Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) happens to be largely steady against the US Dollar today (19) in comparison to yesterday, as per the exchange rates of leading commercial banks in the country.
At Peoples Bank, the buying and selling prices of the US Dollar remain unchanged at Rs. 321.18 and Rs. 332.38, respectively.
At Commercial Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 319.75 from Rs. 320.62, and the selling price remains unchanged at Rs. 330.75.
At Sampath Bank, the buying and selling prices of the US Dollar remain unchanged at Rs. 322 and Rs. 331, respectively.
Presidential Election 2024 hots up with UNP expressing confidence of continuity, amidst reports of business leader & MP Dhammika Perera being the SLPP candidate: Perera is a businessman with significant domestic & international investments, who has also held Govt positions as Secretary of Ministry of Transport and as Minister of Investment Promotion.
Economic “expert” & Govt Advisor Dr Shantha Devarajan who was one of the chief advocates of the “debt default” & IMF programme, says the property of the rich is largely untaxed and therefore a “property tax” would serve to raise tax revenues without hurting the poor.
Reports emerge that SLPP Founder Basil Rajapaksa has left for Los Angeles, USA: SLPP has so far not made a reappointment for the position of National Organizer.
Last rites of Captain Ranish Hewage who was killed in Ukraine, performed in Milithon, Ukraine, amidst the salutes of the Ukrainian military & tributes of Ukrainian people: Ranish named as a hero who gave his life to protect Ukraine: Ukrainians get down from vehicles & pay respects, even while snow was falling on the path when the body was being carried.
Urban Development & Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga directs the National Housing Development Authority to initiate an investigation into the housing projects conducted by SJB leader Sajith Premadasa during his tenure as the Housing Minister of the Yahapalana Govt (2015-2019): alleges the then Deputy Leader of the UNP had distributed housing loans, etc., in violation of proper procedures.
Kilmisha Yaazhisai from Jaffna emerges the Winner in the Grand Finale of Indian TV channel Zee Tamil’s “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa” – Little Champs (Season 3) in India: “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa” is a popular song show in the Tamil TV industry, with a dedicated fan base.
Sectoral Oversight Committee on Children, Women & Gender Relations recommends re-enforcing the law that prevents mothers with children under the age of 5 years, from leaving for foreign employment.
Public Security Minister Tiran Alles says certain lawyers who opposed the appointment of Deshabandu Tennakoon as the Acting IGP, are appearing on behalf of notorious drug traffickers against whom cases have been filed in Court: also says these lawyers are earning billions of rupees from such cases: asserts he & the Acting IGP are committed to cracking down on narcotic drugs & the underworld, irrespective of objections & pressures.
Anuradha Tennakoon, President of the National Agrarian Unity says the adverse impact of VAT from 1st Jan’24 will be felt in a range of industries as well as the people: laments the price of a 50kg bag of chemical fertiliser would increase from Rs.8,500 to Rs.10,000 while the cost of a “Bhoothaya machine” would increase from Rs.7.8mn to Rs.8.5mn.
Program Manager, World University Services of Canada Michelle Joseph says Internet penetration in SL has accelerated from 30% in 2022 to 66% now: also says that as a result of this access, the female workforce could increase by over 8% by 2028.
Colombo (LNW): Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment, Manusha Nanayakkara, has announced plans to open a Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) branch in Nuwara Eliya in response to requests from the children of expatriate workers.
This office, set to open in the first week of the upcoming year, will provide services in Tamil.
During an event marking International Migrants Day, the Minister emphasised SLBFE’s commitment to efficient service in citizens’ native languages.
Minister Nanayakkara addressed concerns raised by Nuwara Eliya residents who face challenges traveling to distant locations for issue resolution due to officials’ lack of Tamil fluency. In response, he pledged the establishment of the Nuwara Eliya SLBFE office within seven days of January next year, staffed with Tamil-speaking officers.
The Minister highlighted the vital role of migrant workers in contributing US $8.1 billion to the country’s economy over his 19-month tenure. He addressed challenges faced by expatriate workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasising the government’s efforts to improve their treatment, including initiatives like the Hope Gate at the airport.
While celebrating the success of a recent campaign urging expatriate workers to contribute to the nation, Nanayakkara expressed disappointment at the subsequent neglect of their contributions.
He addressed critiques against providing special privileges to foreign workers, emphasising the government’s commitment to overcoming challenges and building a robust system.
The Minister discussed issues related to expatriate workers, such as bureaucratic delays in implementing tax relief for electric vehicles and challenges in regulating foreign employment practices.
He highlighted actions taken against agencies engaging in malpractices and underscored the need to dispel misinformation about foreign employment expenses. The Minister also encouraged reporting instances of financial exploitation, assuring protection.
Airport programmes aimed at preventing individuals from traveling for foreign employment on visit visas were mentioned, along with amendments to the SLBFE Act to curtail illegal activities. The Minister outlined plans to extend privileges to expatriate workers, potentially allowing them to become SLBFE Board members.
Colombo (LNW): SriLankan Airlines has implemented innovative “Green Carpets” for its aircraft, aiming to reduce weight and enhance fuel efficiency.
The airline estimates an annual savings of Rs. 21 million through the use of these eco-friendly carpets. Not only do they contribute to financial savings, but they also play a role in cutting carbon emissions, reducing environmental impact by approximately 248.79 tonnes.
Crafted from a specially processed nylon that incorporates recycled materials like discarded fishing nets, plastic, and fabric, these lightweight carpets are manufactured with minimal fuel and water usage.
Produced in Switzerland by “Lantal Textiles,” these carpets mark a significant eco-friendly initiative by SriLankan Airlines.
This move aligns with the airline’s commitment to environmental conservation, building on its legacy as the first Asian carrier to introduce the “Planet Friendly Flights” programme in 2009.
Additionally, in 2016, the national carrier was recognised as the second-lowest carbon-emitting airline in the Asia-Pacific region by Business Traveller.
Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has reportedly informed the Cabinet that he wishes to contest the upcoming Presidential Election as a candidate.
His affirmation on the matter was after a Cabinet meeting held yesterday (18), according to sources.
Asserting that his propaganda campaign will commence from January next year, Wickremesinghe requested the Cabinet of Ministers to extend their support, sources further said.
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has refused entry to a Chinese research vessel intending to explore its territorial waters, including the Sea of Sri Lanka.
China sought permission for another research vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 3, to conduct research in the Indian Ocean region, but India has strongly objected to its activities.
The vessel, accused of using scientific exploration as a cover for intelligence gathering, is off the coast of Xiamen in the South China Sea and plans to travel via Malacca to Sri Lanka and the Maldives after obtaining permission.
The situation is complicated by political changes in the Maldives.
Colombo (LNW): Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, currently leading a Parliamentary delegation to India, met with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday at the Parliament House Complex in the national capital, India based ANI news agency reported.
Birla emphasised the strategic importance of Sri Lanka in the Indian context, highlighting the deep economic and cultural ties between the two nations.
He praised Sri Lanka as a crucial partner in India’s growth story and expressed optimism about the continued strengthening of bilateral relations.
Birla discussed areas of cooperation, including shared heritage in Buddhism and the potential for increased tourism.
He also underscored India’s advancements in technology and innovation. The Lok Sabha Speaker highlighted the role of parliaments in fostering economic and social development, urging the visiting delegation to contribute groundbreaking legislation.
Abeywardana acknowledged India’s assistance in various fields, emphasising ongoing infrastructural projects that aim to enhance Sri Lanka’s economic development.
He also commended India’s education system, expressing interest in collaborations benefiting Sri Lankan students.
Colombo (LNW): Former Health Secretary Janaka Sri Chandragupta who was arrested in alleged connection with the procurement of substandard immunoglobulin has been remanded till December 27.
This was when the ex Health Secretary was produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate Court yesterday (18) afternoon.
Chandragupta was placed under arrest after he produced a statement with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) yesterday.
Colombo (LNW): Showers will occur at times in Northern, North-central and Eastern provinces. Several spells of showers may occur in Uva province and in Hambantota district, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (19).
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in other areas of the island after 1.00 p.m, the statement went on, adding that fairly heavy showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Eastern provinces.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Southern provinces in the morning.
The 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 will occur at several places in the sea areas around the island.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly and wind speed will be (25-35) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (40-50) kmph in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankasanthurai.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankasanthurai can be fairly rough at times. The other sea areas around the island will be moderate. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
Colombo (LNW): Janaka Chandragupta, the former Secretary of the Ministry of Health, has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The arrest is related to allegations of involvement in the importation of substandard immunoglobulin.
Chandragupta visited the CID this (18) morning to provide a statement regarding the accusations, and he was placed under arrest following the statement.
Previously, Dr. Kapila Wickramanayake, the Director of the Medical Supply Division of the Ministry of Health, was also arrested by the CID and is currently in remand custody in connection with the importation of substandard immunoglobulin.
Dr. Chamal Sanjeeva, the President of the Association of Professionals in Health and Civil Rights, has made claims that Chandragupta provided instructions to a company involved in the fraudulent production of immunoglobulin to similarly fake the production of three other drugs.
