November 21, Colombo (LNW): The latest figures from the Department of Census and Statistics have revealed a further decline in the rate of inflation in October 2024.
The National Consumer Price Index (NCPI), which measures overall inflation, has dropped to minus 0.7 per cent, a notable reduction from the minus 0.2 per cent recorded in September 2024.
This marks a continuation of the downward trend in inflation, offering some relief to consumers across the country.
Food inflation also experienced a significant decline, falling to minus 0.16 per cent in October, compared to a moderate increase of 0.5 per cent the previous month.
This shift indicates that the prices of essential food items have stabilised, following a period of rising costs earlier in the year.
The NCPI for all goods and services for the month of September 2024 stood at 203.6, showing a decrease of 0.5 index points compared to the previous month.
This overall reduction is largely attributed to decreases in both food and non-food sectors. Food prices dropped by 0.16 per cent, while non-food items saw a slightly more significant decline of 0.35 per cent.
November 21, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Education has confirmed that the first phase of the third term for the 2024 academic year will conclude tomorrow (22), marking the start of the school holidays for all Sinhala and Tamil medium government and government-approved schools across the country.
As students eagerly anticipate their break, the holidays will officially begin on November 23.
This announcement has come as a relief to many families, allowing them some time for rest and to prepare for the upcoming festive season.
In a slight variation, Muslim schools will finish the first phase of their third term a few weeks later, on December 13.
Their term holidays will commence immediately after, providing a longer stretch of academic activity before the break.
Looking ahead, the second phase of the third term is slated to begin on January 02, 2025, a Thursday.
This marks the start of the new year for students who will return to school after the holiday period.
Educational authorities are ensuring that the academic calendar remains in line with national requirements while accommodating the diverse school communities.
November 21, Colombo (LNW): Several former Sri Lankan Cabinet Ministers, including Ramesh Pathirana, Roshan Ranasinghe, and Prasanna Ranatunga, arrived at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) this morning (21) to provide statements regarding the controversial importation of substandard human immunoglobulin vials.
The vials, which failed quality tests after being cleared for import, have been at the centre of a widening investigation into alleged malpractice in the procurement process.
Former Minister Harin Fernando, who is also implicated in the case, has announced that he will appear before the CID tomorrow (22) to provide his statement in connection with the ongoing inquiry.
The investigation into the importation of the substandard human immunoglobulin vials began following a court order on November 12, when the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court instructed that statements be recorded from 18 former Cabinet Ministers.
These individuals, including former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, former Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, and several other former ministers, were part of the Cabinet that had approved the controversial Cabinet paper presented by then-Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, which paved the way for the importation of the drugs.
The Attorney General’s Department has specified that statements from these individuals are crucial to understanding the scope of the alleged malpractice, with some key figures from the previous administration now under scrutiny for their roles in the decision-making process.
In October 2023, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) disclosed that fraudulent documents had been submitted to Customs for the clearance of the consignment of human immunoglobulin vials.
The batch of vials, which was supposed to be a vital supply for patients, failed subsequent quality tests, prompting further investigations.
The case has already led to several high-profile arrests. In the months prior, a number of officials from the Health Ministry, including the former Health Secretary, former Additional Health Secretary, and the Director of the Medical Supplies Division (MSD), were arrested and remanded in connection with the scandal.
These arrests also included three other officials from the MSD, as well as the owner of the company said to have supplied the substandard vials.
The arrests have not been limited to Ministry officials; in May 2024, Dr. Thusitha Sudarshana, a former Deputy Director of the MSD, was granted bail after spending time in remand custody.
Similarly, in July 2024, the Court of Appeal ordered the release of Dr. Kapila Wickramanayake, the former Director of the MSD, on bail.
To date, a total of 12 individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, but most have been released on bail, with only one remaining in remand custody.
Sudath Janaka Fernando, the owner of the company implicated in supplying the substandard vials, is currently receiving medical treatment while in custody.
Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, who had been in remand for over seven months, was granted bail on September 11, 2024.
November 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s tenth Parliament opened today (21) with the ceremonial delivery of the Government’s Policy Statement by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who presided over the proceedings in the Speaker’s Chair.
The address, which took place shortly after the election of the Speaker and other formalities, outlined the new government’s vision for the future and its commitment to driving change in both political and economic spheres.
In his speech, the President boldly called for the end of a long-standing political culture in Sri Lanka that has been heavily shaped by divisions based on race, ethnicity, and nationality.
Acknowledging the historic challenges that the country has faced due to this divisive politics, the President highlighted that the new government would prioritise unity, equality, and the fair treatment of all citizens, regardless of their background.
The President emphasised that it was time to move away from the entrenched political structures that have often pitted different ethnic and religious communities against each other. Instead, he called for the fostering of a more inclusive political environment, one that transcends communal lines and focuses on shared national interests.
This shift, he suggested, would help Sri Lanka build a more harmonious society and strengthen the country’s democratic foundations. He asserted that the government will not tolerate all sorts of extremist activities, let alone religious and racist agendas.
Dissanayake assured that all people are equal before law, and law enforcement, therefore, will be implemented on controversial and unresolved crimes happened across the history without letting them to be buried in the sands of time, bringing the responsible parties to justice and thereby restoring the public’s faith in the rule of law.
The key thrust of the President’s address was his commitment to reforming Sri Lanka’s economic system. He outlined an ambitious plan to overhaul the nation’s economy, which, according to the President, has long favoured a small group rather than benefiting the majority of the population.
This inequality, he noted, had led to widespread disillusionment amongst the public and hindered sustainable development.
In terms of social policy, President Dissanayake outlined his vision for a fairer education system, one that would ensure equal access to quality education for all students, regardless of their social or economic status.
Additionally, he highlighted the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services and creating a social safety net to protect the most vulnerable populations. The President vowed in restoring trust in the public service, which has long been tarnished due to chronic corruption.
In place of the old economic order, President Dissanayake proposed a new economic framework that would ensure prosperity for all Sri Lankans. The government’s policy, he stated, would focus on inclusive growth, with particular attention given to the welfare of rural populations, the agricultural sector, and small and medium enterprises.
He outlined plans for extensive job creation, particularly in sectors that have historically been overlooked by previous governments, such as manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy.
The President also reiterated his government’s commitment to addressing Sri Lanka’s pressing financial challenges, including managing public debt and improving fiscal management.
Dissanayake acknowledged that the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) provided by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under which the country’s debt restructuring process is currently being undertaken will continue, and renegotiation will follow.
He pointed out that a staff-level agreement will reach between the two parties ahead of the third review by December, 2024.
The President underscored that the new government would take a more transparent and accountable approach to public spending, ensuring that national resources were directed towards projects that would benefit all sectors of society, rather than being concentrated in the hands of a privileged few.
He added that a vote on account will be presented in December, 2024, aiming the 2025 Budget proposal pending Parliament approval in February, 2025, in what he described as a reflection of the practicality of the government’s policy statement, and emphasised that the government expects that the new Budget will be approved in March, 2025.
November 21, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) indicates further appreciation against the US Dollar today (21) in comparison to yesterday, as per the official exchange rates released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
Accordingly, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 286.54 from Rs. 286.74, and the selling price to Rs. 295.55 from Rs. 295.59.
The LKR indicates appreciation against several other foreign currencies as well.
November 21, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has arrived in Parliament a short while ago.
The President is currently delivering his throne speech.
During his speech, the President is expected to unveil the government’s policy statement before the House.
The inaugural session of Sri Lanka’s tenth Parliament began promptly at 10:00 a.m. today, with the participation of newly elected members.
Following a series of formal procedures, including the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, Parliament was temporarily adjourned until 11:30 a.m. to allow for the next phase of the proceedings.
At 11:30 a.m., President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assumed the Speaker’s Chair to present the Government’s Policy Statement, in accordance with the provisions set out in Articles 32(4) and 33 of the Constitution.
As stipulated by Article 33(a), the President holds the constitutional responsibility to deliver the Government’s Policy Statement at the start of each parliamentary session, setting the tone for the upcoming legislative period.
Additionally, Article 33(b) grants the President the authority to preside over the ceremonial sittings of Parliament, reinforcing the role of the head of state in the formal workings of the legislature.
Through the Policy Statement, President Dissanayake outlined the government’s vision for the future, providing an in-depth look at the policies and priorities that will shape the nation’s course in the coming months and years.
Traditionally known as the “Throne Speech,” this address was historically delivered by the Governor-General. Today, it remains a significant moment in the parliamentary calendar, with the President’s words offering crucial insights into the government’s agenda and direction for the nation.
November 21, Colombo (LNW): Leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Sajith Premadasa will continue to maintain position as the Leader of the Opposition.
His position as the Opposition Leader of the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka has been accepted, announced Speaker Dr. Ashoka Sapumal Ranwala.
November 21, Colombo (LNW): The first session of Sri Lanka’s tenth Parliament commenced this morning with a formal swearing-in ceremony for the newly elected Members of Parliament.
After the election of Asoka Sapumal Ranwala as the Speaker, MPs took their oaths before him in the parliamentary chambers, officially marking the start of their legislative duties.
The session began promptly at 10:00 a.m., with the newly elected legislators gathering to take part in the historic occasion.
Following the reading of the gazette notification by the General Secretary of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadheera, which formally set the date and time for the inaugural session, Ranwala was elected as Speaker.
