In response to an urgent request from the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL), the Government of India (GOI) has decided to extend a Line of Credit (LOC) of US$ 55 million to Sri Lanka for procurement of Urea Fertiliser. In this context, a LOC agreement was signed between GOSL and the Export-Import Bank of India today (June 10, 2022) at Colombo, in the presence of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka HE Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Minister of Agriculture HE Mr. Mahinda Amaraweera, and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka HE Mr. Gopal Baglay. Senior officials from the Sri Lankan and Indian side were also present during the signing ceremony.

2.      This LOC will help GOSL secure urea fertilizer for the ongoing paddy sowing ‘Yala’ season. In view of the critical requirement, GOSL and EXIM Bank have agreed to complete all procurement procedures expeditiously so that urea supplies can reach Sri Lanka in a short span of time. During the signing ceremony, Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to GOI for the timely assistance. High Commissioner highlighted that the speedy finalization of the LOC testifies to the importance GOI attaches to the welfare of the people of Sri Lanka. 

3.      It may be recalled that in line with its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and as an earnest friend and partner of Sri Lanka, India has extended multi-pronged assistance to the people of Sri Lanka in the last few months. The support from India ranges from economic assistance of close to USD 3.5 billion to helping secure Sri Lanka’s food, health and energy security by supplying essential items like food, medicines, fuel, kerosene etc. 

***

Colombo

10 June 2022

Fuel may have to be distributed on a ration basis in the future, said Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara, speaking to a briefing held yesterday (10).

Accordingly, public transportation and industries will be prioritised in distributing fuel, he revealed, adding that the last vessel carrying fuel to be received to Sri Lanka under the Indian credit line will arrive on June 16.

MIAP

Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara speaking at the handing over of air tickets to the fourth batch of home-based nursing professionals yesterday (10) said no broker should be paid to obtain free Israeli career opportunities.

The event was held in accordance with the agreement reached between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of Israel.

MIAP

SLPP MP Shantha Bandara speaking to Parliament yesterday (10) said parliament members are not as privileged as people in the rural areas might think, confessing that the quarters reserved for them in Madiwela are ‘a hell on earth’.

“”There has not been a salary increment for the MPs in this Parliament for fifteen years. We are not asking for a rise, but people should know. Rs. 104 is given for every litre of fuel – diesel – we are entitled to. The official quarters given to MPs over there, it’s a hell on earth, may you go to Madiwela and see. But what is the notion popularised among the villages? That these MPs are given huge castles. Such beliefs created hatred within people. Certain political parties should be responsible for this. Now, a day or two ago, Mr. Nagamuwa representing the Frontline Political Party goes on media saying that this was the first wave they had done and the second wave may be expected soon. What is this second wave? The wave of murdering the 225?” the Ruling Party MP said.

MIAP

The government has opened a website for the public to check the availability and the issuance of fuel in the nearest fuel station islandwide.

The website can be accessed at https://fuel.gov.lk/, but it is still in development.

The website is introduced at a joint effort by the Ceylon Petroleum Stock Terminal Limited (CPSTL) and the Sri Lanka Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) and is expected to be expanded as a mobile app soon.

MIAP

Business Magnate Dhammika Perera who was entered as a National List MP of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) yesterday is set to be sworn in as the Minister of Technology and Investment Promotion today (11).

Accordingly, Perera will be sworn in before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today.

The Ministry of Technology and Investment Promotion has been formulated as a special ministry under which the following responsibilities and state institutes are listed.

MIAP

Chairman of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Shantha Dissanayake issued another extraordinary gazette on the prices of rice.

Accordingly, the maximum retail price of a kilogram of Rathu / Sudu Kekulu rice has been declared as Rs. 210.

MIAP