The Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) has reported that the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) for Sri Lanka in March 2023 stood at 49.2%, based on the year-on-year change. This is a slight decrease compared to February 2023, which recorded a headline inflation of 53.6%.

The report attributes the inflation to the higher price levels that prevailed in both food and non-food groups compared to March 2022.

On a monthly basis, the year-on-year inflation of the food group decreased from 49.0% in February 2023 to 42.3% in March 2023. Similarly, the year-on-year inflation of the non-food group decreased from 57.4% in February 2023 to 54.9% in March 2023.

The contributions to the inflation recorded in March from the food group and non-food group, on a year-on-year basis, were 18.92% and 30.28%, respectively, compared to March 2022.

Despite the slight decrease in inflation, the DCS report suggests that the overall inflation in Sri Lanka remains high, with food and non-food groups still experiencing inflation rates that are considerably higher than the average inflation rates of previous years.

As Sri Lanka continues to grapple with high inflation rates, the government and other stakeholders will need to take measures to stabilize the economy and provide relief to consumers affected by rising prices.

On the fourth anniversary of the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks, His Eminence, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo, led a commemoration service at the St. Anthony’s Church in Kochchikade, Sri Lanka. During his speech, he called for justice for the victims of the attacks that claimed the lives of many who had gathered for religious activities and meals at hotels.

Archbishop Ranjith lamented the fact that the current government was protecting those who were responsible for the attacks. He accused both the former and present governments of trying to bury the memories of the attacks and said that there was clear evidence of a political conspiracy behind the incident.

The Archbishop pointed out that former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Chief, Nilantha Jayawardena, had failed to prevent the attacks despite having prior information on possible attacks. He further alleged that the government was protecting Jayawardena, who was currently facing charges related to the Easter Sunday attacks.

Archbishop Ranjith also questioned the need for continuous DNA tests to identify Sara Jasmine, the wife of the Katuwapitiya church bomber, among those killed in the Sainthamarudu blast. He stated that previous DNA tests had revealed that Jasmine was not among those killed in the blast.

The Archbishop’s speech suggested that the true mastermind behind the attacks was still attempting to cover up their links to the incident. He called on the government to ensure that justice was served and that the victims of the attacks received the closure they deserved.

The Easter Sunday terror attacks, which took place on April 21, 2019, claimed the lives of 269 people and injured more than 500. The attacks were carried out by a local extremist group affiliated with the Islamic State (IS).

On 7th November 2022, a Vietnamese-flagged fishing vessel carrying 303 Sri Lankan nationals was reported to be in distress in Vietnam Seas. The Sri Lanka Navy’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) stationed at the Navy Headquarters coordinated the rescue operation, and the group was temporarily settled in Vietnam upon rescue.

Following the rescue operation, 151 of the Sri Lankan nationals were deported from Vietnam and arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake on 28th December 2022. Additionally, 23 more Sri Lankans who were deported subsequently arrived in Katunayake on 19th April.

Upon receiving the distress signal, MRCC Colombo promptly informed MRCC Singapore, MRCC Vietnam, and MRCC Philippine for the rescue of the people in distress at sea within their respective jurisdictions. In a coordinated search and rescue operation, MRCC Singapore and Vietnam deployed MV ‘HELIOS LEADER’ to rescue the group of Sri Lankans. The rescued individuals were taken to Vietnam by a SAR vessel on 9th November and were temporarily settled there.

According to reports, the group of Sri Lankans had flown to Myanmar legally and attempted illegal migration from there with the help of international human smugglers. Among the group deported on 19th April were 15 males and 6 females, aged between 19 and 50, and two individuals below 18 years. They have been identified as residents of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa.

The Department of Immigration and Emigration, along with other relevant authorities, will carry out the legal proceedings into the incident. The MRCC Colombo played a crucial role in coordinating and managing all aspects of the SAR effort within its region and beyond, with the support of similar stakeholders.

The Department of Meteorology in Sri Lanka has announced that several parts of the country will experience showers and thundershowers later today. According to the department’s announcement, the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central, and North-central provinces, as well as the Mullaitivu district, will be affected during the afternoon or night.

In addition to these areas, the Western and Southern coastal regions may experience a few showers in the morning. The public has been advised to take necessary precautions to prevent damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

The department also announced that there is a possibility of showers or thundershowers occurring in a few places in the sea areas off the coast, extending from Colombo to Hambanthota via Galle, during the night. Wind speeds in these areas will be south-westerly, with a speed of 20-30 kmph. However, wind speed may increase up to 40-45 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar.

The sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar are expected to be fairly rough at times, while the other sea areas around the island will be slight to moderate. During thundershowers, there may be temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas.

The Department of Meteorology advises the public and fishermen to be vigilant and cautious during these weather conditions.

The Chair of the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) Sate Minister Hon. Lasantha Alagiyawanna stated that Department of Samurdhi Development and Sri Lanka Police have been called before COPA during the next sitting week.

Accordingly, next Tuesday, the 25 th , the Department of Samurdhi Development has been called before the Committee on Public Accounts and it is scheduled to look into matters based on the reports of the Auditor General related to the previous years and the current performance. Moreover, the COPA Chair said that the Sri Lanka Police has been summoned before COPA on the 26 th , Wednesday to examine the Auditor General's reports and current performance.

1. Sri Lanka marks four years since the Easter Sunday bombings, a massacre that took place in several tourist hotels and Catholic churches, taking away more than 270 lives: The masterminds behind the genocide are believed to be still at large: Archbishop of Colombo HE Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith invites all Sri Lankans to join a human chain protest (Jana Paura) today, supporting the Church’s quest for truth and justice over the attacks.
2. The Inland Revenue Department says those with an annual income of over Rs. 1,200,000 are required to pay income tax in Sri Lanka; adds this includes business owners, income from rental or interest-related investments, or employment with the specified annual income; urges the public to settle their accurate income tax payments on time.
3. The CBSL says investigations are underway into the Rs. 05 million that was reported missing from a safe: A statement by the CBSL reads that it is taking “necessary measures to thoroughly investigate the incident and strengthen the internal controls, processes, etc”; adds it will also continue assisting the Police to carry out its investigations.
4. The Committee on Parliamentary Business to take up the Resolution for the implementation of the arrangement under the EFF of the IMF for Sri Lanka in to debate on April 26, 27 and 28: The decision made at a Committee meeting held under Chairman (Dep. Speaker) Ajith Rajapakse.
5. The HRCSL holds a meeting with representatives of the LGBTIQ community, to discuss the well-being of LGBTIQ people and address pressing issues: The representatives present a requested letter to the HRCSL Chief, Justice Rohini Marasinghe, highlighting the issues faced by LGBTIQ people that need to be resolved: The Commission expresses its support to promoting and protecting the rights of LGBTIQ individuals, including advocating for legal reforms, raising awareness, addressing social stigma, and fostering inclusivity.
6. The Health Ministry informs all hospital directors to immediately suspend the use of Prednisolone eye drops imported from India with immediate effect, following complications being reported after use: The Ministry’s MSD says the delivery of Prednisolone eye drops to hospitals also suspended.
7. US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung expresses concerns over the GOSL’s proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill (ATA) falling outside of international standards; meets with Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe on the matter; says it is important that “all voices – including civil society, academia, and lawmakers – are considered to ensure the legislation servers as an effective tool for combatting terrorism without restricting freedom of expression or assembly.”
8. Ex President of BASL Geoffrey Alagaratnam PC warns new laws are not going to help Sri Lanka if they are only going to be used against certain targeted persons who are perceived as opponents of the government; says the proposed ATA should be considered a dangerous legislation.
9. Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara says the highest energy demand in Sri Lanka in recent times was recorded Wednesday; adds a net generation of 49.53 GWh was required for power generation on Wednesday; reveals the actual demand recorded Thursday morning forecasts an estimated energy demand exceeding 50 GWh; asserts all CEB thermal plants, including the recently established Hambantota Diesel Powered generators, will be utilised for power generation.
10. Another consignment of one million eggs imported from India arrives in SL: Chairman of the Sri Lanka State Trading (General) Corporation Asiri Walisundara says the samples will be tested by the Animal Products and Health Department; adds a report on the samples of the egg stock that reached the island on April 15 expected to be released in four days.