December 03, Colombo (LNW): The Litro Gas Company has confirmed that it will announce the updated LP gas prices for December tomorrow, (04).
A company spokesperson stated that the adjustment in prices will be determined by the fluctuations in global LP gas market prices.
Despite a recent rise in international gas prices, which is expected to result in an increase in local prices, the company has indicated that ongoing discussions are aimed at stabilising the prices within Sri Lanka to ease the financial burden on consumers.
Reports suggest that the price revision proposal has already been submitted to the Ministry of Finance for approval.
Notably, no price changes were made last month, and the last revision occurred in October.
December 03, Colombo (LNW): The death toll in Sri Lanka due to severe weather conditions has now risen to 18, according to the latest reports from the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
The most affected areas include Ampara, where 11 fatalities have been recorded, followed by Puttalam with two deaths, and one each in Badulla, Trincomalee, Vavuniya, Jaffna, and Kurunegala.
As of 6 a.m. today, no individuals are reported as missing, although 20 people have sustained injuries across various disaster incidents since November 22.
The DMC reports that the ongoing adverse weather has impacted over 470,000 people, affecting 139,500 families across 25 districts.
These families have been displaced or severely affected by the ongoing conditions, with 7,946 people from 2,494 families currently seeking refuge in 79 safety shelters.
Additionally, 63,193 individuals from 18,266 families have taken shelter with relatives.
In response to the ongoing threat of landslides, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has extended its warnings to six districts, advising caution until 4 p.m. today.
The NBRO has issued yellow alerts for areas in the Badulla, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale, and Nuwara Eliya districts, where the risk of landslides remains high.
December 03, Colombo (LNW): In a recent shake-up within Sri Lanka’s police force, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) K.B. Manathunga has been appointed as the new Director of the Police Media Division and Police Spokesperson.
Manathunga replaces Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Nihal Thalduwa, who has concluded his tenure in the role. Prior to this appointment, SSP Manathunga served in the Kantale Division.
Additionally, the Sri Lanka Police has made several significant transfers within its leadership ranks. SSP I.U.K. Lokuhetti, previously overseeing the Exam Division, has been appointed as the new Director of the Colombo Crimes Division, taking on a crucial role in managing criminal investigations in the capital.
In another key move, SSP H.D.K.S. Perera has been appointed as the Director of the Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Division, transitioning from his previous position as head of the Colombo Frauds Investigation Division.
This appointment is seen as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen the country’s counter-terrorism measures.
Furthermore, SP K.A. Udaya Kumara has been transferred to lead the Walana Anti-Corruption Unit, moving from his role in the Puttalam Division. His new position will involve tackling corruption and promoting integrity within the police force.
In a significant parallel development, several women officers have been appointed to senior leadership roles for the first time in history, including key positions within the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Special Investigation Unit.
This significant step marks a milestone in the advancement of women in Sri Lanka’s law enforcement hierarchy.
A total of 54 senior police officers, including four women, have been transferred with immediate effect, following the approval of the National Police Commission.
One of the most notable appointments is that of SSP H.W.I.S. Muthumala, who has been promoted to the position of Director of the CID, making her the first woman to hold this influential role. She replaces SSP E.M.M.S. Dehideniya, who has been reassigned to lead the Nugegoda Division as the new SSP.
Muthumala previously served as the Deputy Director of the CID, and her promotion to the helm of the department represents a significant recognition of her expertise and leadership in criminal investigations.
Additionally, SSP H.M.L.R. Amarasena has been appointed as the new Director of the Special Investigation Unit, bringing her experience from her previous role at Police Headquarters.
Another woman officer, SSP R.A.D. Kumari, formerly serving in the Cyber Crimes Investigation Unit, has been appointed as the Commanding Officer of the Police Field Force Headquarters, an important position overseeing law enforcement operations.
Other notable transfers include SSP P.G.S. Gunathilake, who will now lead the Medical Services Division after previously heading the IGP’s Secretary Division.
December 03, Colombo (LNW): In the wake of a significant narcotics seizure by the Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean, the Sri Lanka Navy is seeking to enhance its operational cooperation with Indian forces, particularly in the high seas, to counter the growing threat of drug smuggling.
Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, confirmed that a successful joint operation last week marked the first time the Sri Lanka Navy received direct assistance from its Indian counterparts.
The operation, conducted on November 24 and 25, involved a coordinated effort to intercept two Sri Lankan-flagged fishing boats suspected of smuggling narcotics in the Arabian Sea.
Thanks to timely intelligence, the Indian Navy intercepted the vessels, resulting in the seizure of approximately 400 kilogrammds of crystal meth, also known as ‘Ice.’
The Sri Lankan boats, along with the crew members on board, were escorted back to Colombo Port by a Sri Lanka Navy vessel, the Gajaba.
The operation began after the Sri Lanka Navy received reliable intelligence regarding the narcotics trafficking activity.
As there was no Sri Lankan naval vessel in the Indian Ocean at the time, the Sri Lanka Navy sought immediate assistance from the Indian Navy.
The Indian authorities responded swiftly, deploying aircraft and drones to locate and track the smuggling vessels.
Vice Admiral Perera explained that the collaborative nature of the operation was critical in the successful interception of the narcotics shipment.
“Upon receiving intelligence about potential trafficking in the high seas, the Sri Lankan authorities contacted the Indian High Commission. The Defence Attaché acted quickly, liaising with the Indian Navy, which then launched an air and sea operation to locate the vessels,” he said. “This was an outstanding example of cross-border cooperation in combating transnational crime.“
One of the intercepted boats was found to be carrying the large quantity of crystal meth, while the other vessel supported the operation.
In response to this success, the Sri Lanka Navy has announced plans to bolster future collaborative efforts with India, particularly focusing on high-seas operations to combat the rising threat of drug trafficking in the region.
Vice Admiral Perera also called on the public, particularly the fishing community, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to drug smuggling.
“It is essential for everyone to play a part in tackling this growing menace. We urge the public to share any information with the Sri Lanka Navy or the police to help us curb the increasing trafficking of illicit drugs,” he added.
December 03, Colombo (LNW): The 2024 G.C.E. Advanced Level examination, which was temporarily halted due to severe weather conditions, is set to resume tomorrow (04), according to the Department of Examinations.
The examination, which initially began on November 25, was unexpectedly suspended on November 27 following widespread extreme weather that affected many parts of the country.
This disruption caused significant challenges for students and examination centres, necessitating the suspension of the exams for several days.
In an update, Commissioner General of Examinations, Amith Jayasundara, confirmed that the examination will restart tomorrow and will proceed according to the pre-established timetable.
He reassured students that the remaining subjects, which had been postponed due to the adverse weather, will be rescheduled and conducted in the coming days.
The Department of Examinations further stated that a revised timetable for the postponed exams will be provided to students at their respective examination centres in the near future.
Students are advised to stay informed and follow any additional instructions provided by their exam coordinators.
December 03, Colombo (LNW): Donald Lu, the US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, is set to embark on a visit to India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal from December 3 to 10.
According to a statement from the US Embassy in Colombo, the trip aims to bolster cooperation with key partners in the region, focusing on advancing regional prosperity and security.
During his stay in New Delhi, India, Assistant Secretary Lu will work to reinforce US-India collaboration, particularly within the Indo-Pacific region.
His visit will see him joining Daniel Kritenbrink, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, to co-lead US participation in the US-India East Asia Consultations.
These talks, alongside separate meetings with senior Indian officials, will provide an opportunity to exchange views on pressing global and regional matters, the embassy explained.
Following his time in India, Assistant Secretary Lu will travel to Sri Lanka on December 5, where he will continue efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
His focus will be on supporting sustainable economic growth, tackling corruption, and enhancing people-to-people connections between the US and Sri Lanka.
He will be accompanied by Anjali Kaur, Deputy Assistant Administrator of USAID, and Robert Kaproth, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US Department of the Treasury.
Together, they will engage with senior members of Sri Lanka’s new administration, as well as representatives from civil society.
The discussions in Sri Lanka are expected to revolve around fostering stronger ties with the newly formed government, supporting its anti-corruption initiatives, and exploring opportunities for the US to assist Sri Lanka’s governance and economic reform through tailored technical assistance, capacity building, and development programmes.
December 03, Colombo (LNW): Parliament has been convened at 9:30 a.m. today (03), with Speaker Dr. Asoka Ranwala presiding over the session.
Today’s proceedings will centre around a debate on the government’s policy statement, which will continue into tomorrow (4 December).
The motion on the President’s recent Government Policy statement, presented in Parliament, will be debated today from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
A division on the motion is set for 5:00 p.m. tomorrow, according to the Parliamentary Communications Department.
Additionally, the debate on the Resolution concerning the Vote on Account for the first four months of 2025 is scheduled for 5 and 6 December, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
December 03, Colombo (LNW): A few showers will occur in Eastern provinces, but mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (03).
Misty conditions can be expected most places of the island during the morning.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers will occur at a few places in the sea areas extending from Batticaloa to Kankasanthurai via Trincomalee.
Winds:
Winds will be variable in direction in the sea areas around the island. Wind speed will be (20-30) kmph.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held a discussion with small and medium-scale rice mill owners at the Presidential Secretariat: The meeting focused on ensuring a continuous and affordable rice supply, improving storage facilities, and addressing concerns about declining Nadu rice availability: The President also proposed a QR code system to streamline fertiliser subsidies and boost domestic agricultural production.
Gayantha Karunatilake, the Samagi Jana Balayawegaya (SJB) MP for Galle District, has been appointed as the Chief Opposition Whip in Parliament: This announcement was made by MP Harshana Rajakaruna, highlighting Karunatilake’s new role in leading the opposition’s parliamentary activities and ensuring party discipline within the legislative body.
The government plans to auction or repurpose 344 luxury vehicles previously used by former ministers and presidents: In line with its election manifesto, it will discontinue state-owned bungalows for ministers and eliminate duty-free vehicle permits for MPs: Instead, MPs will receive cost-effective vehicles: The government will also end pension benefits for MPs and seek Cabinet approval to auction the identified vehicles.
The Election Commission has instructed candidates from the 2024 General Election, along with party secretaries and independent group leaders, to submit their expense reports by December 6, 2024: Reports must be submitted to the respective District Returning Officer or the commission for National List candidates: Special units will be set up to assist with submissions, and failure to comply will result in legal action.
The Attorney General’s Department informed the Supreme Court that the Cabinet of Ministers recommended not re-conducting the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, citing the mental stress on students and the impact on the examination calendar: This decision follows three Fundamental Rights petitions seeking to cancel the exam: The Supreme Court will hear the matter on December 11, 2024.
The deadline for submitting applications for the 2024 (2025) G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination has been extended to December 10, 2024, due to recent adverse weather conditions: Applications must be submitted online via the Department of Examinations’ official websites: School applicants should apply through their principals, while private candidates can apply directly: For inquiries, the department provided contact details.
The National Building and Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued a Level 1 (Yellow) landslide warning for several areas in six districts, including Badulla, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale, and Nuwara-Eliya, due to ongoing heavy rainfall: The warning is effective until 4:00 p.m. on December 3 and covers multiple Divisional Secretariat Divisions in these districts.
The report of the committee tasked with reviewing the allowances, perks, and privileges of Members of Parliament, Ministers, and former Presidents has been submitted to President Anura Kumara Dissanayke: The report, led by former Supreme Court Justice K.T. Chitrasiri, was handed over at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (02).
The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court granted bail to Kelum Harshana, arrested for allegedly promoting LTTE ‘Mahaviru’ celebrations: The court ruled that the charges did not prove promotion of terrorism: On November 30, the CID arrested three individuals for causing public disturbance by sharing images and videos related to LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran on social media, misrepresenting past celebrations.
Dilruwan Perera has stepped down from the National Selection Committee (NSC) to take up the role of Spin Bowling Coach for Sri Lanka’s Under-19 team: Perera, a former successful Sri Lankan spinner, resigned after serving on the NSC since December 2023: He is currently in the UAE with the U-19 team, acting as Head Coach for the Asia Cup series.
December 02, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s external sector continued its positive trajectory in October 2024, driven by significant current account inflows, leading to a rise in foreign reserves and the rupee’s appreciation, the Central Bank reported.
Exports saw a 24% year-on-year (YoY) increase, surpassing $1 billion, while the trade deficit narrowed, thanks to robust export performance.
The financial account of the Balance of Payments (BOP) also strengthened, supported by higher foreign inflows to the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and the government securities market. By the end of October 2024, the overall balance recorded a surplus of $2.8 billion.
Merchandise trade deficit narrowed to $544 million in October 2024, down from $683 million in the same month last year. However, the cumulative trade deficit for January to October widened to $4.75 billion from $4.02 billion in 2023.
Export earnings increased to $1.16 billion, primarily driven by industrial goods like garments and petroleum products, though there were declines in gems and machinery exports. Agricultural exports also rose, especially tea, spices, and coconut products.
Merchandise imports rose by 5.7% YoY to $1.7 billion in October 2024, mainly due to higher expenditure on consumer and investment goods, while imports of intermediate goods declined.
Consumer goods imports increased by 10.8% YoY to $291.9 million, driven by higher food and home appliance imports.
On the other hand, intermediate goods imports decreased by 0.6% YoY to $1.08 billion, mainly due to reduced fuel imports. Investment goods imports increased by 27.5% YoY, reaching $330.4 million, driven by higher machinery and equipment imports.
The terms of trade, which measure the price ratio of exports to imports, improved by 1.8% YoY, as import prices fell more than export prices.
The export volume index rose by 31.7%, while the unit value index declined by 5.3%, indicating that increased export earnings were largely due to higher volumes. Similarly, import expenditure rose due to a 13.6% increase in import volumes, despite a 6.9% fall in prices.
In the services sector, total inflows, excluding tourism, reached $320 million in October 2024, up from $308 million in 2023, with sea transport and IT services contributing the most. Services sector outflows increased to $284 million, compared to $171 million in October 2023, with overseas travel and sea transport being major contributors.
Foreign investments in government securities saw a net inflow of $39 million in October 2024, the first monthly inflow in 2024. Cumulative foreign investments in government securities recorded a net outflow of $218 million during January-October 2024. Meanwhile, the CSE saw a net inflow of $3 million in October, with a cumulative inflow of $46 million for the year.
Sri Lanka’s Gross Official Reserves (GOR) rose to $6.5 billion by the end of October 2024, up from $6 billion at the end of September, mainly due to foreign exchange purchases by the Central Bank and funds from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank. By the end of October, GOR covered 4.2 months of imports.
The Sri Lankan rupee appreciated by 11.3% against the US dollar by November 29, 2024, and strengthened against other major currencies. The Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER 24) also increased, indicating reduced external competitiveness.
