By: Isuru Parakrama
November 11, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee indicates slight fluctuation against the US Dollar today (11) in comparison to last week, as per the official exchange rates released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
Accordingly, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 288.16 from Rs. 288.13, and the selling price has reduced to Rs. 297.15 from Rs. 297.48.
Meanwhile, the LKR indicates appreciation against several other foreign currencies as well.
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 11, Colombo (LNW): The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has announced a comprehensive preparedness initiative aimed at tackling potential emergencies during the forthcoming General Election.
The centre has mobilised a coordinated response involving the Department of Meteorology, the Department of Irrigation, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), the armed forces, and the police to ensure effective disaster management, according to DMC Director Pradeep Kodippili.
A dedicated command centre will begin operations tomorrow, remaining active from November 12 t0 16, with a focus on maintaining public safety and rapidly addressing any incidents.
The collaboration between these agencies highlights the government’s commitment to safeguarding citizens amid potential weather-related and other risks.
Kodippili further detailed that this temporary centre will be fully equipped to respond to a variety of situations, ensuring election-related activities proceed with minimal disruption.
He added that by establishing clear lines of communication and rapid response capabilities, the DMC aims to mitigate risks and reassure the public of the country’s preparedness during this critical period.
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 11, Colombo (LNW): The Excise Department has revealed that Sri Lanka’s liquor manufacturers owe a substantial Rs. 1.8 billion in unpaid taxes, covering liabilities from last year up to the present.
In a recent notice, the department instructed these companies to clear their outstanding dues by November 30, 2024, underscoring the urgency of resolving these arrears.
According to the Excise Department, the total tax debt owed by the liquor industry amounts to a staggering Rs. 8.5 billion, encompassing cumulative tax obligations not yet settled by numerous manufacturers.
Failure to meet this deadline, the department warned, would prompt strict legal action against any non-compliant companies.
The Excise Department has intensified its focus on ensuring that liquor firms fulfil their tax responsibilities, a move aimed at bolstering national revenue amidst economic challenges.
This directive aims to enforce fiscal accountability within the industry, with officials emphasising the importance of timely contributions to state coffers.
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 11, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced the government’s readiness to facilitate the release of Tamil political prisoners, marking a significant step towards reconciliation in Sri Lanka.
Speaking at a political rally in Vavuniya yesterday (10), the President acknowledged the devastation caused by the prolonged civil war, which left lasting scars, including the detention of political prisoners.
President Dissanayake stated that the government is prepared to release Tamil detainees based on the guidance of the Attorney General, underscoring a commitment to addressing long-standing grievances of the Tamil community.
Additionally, the President affirmed the government’s intent to return lands in the Northern Province previously seized for security purposes, a gesture aimed at restoring local autonomy and trust.
Highlighting the divisions that persist within Sri Lankan society, President Dissanayake called for a united approach to move the country forward.
“Sri Lanka remains deeply divided. If we want to progress, we must transcend these divisions,” he asserted, advocating for a collaborative movement that bridges ethnic and communal divides.
He emphasised that National People’s Power, a coalition representing Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities, is at the forefront of these unity efforts.
Encouraging citizens to embrace this inclusive vision, President Dissanayake urged, “Let’s all come together to build a new nation—one that thrives on unity and shared purpose.”
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 11, Colombo (LNW): Minister Vijitha Herath in his capacity as the Minister of Transport recently made a visit to Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in response to an increasing number of complaints regarding delays in SriLankan Airlines flights.
During his visit, the Minister toured various sections of the airport, engaging in discussions with staff members to gain insights into the challenges faced by both employees and passengers.
Herath highlighted the urgent need for a dedicated unit within the airport to assist passengers facing delays. He proposed the establishment of a 24-hour support centre, staffed by representatives from both the airport and SriLankan Airlines, to keep passengers informed of flight status and provide timely updates.
This unit would also focus on ensuring that passengers receive enhanced services and facilities during extended wait times, aiming to improve their overall experience.
Additionally, he has directed relevant authorities to take proactive steps towards reducing the frequency and duration of flight delays.
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 11, Colombo (LNW): Worker remittances for October showed significant improvement compared to both the previous month and the same period last year, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s foreign currency reserves and bolstering the rupee’s stability.
Sri Lankans working abroad sent home an impressive US$ 587.7 million in October, just as the year-end festive season approaches—a period traditionally marked by increased remittances.
This inflow represents a rise from the US$ 555.6 million recorded in September 2024 and a notable increase over the US$ 517.4 million received in October 2023, showcasing the robust growth in remittances.
The latest remittance figures have pushed the total earnings from foreign workers to US$ 5,431.5 million for the year, marking an 11.7 per cent increase over the same period in 2023.
This surge brings Sri Lanka closer to the elusive US$ 7 billion annual mark, a milestone not achieved since 2020.
The decline in remittance inflows in subsequent years had contributed to the economic turmoil that culminated in early 2022. However, the current positive trend in remittances, coupled with strong tourism earnings, has enabled the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) to buy US$ 189.5 million from the domestic forex market in October alone—an unusually large amount for a single month.
This extends the CBSL’s streak as a net foreign currency buyer and further strengthens the country’s gross official reserves, which have grown from US$ 5,994 million at the end of September to US$ 6,467 million.
The combined effect of these inflows and the debt standstill on foreign repayments has also contributed to a stronger rupee.
The currency has appreciated by 10.7 per cent so far this year, following a 12 per cent gain in 2023, reflecting renewed stability in the external sector.
Remittances and the strengthening rupee have also eased inflationary pressures by reducing the cost of imported goods, offering some relief to consumers after two challenging years of high inflation.
Looking forward, Sri Lanka’s remittance inflows are expected to surpass US$ 7 billion, driven by the large numbers of Sri Lankans who have migrated in recent years in search of better opportunities abroad.
Their continued financial support to families back home is likely to provide a steady source of foreign exchange, reinforcing the country’s economic recovery and financial resilience.
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 11, Colombo (LNW): Passengers who had booked tickets for the ferry service between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai (KKS) in Sri Lanka have been fully refunded after the service was suspended due to severe weather conditions.
The disruption began last Thursday (07) as the monsoon season brought hazardous maritime conditions.
S. Niranjan Nandagopan, Director of IndSri Ferry Service Pvt. Ltd, stated that the monsoon’s onset compelled them to halt operations.
Services were cancelled last Friday (08), Saturday (09), and Sunday (10), with future operations subject to weather assessments.
“We haven’t opened bookings beyond 16 November as we monitor weather conditions. Tomorrow’s (12) service is also tentative,” he explained.
Prior to the suspension, the ferry service was nearly operating at full capacity, with most of its 150 seats filled, according to Nandagopan.
He further elaborated on the safety protocols, noting that the company relies on weather forecasts from both Sri Lankan and Indian meteorological agencies, along with private forecasting sources such as the Windy app, to determine if conditions are safe for passenger voyages.
“Wave height and direction forecasts play a critical role in our decision-making process,” he added.
Sri Lanka’s Meteorology Department has also forecasted increased monsoon activity by the end of the month, with rough seas expected in the north due to a developing low-pressure area.
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 11, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Health has issued an urgent alert to health professionals and the general public, cautioning against an organised group impersonating senior ministry officials to solicit funds fraudulently.
This group has reportedly been contacting individuals under the guise of high-ranking health officers, seeking monetary contributions.
The Ministry underscored that no health official has been granted authority to request donations or payments via phone calls, WhatsApp messages, or any other communication channels.
It warned the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to these scams by refraining from transferring funds into any bank accounts or through any digital or offline payment channels as requested by these individuals.
Legal proceedings have already been initiated against those suspected to be involved in this criminal scheme, and the Ministry pledged to pursue all necessary steps to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Ministry urges people to verify any unusual requests from alleged health officials through official channels, as a measure to safeguard themselves and prevent further exploitation.
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 11, Colombo (LNW): Campaigning activities for Sri Lanka’s 2024 general election will officially conclude at midnight tonight, ushering in a mandatory “silent period” during which all forms of electioneering are prohibited.
This restriction will remain in place until polling day on November 14, said National Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake.
He emphasised that, as of midnight on November 12, candidates must cease operations at all campaign offices established on an electorate basis.
Only the central offices of political parties or independent groups, based within each electoral district, will be permitted to continue functioning during this period.
Additionally, candidates may maintain campaign offices at their residences until midnight on Novmeber 12, though Ratnayake reminded them that no propaganda materials are to be displayed there.
Strict regulations also apply to locations near polling stations; any candidate’s campaign office or residence located within 500 metres of a polling station must ensure that no promotional content is visible from those locations.
The Election Commission has urged all candidates and parties to comply with these guidelines to uphold electoral integrity and avoid any potential legal consequences, whilst encouraging all registered voters to exercise their right to vote.
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 11, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers may occur in Northern and North-central Provinces and in Trincomalee district, with showers or thundershowers being expected to occur at a few places in Central, Uva, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces in the evening or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast this (11) morning.
Fairly heavy showers above 50mm are likely at some places.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
| Condition of Rain: |
| Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Trincomalee. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the other sea areas during the evening or night. |
| Winds: |
| Winds will be North-easterly in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Kankasanthurai and Trincomalee and Northerly or variable in direction in the other sea areas around the island. Wind speed will be (25-35) kmph in the sea areas around the island. Wind speed can increase up to (40-45) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Trincomalee to Galle via Kankasanthurai, and Puttalam. |
| State of Sea: |
| The sea areas extending from Trincomalee to Galle via Kankasanthurai, and Puttalam can be fairly rough at times. Other sea areas around the island will be slight to moderate. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers. |
