed Heads of Mission/Post participating at a briefing session conducted by the tri-forces at the Secretariat of the Governor of the Northern Province, on 17 December 2022.