December 10, Colombo (LNW): US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung recently held separate discussions with Minister of Environment Dr. Dhammika Patabendi and Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody, focusing on climate adaptation, energy transition, and sustainability.
In her meeting with Minister Patabendi, Ambassador Chung emphasized collaborative efforts to address shared priorities, including agricultural sustainability and energy transition. She highlighted USAID-supported programs aligned with Sri Lanka’s goals, aiming to strengthen climate resilience and mitigate the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities.
“Collaboration is essential as climate impacts continue to disproportionately affect vulnerable communities,” the Ambassador stated in a post on ‘X’.
Meanwhile, discussions with Minister Jayakody centered on advancing affordable, sustainable, and secure energy solutions for Sri Lanka. Ambassador Chung reiterated the United States’ commitment to supporting local initiatives that promote climate resilience across key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism.
Additionally, the Ambassador highlighted ongoing initiatives in waste management, circular economy practices, and green finance, underscoring the importance of integrated approaches to achieving sustainability goals.
These engagements underscore the deepening partnership between the US and Sri Lanka in addressing climate challenges and fostering sustainable development.
December 10, Colombo (LNW): Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s office has refuted allegations that liquor licenses were issued unlawfully during his tenure, asserting that all licenses complied with the Excise Department’s rules and regulations.
In a statement, the office highlighted that the issuance of new liquor licenses generated over Rs. 3.1 billion in revenue for the government during the first nine months of this year. It further clarified that the legitimacy of the process was verified through recommendations provided in a letter from the Election Commission to the Commissioner General of Excise on August 19, 2024.
The statement also emphasized that the current Cabinet of Ministers retains the authority to renew or revoke these licenses, which it described as formal and revenue-generating.
This response comes after allegations made in Parliament by Leader of the House Minister Bimal Rathnayake, who accused Wickremesinghe of issuing 361 liquor licenses, including 172 wine store permits, as political bribes to secure MP support. Rathnayake claimed these actions aimed to influence the political landscape following the 2024 Presidential Election announcement.
On November 20, a Fundamental Rights petition was filed with the Supreme Court, alleging that the issuance of liquor licenses violated the Excise Act and undermined fundamental rights. The petitioners argued that the licenses were granted arbitrarily and with political motives, circumventing established legal provisions.
The controversy over these liquor licenses continues to generate debate in political and legal spheres, with further developments anticipated.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed his commitment to fully exercising his authority to combat fraud and corruption, stressing that laws are meaningless if those in power fail to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. Under the theme “Let us be exemplary pioneers of a proud nation,” the event brought together stakeholders to address the pressing issue of corruption. Addressing the event, the Head of the State highlighted the inefficiency of existing mechanisms.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s office has issued a statement, claiming that the former President did not issue any liquor licenses in violation of the rules and regulations of the Excise Department. The statement further highlighted that the government has received a revenue of over Rs. 3.1 billion during the first nine months of this year through the new liquor licenses issued during Wickremesinghe’s tenure as the President.
Medical experts have emphasized that the unnecessary and incorrect use of antibiotics poses significant harm to human body by fostering resistance in the body, which reduces the effectiveness of these drugs.
The United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung has emphasized commitment to assist Sri Lanka’ s energy future as well as the collaboration for climate adaptation, energy transition, and agricultural sustainability in the country.
The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) has called on the government to ensure proper payment of allowances for principals and teachers assigned to the 2024 G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) examination duties. Speaking at a press conference, CTU General Secretary Joseph Stalin highlighted confusion caused by recent circulars issued by the Commissioner General of Examinations regarding transportation allowances for examination staff.
The latest statistics of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) revealed a total of 1,804,873 tourist arrivals so far this year, bringing the count much closer to the target of 2.3 million tourist arrivals set for 2024. The recent report revealed 184,158 tourist arrivals in the country between November 01 and 30. During the third week of last month, 42,376 tourist arrivals were recorded as the highest number of arrivals.
The former Director of the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), ASP Nevil Silva has been arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID)
The United States has imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on two former Sri Lankan officials for their involvement in significant corruption. Kapila Chandrasena, former CEO of SriLankan Airlines, is accused of accepting bribes to ensure the airline purchased overpriced Airbus aircraft. Udayanga Weeratunga, Sri Lanka’s former ambassador to Russia, allegedly orchestrated a corrupt scheme involving the procurement of MiG aircraft for the Sri Lankan Air Force.
The Freedom People’s Congress (Nidahasa Janatha Sabhawa) alleges that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s action to postpone the election without any justifiable reason is a “political abortion committed after a mass corruption as well as an economic murder committed financially”.
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has decided to seek public opinion regarding a proposal by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to maintain current electricity tariffs for the first six months of next year. PUCSL Chairman Prof. K.P.L. Chandralal said that public consultations will begin in two weeks. The Commission has also initiated a special study on the CEB’s proposal.
December 10, Colombo (LNW): Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata handed over emergency relief supplies to Defence Ministry Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha on Saturday (7) to support victims affected by recent floods and landslides caused by heavy rainfall across Sri Lanka.
The ceremony, held at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), was attended by Major General Udaya Herath, Director General of the Disaster Management Centre of Sri Lanka, and Tetsuya Yamada, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Sri Lanka Office.
The relief items donated include 230 tents, 1,300 sleeping pads, and 30 rolls of tarpaulin sheets. Ambassador Isomata expressed his condolences to those affected and reaffirmed Japan’s steadfast support for Sri Lanka during this challenging time.
Additionally, Japan has provided urgent life-saving kits to women in the Northern and Eastern Provinces through a UNFPA project funded by the Japanese Government. JICA has also distributed hygiene products and essential medicines in the Mannar District of the Northern Province to address immediate needs during the ongoing disaster.
This assistance underscores Japan’s commitment to extending solidarity and aid to Sri Lanka in times of crisis.
December 10, Colombo (LNW): A high-ranking U.S. delegation, led by Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu, recently met Speaker Dr. Asoka Ranwala at the Parliament premises.
The delegation included prominent officials such as Anjali Kaur, Deputy Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Asia at USAID, and Robert Kaproth, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia at the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Discussions focused on Sri Lanka’s reform priorities and the pivotal role of Parliament in promoting accountability, transparency, and inclusive governance.
Speaker Ranwala expressed appreciation for the ongoing support of USAID in Sri Lanka, noting its efforts to enhance the connection between citizens and Parliament through various initiatives. He also voiced optimism for continued U.S. support in bolstering parliamentary democracy.
The U.S. delegation reiterated its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s progress and fostering democratic values.
Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera, U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung, and Private Secretary to the Speaker Ranapriya Abayasinghe also participated in the meeting.
December 10, Colombo (LNW): The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has stationed officers at large-scale rice mills to oversee the daily distribution of rice to the market. These officers will ensure that rice is being sold at stipulated prices and in adequate quantities as declared by the mill owners.
The monitoring began yesterday (9) in Polonnaruwa and Hambantota districts and will continue for ten days. The initiative follows a recent agreement between rice mill owners and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to sell rice at government-mandated maximum retail prices.
The President has instructed the CAA to take strict action against violators who sell rice above the prescribed price.
Rice stocks were distributed to shops in Dambulla yesterday under the controlled price scheme, with shopkeepers reporting sufficient supplies. CAA officials are conducting inspections at rice mills in the Hambantota and Polonnaruwa districts to ensure compliance.
December 10, Colombo (LNW): Agricultural Services Commissioner General Rohana Rajapaksa reported that recent adverse weather conditions have destroyed 113,956 hectares of paddy fields, severely impacting 120,132 farmers.
As of yesterday afternoon, 48,841.8 hectares of paddy lands have been completely destroyed, with 48,852 farmers directly affected. The Batticaloa district suffered the highest damage, with 13,235 hectares of paddy fields destroyed.
The Commissioner General stated that detailed reports will be submitted to the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board to initiate compensation for the affected farmers.
December 10, Colombo (LNW): The Low-Pressure area still persists over southeast Bay of Bengal and is likely to continue to move west-northwestwards and reach over southwest Bay of Bengal off Sri Lanka – Tamil Nadu coasts around 11th December.
Showers will occur at times in Northern, North-central and Eastern provinces.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places elsewhere during the evening or night.
Fairly heavy showers about 75mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
Misty conditions can be expected in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva, Western and North-western provinces during the morning.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
December 09, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s National Tea Sales average for November 2024 dropped to Rs. 1,137.22 ($3.92) from Rs. 1,172.15 ($4.02) in October. However, this marks an improvement compared to November 2023, when the average stood at Rs. 1,116.65 ($3.42), reflecting a year-on-year (YoY) increase of Rs. 20.57 and $0.50.
Despite this progress, the November 2024 dollar average of $3.92 shows a $0.10 decline month-on-month (MoM) from October’s $4.02, according to Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers.
Examining elevation-specific trends, High Grown teas saw a MoM decrease of Rs. 34.82 and $0.10 but recorded YoY gains of Rs. 88.01 and $0.68. Medium Grown teas declined Rs. 27.61 and $0.08 MoM, while YoY figures rose by Rs. 6.32 and $0.40. Low Grown teas, however, performed better, gaining Rs. 41.60 and $0.12 MoM, along with Rs. 0.79 and $0.46 YoY.
Cumulatively, the January-November 2024 period reflected positive variances in both rupee and dollar terms, with gains of Rs. 58.06 and $0.50 compared to the same period in 2023. Notably, all tea-producing regions experienced upward trends in value during this period.
Meanwhile, Ceylon tea took center stage at the HORECA Expo-2024 in Belgium, held from November 17–20. Organized by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Brussels and the Sri Lanka Tea Board in collaboration with the private sector, the event served as a significant promotional platform for Ceylon tea in the Belgian and broader Benelux markets.
The event showcased Sri Lanka’s status as the largest exporter of tea to Belgium, where it holds a 26% market share, with tea exports worth $18.4 million in 2023.
The Ceylon tea pavilion, a highlight of the expo, drew attention to Sri Lanka’s black, green, white, herbal, and flavored teas. Prominent exporters Imperial Tea Exports (Pvt) Ltd and Lumbini Tea Valley Ceylon played key roles, engaging potential buyers through tea tastings and demonstrations of Sri Lanka’s rich tea heritage.
A major attraction was the tea mocktail-making session held on November 18, organized in partnership with the European Specialty Tea Association (ESTA).
Minister (Commercial) Thavishya Mullegamgoda emphasized Ceylon tea’s global marketing potential, while Belgian tea expert Stijn Van Schoonlandt led participants in crafting modern beverages using black, white, and green Ceylon teas.
This innovative approach underscored the versatility of Ceylon tea in contemporary gastronomy.
Belgium remains a critical European market for Ceylon tea. Continuous participation in events like HORECA Expo aims to expand Sri Lanka’s market share in Belgium and increase exports of value-added and specialty teas to the region.
HORECA Expo, a leading trade fair in the food and beverage industry, attracts over 600 exhibitors and 45,000 attendees annually, providing Sri Lanka with opportunities to enhance its tea exports to Belgium and beyond.
In summary, while November 2024 saw a decline in Sri Lanka’s tea sales average, initiatives like HORECA Expo strengthened Ceylon tea’s position in global markets, highlighting its quality and adaptability in both traditional and modern contexts.
December 09, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s tourism sector achieved an impressive $2.8 billion in revenue during the first 11 months of 2024, a 56% surge compared to the same period in 2023. This growth highlights the industry’s role as a key driver of the nation’s economic revival.
The Central Bank reported $272.9 million in tourism earnings for November alone, reflecting a 33% year-on-year (YoY) increase and a significant 47% rise from October’s $185.6 million. Tourist arrivals in November reached 184,158, a 22% YoY increase and the highest since July 2024. February recorded the year’s peak monthly earnings of $375.7 million from 218,350 visitors.
Analysts note these figures emphasize the sector’s ability to generate substantial economic returns when effectively supported. Confidence has grown in meeting the Sri Lanka
Tourism Development Authority’s (SLTDA) revised 2024 targets of 2 million visitors and $3 billion in revenue.
With over 1.8 million arrivals and $2.8 billion in earnings by November, the industry remains optimistic about achieving its goals despite the December challenge of attracting over 345,000 visitors.
This recovery is particularly remarkable given the industry’s struggles over recent years, including the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a subsequent economic crisis.
Despite these setbacks, the sector has shown resilience, driven by organic growth and improved visitor safety measures. Notably, this revival has occurred without a comprehensive global tourism campaign over the last 16 years.
Looking ahead, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has set ambitious goals for 2030, aiming for 5 million visitors and $8.5-10 billion in revenue.
To achieve this, a strategic overhaul of marketing efforts is underway. In January 2025, the sector plans to launch a unified national brand, moving away from fragmented promotional efforts and positioning Sri Lanka as a year-round destination.
Industry leaders are also advocating for the new administration to expedite the long-awaited global promotional campaign. This initiative is seen as crucial for sustaining the current momentum and enhancing international recognition of Sri Lanka as a premier travel destination.
As a 100% private sector-driven industry, tourism remains vital to Sri Lanka’s economic development.
By aligning strategic initiatives with global market trends and addressing structural challenges, stakeholders believe the sector is poised to become a cornerstone of the country’s economic recovery and growth.
