Sri Lanka is due to receive a debt facility of US$ 500 million from India for fuel purchases. This provision will be made based on a request made by the Sri Lankan government.

Prior to being received the debt, Sri Lanka has also received 40,000 metric tonnes of diesel for the management of energy crisis.

These fuel stocks have arrived in the Colombo Port from ‘Swarna Pushpa’ ship and were handed over to Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila by Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay.

MIAP

The shortage of auto diesel at almost every petrol stations around Colombo has had a severe impact on the import-export container transport, revealed President of the All Ceylon Container Carriers Owners and the All Ceylon Container Integrated Transport Forum Sanath Manjula, speaking to a briefing today (15).

The situation occurred since last night and the absence of diesel has led the import-export container transport to suffer severe inconveniences, he disclosed.

The same situation occurred for three days last week.

Should the problem continue, they may have to withdraw from container transport duties, Manjula warned, urging the government to provide an immediate solution.

He added that discussions will be held with the Subject Minister on learning the possibility of obtaining fuel for containers from filling stations located at the port premises.

The appeal lodged by former President Maithripala Sirisena regarding the Easter Sunday Massacre was taken up in the Civil Appeals High Court today. The appeal was called in before the Civil Appeal High Court Bench comprising Justices A. Frank Gunawardena and Saman Weeraman.

In his appeal, Sirisena requests that the cases filed before the Colombo District Court by the relatives of those killed and injured in the Massacre demanding compensations be dismissed and his acquittal from all charges.

Further consideration of the former President’s appeal has been adjourned till March 09.

MIAP

Jayampathi Heenkenda, Director General of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, has reportedly resigned from his post.

His resignation comes in following a notice issued by Secretary to the Mass Media Ministry Anusha Pelpita.

Person to be filled in vacant position remains undisclosed.

MIAP

The Cabinet has concluded to provide subsidies for selected low income families as a solution to surging cost of living.

Accordingly, 40 selected families in every Grama Niladhari Division will be distributed a Rs. 2000 relief package. Families entitled to this relief package will be given a digital card, which can be used to purchase items up to Rs. 2000 from super markets.

Meanwhile, a 15 kg wheat flour subsidy will be distributed to the families in the plantation community on a monthly basis. Accordingly, 115,867 families will be entitled to this facility.

MIAP