December 16, Colombo (LNW): During his official state visit to India, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had an important meeting today with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The meeting, which took place at the prestigious Hyderabad House, was warmly welcomed by PM Modi, who expressed India’s readiness to engage in detailed discussions with the Sri Lankan leader.

As part of the extensive talks, President Dissanayake and PM Modi are expected to focus on a broad range of key issues that will shape the future of bilateral relations between the two nations.

Among the topics to be discussed are the enhancement of trade ties, increased investment opportunities, development cooperation, and strengthening security collaboration.

The meeting reflects the growing partnership between Sri Lanka and India, with both leaders recognising the importance of fostering closer economic and strategic ties in the face of regional challenges.

Addressing the press meet with President @anuradisanayake of Sri Lanka. https://t.co/VdSD9swdFh

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2024

December 16, Colombo (LNW): Renowned poet and literary figure, Dr. Rathna Sri Wijesinghe, took office as the new Chairman of the National Library and Documentation Services Board today (16).

Dr. Wijesinghe, who is celebrated for his contributions to Sinhala literature, particularly in poetry, has assumed the role as the 20th Chairman of the Board.

With a long and illustrious career as a poet, author, and lyricist, Dr. Wijesinghe brings a wealth of experience to his new position. His literary works have earned him widespread acclaim, making him a key figure in Sri Lanka’s cultural and literary communities.

On the same day, the newly appointed Board of Directors also took charge, with a distinguished group of writers and officials present for the occasion. Among those attending the ceremony were veteran writer Keerthi Welisarage, renowned literary figure Kamal Perera, and W. Sunil, the Director General of the National Library and Documentation Services Board.

December 16, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Parliament is set to appoint a new Speaker tomorrow (17).

This follows the position being vacant due to the resignation of its former bearer MP Asoka Ranwala.

The parliamentary sessions scheduled for December 17 and 18 will see the submission of nominations for the role on the first day, with the final decision expected to follow shortly thereafter.

Three names have been put forward by the ruling party for consideration. These include the current Deputy Speaker, Dr. Rizvie Salih, MP Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, and MP Nihal Galappaththi.

A meeting of the ruling party’s parliamentary group is expected to take place today (16), where a final decision will be made regarding the nomination of a new Speaker.

The opposition has also indicated that it will put forward a candidate of its own for the Speaker’s position, although some members have voiced concerns over the appropriateness of nominating an opposition-aligned MP.

Ranwala, the former Speaker of the Tenth Parliament, officially resigned from his post on December 13, citing controversy surrounding his educational qualifications. The resignation has created a historical precedent, as it is the first time in Sri Lanka’s parliamentary history that a Speaker has stepped down from the position.

December 16, Colombo (LNW): The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) is set to launch a public consultation process tomorrow (17) to gather feedback on the proposed revisions to electricity tariffs.

This consultation will allow members of the public to submit their views and opinions on the matter, which can be done either virtually or in writing. The deadline for submitting feedback is 8 January 2024.

Those wishing to contribute their thoughts can do so through several channels, including email at [email protected], WhatsApp at 076 4271030, or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/pucsl.

Alternatively, written submissions can be sent by post to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, BOC Corporate Tower, Colombo 03, with the subject line “Public Consultation on Electricity Tariff.”

The final decision on the proposed tariff changes will be made public on 17 January 2025.

Earlier this month, on 6 December, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) submitted its tariff revision proposal to the PUCSL. The proposal suggested that the current electricity tariffs remain unchanged for the first six months of 2025.

The CEB’s proposal follows a shift in government policy regarding tariff revisions. While the previous administration had proposed quarterly adjustments, the current government has opted to revise tariffs only twice a year.

In 2023, there were three tariff revisions, while two adjustments have been made this year.

The proposed tariff revision is expected to be implemented by the third week of January 2025, affecting electricity pricing for the first half of the year.