President Ranil Wickremesinghe commenced a four-day state visit to Germany in the early hours of Wednesday, September 27. During his visit, President Wickremesinghe is scheduled to participate in the Berlin Global Dialogue, a new international forum that brings together leaders from both business and policy sectors to collaboratively address global economic transition challenges.

The Berlin Global Dialogue, featuring visionary business and policy leaders, marks its inaugural summit, set to occur in Berlin from September 28 to September 29, 2023. The event is organized by ESMT, one of Europe’s prominent business schools, and will be hosted at its campus.

Furthermore, the Press and Information Office of the Federal Government of Germany announced that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is expected to meet with President Wickremesinghe on the sidelines of the Berlin Global Dialogue, further enhancing diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The Sri Lankan Rupee has shown a modest appreciation against the US Dollar at commercial banks in Sri Lanka on September 27, as compared to the rates observed on Tuesday.

• At Peoples Bank, the buying rate for the US Dollar has decreased from Rs. 316.91 to Rs. 316.18, and the selling rate has dropped from Rs. 330.13 to Rs. 329.37.
• Commercial Bank maintains a buying rate of Rs. 318.18 for the US Dollar, while the selling rate remains steady at Rs 328.50.
• Meanwhile, at Sampath Bank, the buying rate for the US Dollar has decreased from Rs. 318 to Rs. 317, and the selling rate has dropped from Rs. 328 to Rs. 327.

Katunayake Airport Police have apprehended three individuals in possession of a cache of communication equipment that was illegally imported into Sri Lanka. The suspects, aged 22, 27, and 46, are residents of Colombo 10.

The discovery of the communication equipment occurred during an inspection of a motor vehicle that was preparing to depart from the Katunayake Airport premises. Among the seized items were nine laptops, 121 smartphones, 100 smaller mobile phones, as well as 240 chargers, phone batteries, and phone covers.

The Airport Police are currently conducting further investigations into the incident to determine the full extent of the illegal importation and potential legal implications for those involved.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry, has responded to the diplomatic dispute between India and Canada, expressing concern that Canada is providing a safe haven for terrorists and accusing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of making baseless allegations without evidence.

In an interview with India’s ANI, Sabry noted that he is not surprised by Trudeau’s comments, as the Canadian leader has a history of making “outrageous and unsubstantiated allegations.” Sabry referenced a previous instance when Canada accused Sri Lanka of genocide, which he deemed a “terrible, baseless lie.”

The recent dispute stems from Trudeau’s remarks on September 18, in which he suggested that India was involved in the shooting of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India promptly rejected these allegations as “absurd and motivated.”

The ongoing diplomatic tensions underscore the importance of evidence-based claims and responsible diplomacy in international relations.

1. Foreign Minister Ali Sabry contradicts the Defence Ministry and says Sri Lanka has not given permission to the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan-6 to dock in Colombo next month: says negotiations are still going on: adds that Indian security concerns are “important” for Sri Lanka.
2. Foreign Minister Ali Sabry says Canada is a safe haven for terrorists and that Canadian PM Justin Trudeau has a way of coming out with outrageous allegations: the FM was speaking out in support of India amidst India’s ongoing diplomatic row with Canada.
3. President Ranil Wickremesinghe says a new law will be introduced to transform the Port City into the Colombo Financial Zone, granting it jurisdiction over offshore activities: the legislation is expected to be enacted by the end of the year.
4. Chairman of the Parliament Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Economic and Physical Plans – Mahindananda Aluthgamage says SL is struggling to meet its tax revenue target committed to the IMF this year: also says that is due to the inefficiency and corruption among state officials at Inland Revenue Dept, Customs, & Excise Dept; analysts point out however that the main reason for the decline in Govt revenue is the hugely contracting economy as a result of Govt & CB policies.
5. Foreign tourist arrivals so far this year (2023) crosses 1 million.
6. State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says the 2024 Budget speech will be on Nov.13 & the debate on 2nd reading of the Appropriation Bill will be from Nov.14 to 21: the vote on the 2nd reading will be on Nov.21 & from Nov.22 to Dec.13 the debate on the 3rd reading will be held.
7. Rebel SLPP MP Professor G L Peiris & SJB General Secretary MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara file a Fundamental Rights Petition before the Supreme Court challenging the Govt’s Domestic Debt Optimization programme: cite CB Governor, Monetary Board, Finance Secretary, Attorney General and several others as Respondents.
8. Audit report on the Ministry of Health by the National Audit Office states that presently a shortage of 1,331 medical officers, 77 dentists, 1,759 nurses & 2,268 medical assistants is prevalent in the health sphere, thus dealing a crippling blow to its maintenance.
9. Former NPP MP Dr Nalinda Jayatissa says a future NPP govt will work with the IMF and other institutions: also says the NPP will do so while respecting the people’s mandate: alleges the present Govt is only trying to postpone the economic crisis by hiding behind the IMF proposals.
10. Cricket selectors exclude Wanindu Hasaranga from the 15-member World Cup squad as he is still recovering from injury: include Dushan Hemantha in the squad.

Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports experienced a notable increase of 6.98% in August 2023, totaling USD 1,091.6 million, according to the Export Development Board (EDB). However, when compared to the same month in the previous year (August 2022), this figure represents a 10.91% decrease.

The decline in merchandise exports is primarily attributed to reduced demand for export products, particularly in sectors such as apparel and textiles, rubber and rubber-based products, and coconut and coconut-based products.

Looking at the period from January to August 2023, overall merchandise exports have decreased by 10.42% to USD 7,983.13 million compared to the corresponding period in 2022.

Despite the overall decline, some of the top export markets have shown strong performance during August 2023 and the January-August 2023 period. Notable performers include India, Italy, the UAE, and France. In contrast, exports to the USA, Sri Lanka’s largest single export destination, declined by 21.29% to USD 252.13 million in August 2023 compared to August 2022. Over the January-August 2023 period, exports to the USA decreased by 18.89% to USD 1,872.7 million compared to the same period in 2022.

Showery condition in the South-western part of the country is expected to be enhanced up to some extent in today and next few days.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts. Heavy showers about 100mm can be expected at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Uva and Eastern provinces during the evening or night.General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.