January 21, Colombo (LNW): The price of imported eggs sold through SATHOSA outlets has soared effective from today (21).

Accordingly, the revised price of an Indian egg will be Rs. 43, said Trade Minister Nalin Fernando.

Previously, an imported egg was sold for Rs. 35.

He attributed the egg price revision to the recent value-added tax (VAT) surge.

1. Central Bank data shows Govt’s Treasury Bill & Bond holdings have jumped by a massive Rs.103 bn last week from Rs.16,244 bn to Rs.16,347 bn: also indicates that “hot-money” foreign investments in the T-Bills & Bonds had plunged by USD 11.0 mn in the same week from USD 350.3 mn to USD 339.3 mn: several analysts warn the debt situation is fast approaching a highly critical level.
   
2. Ceylon Electricity Board forecasts a markedly low surplus of Rs.23.7 bn to the Public Utilities Commission to justify its request for a 3.34% reduction only on its average tariff although it had projected a profit of Rs.73 bn for this year in its internal approved budget: operational expenses for 2024 had also ballooned from Rs.97 bn in 2022 to Rs.164 bn in 2024, a staggering increase of 70%.
   
3. JVP-led NPP declares it has no issues dealing with the IMF: insists however that the IMF’s programmes should be “in keeping with the national interest”: Former JVP MP Sunil Handunneththi says his Party’s will call for “drastic changes in keeping with national responsibility”.
   
4. NPP General Secretary Tilvin Silva says most countries & organisations in the world, such as the IMF have begun to realise that the NPP will come to power at the next election: asserts the SJB is perturbed over the NPP’s recent meeting with IMF representatives: discloses that the Party discussed the “economic situation & impact of the tax increase on the people” with the IMF.
   
5. Inland Revenue Dept Commissioner General W A S Chandrasekara says the IRD will tax any additional profits that would have been made by importers during the period in which the alleged sugar scam occurred.
   
6. Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake says there had been an addition of only 207,000 new voters in 2023, although usually about 300,000 new voters were added to the voter lists: asserts that these 207,000 new voters can vote if there is an election now.
   
7. Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs Vidura Wikremanayake says the Govt has sought financial assistance from the United Nations to celebrate the 2024 State Vesak festival: the Chinese Cultural Promotion, Buddhist Culture & Art Association has reportedly agreed to the Minister’s request, & to provide opportunities for SL Buddhist monks to go to China to study Mahayana Buddhism.
   
8. Authoritative sources say the Colombo Port City has asked the Govt to introduce banking & financial services regulations that will allow investors to transact in foreign currencies & deal with counterparties offshore: such a move is to avoid any mandatory conversion or repatriation of monies.
   
9. National Audit Office discloses that 50 railway crossing bell & light warning systems had become inactive, years before the expiration of the warranty period provided by the contractor: this had led to losses of approximately Rs.243 mn for the Dept of Railways.
   
10. Acting IGP Deshabandu Thennakoon directs all police stations not to halt vehicles for inspections when officers are in civilian clothes: new directions issued in response to the recent tragic incident where a Sub Inspector in civilian attire had reportedly opened fire at a driver after the latter allegedly refused to stop his vehicle.

January 21, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recent visit to Uganda has played a significant role in strengthening diplomatic ties with African nations that were previously underrepresented in Sri Lanka’s foreign relations, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said.

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry highlighted the importance of these engagements, emphasising the substantial population of approximately 1.3 billion in these African countries and the expected rapid development in the future, a statement by the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Sabry in a special statement underscored the impact of President Wickremesinghe’s ‘Look Africa’ initiative, laying the groundwork for Sri Lanka to invest in African nations and initiating a new economic chapter for the country.

During the visit to Uganda, where the President participated in the 19th Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the G77+China Summit, Minister Ali Sabry emphasised the significance of expanding Sri Lanka’s engagement with Africa.

The President addressed global issues in his speech at the Non-Aligned Nations Conference, focusing on events in the Gaza Strip, Israel-Palestine, future steps for developing countries, and strategies for addressing debt burdens and climate change.

Wickremesinghe engaged in discussions with foreign leaders, including the President of Uganda, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, the Vice President of the Republic of Benin, the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of India. These discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral relations between these nations and Sri Lanka.

Sabry expressed optimism that the visit would strengthen ties with African countries, often overlooked, with a substantial population projected for rapid development.

The economic progress under President Wickremesinghe’s leadership received appreciation, and the ‘Look Africa’ initiative laid the foundation for economic cooperation with African nations, according to statement.

President Museveni of Uganda specifically praised President Wickremesinghe for contributing to the reconstruction of the nation. The visit played a crucial role in fostering bilateral relations with numerous African countries.

Noteworthy is the ‘Look Africa’ initiative, which has set the stage for investing in African countries, exemplified by the arrangement with the Republic of Benin, expecting mutual benefits through visa exemptions for diplomatic, official, and service passport holders.

Minister Ali Sabry utilised the opportunity to engage in bilateral discussions with counterparts from Bangladesh, Bahrain, Ghana, Tanzania, Azerbaijan, and others, contributing to strengthening friendships and fostering economic ties.

Participation in such summits is seen as a strategy for Sri Lanka to enhance bilateral relations with international partners and derive substantial benefits for the nation.

January 21, Colombo (LNW): Tragedy unfolded with a 24-year-old youth being shot dead in Malimbada, Thelijjawela, Matara last (20) night.

Two people arrived on a motorcycle at a mobile shop had opened fire on the victim, according to Police.

The victim was a resident of Welipitiya.

The Malimbada Police are conducting investigation into the incident.

The shooters and their motive are yet to be determined, Police added.

January 21, Colombo (LNW): Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday (20) to discuss the advancement of bilateral initiatives between the two nations.

This meeting took place in the Ugandan capital city of Kampala, where Jaishankar is representing India at the two-day summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which commenced on Friday.

Expressing his satisfaction, Jaishankar shared the encounter with President Wickremesinghe on social media, stating, “Pleased to call on Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on the sidelines of the NAM Summit in Kampala.”

“Appreciate his continued guidance for the advancement of our bilateral initiatives. India’s commitment is reflected in our Neighbourhood First and SAGAR policy,” he praised the Sri Lankan President.

January 21, Colombo (LNW): The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) is set to review the proposed revision of electricity tariffs submitted by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) during a meeting scheduled for January 22.

A definitive decision on the proposed tariff adjustments is expected to be reached during this meeting, with both the proposal and the PUCSL’s decision being expected to be disclosed to the public for a three-week period.

Following public scrutiny, the PUCSL will incorporate feedback into the proposal and subsequently present the final tariff revision to the CEB.

In a briefing held on January 20, the CEB asserted that electricity tariffs would be promptly adjusted once approval is obtained from the PUCSL.

By: Isuru Parakrama

January 21, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers may occur in North-central, Eastern and Uva Provinces, with showers or thundershowers being expected at several places in the Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (20).

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning, the statement added.

The public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

January 20, Colombo (LNW): Chief Government Whip and Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranathunga has asserted the importance of avoiding political novices in the upcoming presidential election, stating that the country cannot be jeopardized again by electing someone inexperienced for the role. Minister Ranathunga personally expressed his belief that President Ranil Wickremesinghe should be granted another opportunity to address economic challenges and stabilize the nation.

Addressing questions from journalists after participating in the Matara District Coordination Committee meeting on Wednesday, Minister Ranathunga emphasized that the decision on whether Pohottuwa, as a party, will present a candidate for the presidential election is yet to be made. He underscored that the party will make this decision at the appropriate time.

Minister Ranathunga elaborated on the distinction between general elections and presidential elections, noting that the latter is crucial for resolving the country’s national problems. Citing historical examples, he pointed out that leaders like former President Mahinda Rajapaksa were elected to end wars, and former President Maithripala Sirisena was chosen to establish good governance. In the current context, he highlighted the significance of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s role in ensuring national security.

Expressing his personal opinion, Minister Ranathunga advocated for President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s nomination as the Pohottuwa candidate for the presidential election. He praised President Wickremesinghe for taking responsibility during the economic crisis when other leaders did not, and suggested that giving him another chance would be crucial for steering the country away from economic challenges and ensuring stability.

The meeting in Matara, where Minister Ranathunga shared his views, was attended by Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, Matara District Coordinating Committee Chairman MP Nipuna Ranawaka, Southern Province Governor Dr. Willie Gamage, and other dignitaries.

January 20, Colombo (LNW): On Monday (15), Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, engaged in discussions with Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf. The talks centered around various crucial subjects, including mutual interests, the contemporary geopolitical landscape, and emerging challenges in maritime security. Both dignitaries underscored the enduring relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, highlighting the consistent growth of bilateral ties over the past seven decades.

Admiral Naveed Ashraf emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts to uphold regional maritime security. Commending the strong leadership of the President of Sri Lanka, the Chief of Naval Staff assured Pakistan’s continued support to Sri Lanka in the years ahead.

In response, the High Commissioner expressed gratitude for the pivotal role played by the Pakistan Navy in ensuring maritime security in the region. The meeting reflects the commitment of both nations to fostering cooperation and addressing shared challenges in the maritime domain.