Colombo (LNW): More than 90,000 consumers (90,617) are experiencing water supply disconnection due to non-payment of outstanding bills, whilst legal actions are being taken against more than 5000 consumers (5,277).
These figures appear in the backdrop where the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) is facing significant financial constraints, especially outstanding bills and arrears approximately amounting to Rs. 08 billion, as of May 2023.
Rs. 7.1 billion of the Rs. 08 billion is attributed to unpaid domestic water supply bills, whilst an amount of Rs. 32 million remains as outstanding arrears from religious places, Rs. 262 million from public water supply, Rs. 15 million from industries, and Rs. 656 million from government institutions.
Colombo (LNW): The United States expects that the debt treatments for Sri Lanka and Ghana could be finalised soon so the International Monetary Fund (IMF) could move forward with initial debt porgramme reviews this fall, said US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen yesterday (16).
“We should apply the common principles we agreed to in Zambia’s case in other cases – rather than starting at zero every time. And we must go faster,” Yellen said, adding that she hoped debt treatments for Sri Lanka and Ghana could be finalised quickly so the IMF could move forward with initial loan programme reviews this fall.
Yellen said the IMF’s Poverty Reduction and Growth trust, which provides zero-interest loans to the world’s poorest countries, needed to be put on sounder financial footing. The U.S. Treasury is ready to assist the IMF to consider options for this, including using internal fund resources, she said, addressing a briefing before a meeting of Group of 20 (G20) finance ministers and central bankers in India.
The US Treasury Secretary added that her visit to Beijing last week helped put the US-China relationship on “surer footing” and that the world’s two biggest economies had an obligation to the world “to cooperate on areas of mutual concern.”
Colombo (LNW): In a bid to offset the losses incurred by the island nation’s national postal service, a bill will be introduced for the modernisation of the Department of Posts to Parliament before the end of the year, revealed Mass Media State Minister Shantha Bandara, addressing a briefing held at the President’s Media Centre.
The Minister emphasised that in the backdrop where the current Post Office Ordinance hinders the renovation activities of the post, a decision has been taken to subject it to an immediate amendment, and accordingly, 80 per cent of the work has already been completed.
The income of the Postal Department as of December 31, 2022 was Rs. 7,000 million, whilst the costs borne by the dept amounted to Rs. 14,000 million, Bandara went on, adding that the necessary instructions have been given to offset the losses amounting to about Rs. 7,000 million.
The government expects to slash the losses down to about Rs. 4,000 million by 2023, and to balance the profit and loss by December, 2024, he added.
Colombo (LNW): “Alliance Air” commenced daily flights between Jaffna, Sri Lanka and Chennai, India yesterday (16).
Initially operating with their ATR72 aircraft, which carries 70 passengers, Alliance Air aimed to operate four flights per week, starting from 15th December 2022, but with the growing popularity and demand for flights to Jaffna International Airport (JIA), the airline has decided to upgrade the frequency of their operations to a daily flight service, a statement by the airline said.
This upgrade is a testament to the increasing passenger demand and the airport’s significance in connecting Jaffna to Chennai and beyond, the statement added.
Full Statement:
Exciting news awaits travelers at JIA, as M/s Alliance Air is set to commence daily scheduled operations between Jaffna and Chennai, starting from 16th July 2023. Initially operating with their ATR72 aircraft, which can comfortably carry 70 passengers, Alliance Air aims to operate four flights per week, starting from 15th December 2022. However, due to the growing popularity and demand for flights to JIA, they have decided to upgrade the frequency of their operations to a daily flight service. This upgrade is a testament to the increasing passenger demand and the airport’s significance in connecting Jaffna to Chennai and beyond.
Jaffna International Airport (JIA) has emerged as a vital gateway, connecting the historic city of Jaffna in Sri Lanka with domestic and international destinations. With a range of scheduled flights and top-notch ground handling services provided by the dedicated team at Airport and Aviation Sri Lanka (AASL), JIA has become a key player in promoting convenient travel to and from the northern part of the island.
JIA is now offering a growing number of scheduled flights, catering to both domestic and international travelers. The flights are designed to ensure timely and convenient travel options for passengers, with arrivals at 11:30 a.m. and departures to Chennai at 12:30 p.m. All ground handling and airport services are efficiently managed by the highly skilled and dedicated AASL staff, guaranteeing a smooth travel experience from check-in to boarding and beyond.
Recognizing the potential of Jaffna International Airport, two domestic airlines have stepped in to offer scheduled domestic flights for travelers. David Pieris Aviation operates four weekly flights from Colombo International Airport Ratmalana to JIA, taking off every Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Cinnamon Air also provides domestic scheduled flights from Bandaranaike International Airport Katunayake, to JIA, with flights available on every Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. These domestic airlines have made travel to Jaffna more accessible and convenient for both visitors and locals alike.
Jaffna International Airport has become an important hub in Sri Lanka, connecting Jaffna with the rest of the country and facilitating international travel to and from Chennai. With the support of AASL’s dedicated staff, travelers can look forward to a hassle-free experience at JIA. The addition of new scheduled flights, both domestic and international, is a testament to the rising popularity of JIA and its role in boosting tourism, business, and cultural exchanges. As JIA continues to grow, it promises to be a vital catalyst for economic development and connectivity in the region, opening new doors of opportunity for Jaffna and its people.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Jaffna or looking for a convenient way to explore the cultural wonders of this unique destination, Jaffna International Airport is your gateway to a memorable travel experience. Explore, discover, and journey to Jaffna with ease, thanks to the seamless and reliable services provided at JIA.
The French Naval Ship “Lorraine” which arrived in Colombo on 11th July 2023 on a formal visit, departed the island (15th July).
The Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship in accordance with naval tradition at the port of Colombo. On her departure, Lorraine also conducted a successful Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with SLNS Gajabahu.
In the PASSEX, formations and ship manoeuvres, communication exercises were conducted, and it concluded with the customary cheer ship salute.
Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera also took time off to visit the French Naval Ship in Colombo. He was received by the Commanding Officer of the ship, Captain Xavier BAGOT and the Navy Chief was also accorded a Guard of Honour. During ship’s stay in Colombo, Sri Lanka Navy personnel visited the French Naval Ship. Further, the crew of Lorraine visited some of the tourist attractions in the country as well.
Visits of this nature will be a valuable tool in promoting cooperation among naval forces. Apart from that, naval exercises and other training engagements conducted during such visits help share knowledge and information about their respective maritime environments, which can be particularly valuable in dealing with common maritime challenges.
Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee today (17) indicates further depreciation against the US Dollar as revealed by leading commercial banks in Sri Lanka, in comparison to last week.
At Peoples Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 312.24 from Rs. 311.42, and the selling price to Rs. 327.76 from Rs. 326.
At Commercial Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 311.01 from Rs. 311, and the selling price to Rs. 322.50 from Rs. 322.
At Sampath Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 312 from Rs. 309, and the selling price to Rs. 327 from Rs. 324.
Colombo (LNW): Police have arrested the principal of a school under the Jaffna Island Education Office in connection with assaulting a minor studying in the school.
The principal who is accused of assaulting a nine-year-old girl four days ago (13) was arrested by the Kayts Police yesterday (16). The minor who was beaten was admitted to Jaffna Hospital.
The parents of the child have reportedly lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) in this regard, and the Kayts Police are conducting further investigations.
Govt to seek Parliament approval to increase the borrowing limit by a further Rs.9,000 bn: the latest debt ceiling increase is said to enable the Govt to cover debt service payments, recurring expenses, and welfare expenses: the total debt of the Govt as at end-2022 was Rs.27,492 bn, while the total debt at end-2014 was only Rs.7,487 bn, indicating that the Govt had borrowed a staggering Rs.20,005 bn since end-2014.
Finance Ministry sources say the divestment of SriLankan Airlines and its subsidiaries has been identified as a priority due to its “high fiscal risks”: its phase 1 restructuring process to be completed by end-2023: International Finance Corporation appointed as the “sell-side” transaction advisors.
Former Investment Promotion Minister Rohitha Bogollagama who is now the HC designate to UK, says SL should set up a Special Economic Development Commission to fast track investments: also says it must be similar to the Investment Promotion Board in Singapore.
Former Industries Minister Wimal Weerawansa urges President Ranil Wickremesinghe to establish a Presidential Commission of Inquiry to probe the “international conspiracy” during the “Aragalaya” last year: in September 2022, former CB Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal also urged the President to initiate a Presidential Inquiry into the conspiracy surrounding the announcement of bankruptcy by the Govt on 12th April 2022.
Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera says he has requested India to add gas to a proposed oil pipeline to connect the two countries: request said to have been made, considering a “development plan for a tank farm in Trincomalee, expected refinery development, oil and gas exploration, connections to domestic LPG terminals that will target regional markets, and to enable energy requirement of the two countries”.
Sri Lanka’s first artificial beach of a length of 3.5 km built within the Colombo Port City declared open for the free use of the general public: a food court with local and foreign food also opened in the vicinity.
International Chamber of Commerce Chairman Shanil Fernando says the ICC will host the 3rd Arbitration Conference next month: speakers to include Justice Priyantha Jayawardena PC (Judge of the Supreme Court), Vikum de Abrew PC (Additional SG), Viveka Siriwardena PC (Additional SG), and Dr. Harsha Cabral PC (Former Member ICC Court of Arbitration).
Transport and Highways Minister Bandula Gunawardena urges Govt to release Rs.20 bn for urgent repairs and maintenance of roads in view of the adverse condition of existing road networks: laments that the Cabinet had been informed about the requirement but the allocations had not been made so far.
Fines for election-related offences to be drastically increased in terms of a proposed bill that has already been gazetted: fines for election-related offences are set to increase from about Rs.50,000 and Rs.400,000.
Tharushi Karunarathna and Gayanthika Abeyrathna win Gold and Bronze medals respectively in the Women’s 800m at the Asian Athletics Championships 2023 in Thailand: SL wins the Silver medal in the Women’s 4x400m Relay event and the Gold medal in the Men’s 4x400m Relay event.
Colombo (LNW): In a bid to produce Sri Lankan data scientists and AI engineers, DP Education and the University of Ruhuna entered a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on July 12, 2023 initiating a free and online course of Data Science and AI (Artificial Intelligence).
The event was graced by Dhammika Perera, Co-Founder of DP Education, and Senior Prof. Sujeewa Amarasena, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ruhuna.
The new online course consists of five modules;
Foundation course
Data Analysis
Data Engineering
Machine learning
Data science
The two parties have agreed to develop digital lessons for Data Science and AI and distribute their digital contents for free through the University’s online learning platform.
Colombo (LNW): Yuan Jiajun, member of the Central Committee Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) and Secretary of the Party’s Chongqing Municipal Committee, is set to arrive in Sri Lanka soon, announced the Chinese Embassy in Colombo yesterday (16).
The CPC high ranking diplomat will visit Sri Lanka from 19 to 23 July, the Embassy tweeted.
Chongqing is China’s youngest municipality directly under the central government, with a population of 32 million, an area of 82,000 square kilometers and a regional GDP of 3,000 billion yuan (about USD 430 billion) in 2022.
H.E. Yuan Jiajun, member of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau and Secretary of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, will visit Sri Lanka from 19 to 23 July. pic.twitter.com/rF0TozJPzH
— Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka (@ChinaEmbSL) July 16, 2023
