January 14, Colombo (LNW): Commencing the following week, consumers in Sri Lanka will bear the brunt of increased prices in imported milk powder, with a notable surge of Rs. 30 for the 400g packet and a substantial hike of Rs. 75 for the 1kg packet, the Milk Powder Importers Association disclosed.
This development has sparked concerns among citizens who are already grappling with economic challenges, and the significant price increments are expected to have a direct impact on household budgets, particularly affecting those on fixed incomes.
Critics argue that such escalations in essential commodity prices reflect poorly on the government’s ability to manage economic stability and mitigate the financial burdens faced by its citizens.
The move comes at a time when the public is already contending with various economic challenges, including rising living costs.
The decision by the Milk Powder Importers Association to impose these substantial price hikes is likely to fuel discontent among the populace and raise questions about the government’s effectiveness in safeguarding the economic well-being of its citizens.
January 14, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Navy recently intercepted three Indian trawlers engaged in illegal fishing within Sri Lankan waters near the Kovilan Lighthouse in Karainagar, Jaffna.
The operation resulted in the apprehension of 12 Indian fishermen.
The Navy emphasising their commitment to enforcing maritime regulations conducts regular patrols and operations to counteract unauthorised fishing practices by foreign trawlers.
This proactive approach considers the potential adverse impact of such activities on the livelihoods of local fishermen and the marine resources of the nation.
In response to the observed violation, the Northern Naval Command promptly deployed its Fast Attack Craft to deter and expel the group of Indian poaching trawlers.
Subsequently, three Indian trawlers with 12 fishermen were seized during this operation off the Kovilan Lighthouse.
The apprehended Indian fishermen, along with the confiscated trawlers, were transported to the Kankesanthurai harbour.
Further legal actions will be pursued, as they are handed over to the Mailadi Fisheries Inspector for due process.
January 14, Colombo (LNW): During President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s temporary absence, the responsibilities of the Defence Ministry have been entrusted to Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon.
Appointed as the Acting Defence Minister, Tennakoon will assume the duties of the position until President Wickremesinghe’s return to Sri Lanka.
January 14, Colombo (LNW): Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshbandu Tennakoon has issued a directive instructing all police divisional OICs, district OICs, station OICs, and crime OICs to actively engage in Operation “Yukthiya” (Justice), commencing today (14).
This instruction was conveyed during an awareness programme organised for the officers.
The Ministry of Public Security has provided essential information for the operation, encompassing details on 35,505 warrants issued, identification of 4,258 suspects through fingerprints, and the pursuit of 2,485 known suspects wanted for prior offenses.
The Acting IGP underscored the need for an intensive deployment of all crime branch officers, ensuring 24/7 coverage for the next month across all police divisions involved in Yukthiya.
Simultaneously, the National Police Commission has released a statement outlining corrective measures for the Acting IGP in connection with Operation Yukthiya.
These measures are said to have detailed instructions on the imperative for all officers to adhere strictly to the existing legal framework, upholding the principles enshrined in the constitution, particularly those pertaining to the protection of basic human rights.
The Acting IGP has been instructed to clearly communicate these requirements to all participating officers and promptly report back to the Commission on the implementation of these directives.
These directives appear in the backdrop where international human rights watchers and local activists critise the Sri Lankan government’s approach to Operation Yukthiya, raising concerns about potential human rights violations targeting civilians in the pursuit of narcotics and underworld operations.
January 14, Colombo (LNW): Japan announced that for the resumption of stalled projects, Sri Lanka is required to settle the outstanding amount related to the cancellation of the Colombo Light Rail Transit Project (LRT).
During a two-day official visit to the island-nation, Japanese Finance Minister Suzuki Shunichi underscored this point in discussions with President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.
In March 2019, the Japanese government had approved a loan assistance package of US$ 1,800 million for the LRT system project, initially scheduled for implementation that same year with completion targeted for 2026.
The project aimed to address traffic congestion in Colombo and its suburbs.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) had committed to providing financial facilities under concessionary credit conditions.
Concurrently, the Oriental Consultants Global Company of Japan, in collaboration with several other firms, was engaged to offer consultancy services.
On March 11, 2019, a loan agreement was signed between Japan and Sri Lanka, accompanied by exchanged notes outlining the project details. The initiative envisioned the construction of a 17km-long elevated rail track featuring 16 stations, connecting vital intersections from Malabe to Colombo Fort.
The proposed service entailed the deployment of 25 trains, each comprising four air-conditioned passenger compartments capable of accommodating 800 passengers.
The total estimated cost for the project was Japanese Yen 246,641 million, with JICA committed to providing JPY 200,415 million (approximately USD 1,800 million) as a concessionary loan.
The repayment terms allowed for a 40-year period, including a grace period of 12 years, with an annual interest rate of 0.1 percent.
However, in September 2020, the Cabinet of Ministers at the time approved the termination of the project, citing substantial operating costs and environmental concerns, among other reasons.
A December 2022 report from the National Audit Office revealed a financial loss of Rs. 5,978 million incurred by Sri Lanka following the unilateral termination of the LRT project by the former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa-led government.
In May 2023, the current Cabinet of Ministers decided to revive the project, coinciding with President Wickremesinghe’s official visit to Japan.
The revival decision was motivated by the aim to restore Sri Lanka’s credibility with the international community.
January 14, Colombo (LNW): The government has announced a revision in the Annual Excise Licence fees, effective from January 12, 2024.
Specifically, the Distillery Licence fee, excluding Palmyra arrack, has been adjusted to Rs. 25 million, whereas for Palmyra arrack, it stands at Rs. 05 million.
Additionally, the Licence fee pertaining to the bottling of Toddy has been revised to Rs. 10 million.
These adjustments in the fee structure are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to streamline and regulate the excise framework in the country.
IMF urges urgent action on bank recapitalization, property tax & an Anti-corruption Commission; also calls for focus on a new public financial management law, potential conflicts with the public-private partnership law & electricity tariffs: further highlights the need for amendments to the Banking Act.
Minister Dr Bandula Gunawardena says remarks by CB Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe that present & future Govts are bound to carry out the IMF programme, is a “grave” statement: calls for 3-day Parliament debate on these remarks: Chief Opposition Whip & SJB MP Lakshman Kiriella says his Party does not trust the current CB Governor: previously, UNP Chairman & MP Wajira Abeywardana had accused the CB Governor of declaring the country bankrupt, without Parliamentary approval.
Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon issues a list of names of 42,248 persons who are wanted for various criminal activities: orders these to be shared among OICs & Crimes OICs of all Police Stations with instructions to arrest such persons under the “Yukthiya” operation.
Minister of Labour Manusha Nanayakkara says proposals presented to increase the Motor Commissioner Dept income were delayed by more than 1 year by certain officials: calls for legal action against such officials: asserts the loss incurred by the Govt due to the delay should be recovered from those officials.
Dissident SLPP MP Gevindu Cumaratunga accuses President Ranil Wickremesinghe of abusing his ousted predecessor Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s mandate: questions the President’s recent statements in Jaffna regarding the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.
Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardene orders all Ministry/Provincial Secretaries & Heads of all State institutions to cut costs & bear only essential expenses when paying overtime, travel & other allowances: says these measures are due to rising state expenditure & declining state revenue: previously, the Govt had said state revenues have risen to unprecedentedly high levels.
SJB MP S M Marikkar says his Party will “take to the streets” along with the public on 30th Jan’24 to oust the current Govt, despite the Govt’s attempts to suppress the people: asserts the SJB won’t be intimidated by these moves: also says it was the SJB that went to the then President’s office on 16 March’22 to oust him.
SJB Economic Guru Dr Harsha de Silva says the message conveyed by Japan’s Finance Minister Suzuki Shunichi when he met Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa was that SL must (a) complete debt restructuring, (b) not jeopardise the IMF program, & (c) re-pay amounts due for cancelling the “Light Rail” project: previously, former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had terminated the 21km Japan-funded LRT project costing USD 1.8bn (at USD 85mn per km), on the grounds that it was not “cost-effective”.
Govt re-hires Singapore-based consulting firm Surbana Jurong to provide one-stop consultancy solutions on urbanisation, industrialisation and infrastructure: the consultants to review 3 key development plans: Western Region Megapolis, Eastern Development, & Southern Development.
Sports Minister Harin Fernando says foreigners coaching & mentoring players in the SL team, out-number the locals: laments that 8 white men (“Suddho”) decide what has to be done with the team but the players don’t understand what they are saying.
January 14, Colombo (LNW): A few showers may occur in Central, Uva and Eastern provinces, and mainly fair weather will prevail in the other areas of the island, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (14).
Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times in Uva, Central and North-Western provinces and in Ampara, Hambantota and Kegalle districts.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Mainly fair weather will prevail in the sea areas around the island.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (50-60) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Pottuvil to Matara via Hambantota.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Pottuvil to Matara via Hambantota can be rough at times.
An eminent Norwegian business person and philanthropist Kurt Mosvold was appointed as the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Kristiansand, Norway.
The Commission of Appointment issued under the hand of Foreign Minister Ali Sabry and the Exequatur issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway were presented to Mr. Mosvold by Sri Lanka’s Envoy to Norway Ambassador Dharshana M. Perera on 09 January 2024 in Stockholm.
Kurt Mosvold has a strong and long-standing presence in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector with several properties in southern Sri Lanka. He is engaged in several social upliftment initiatives in education, vocational training, etc through the Mosvold-Martinus Foundation (MME).
With his eminence in southern Norway, Mr. Mosvold’s role as Sri Lanka’s Honorary Consul is expected to further enhance Sri Lanka’s on-going engagement with Norway especially in tourism and economic initiatives, and facilitate the interests and needs of the Sri Lankan community in the region.
In preparation for his role as the Honorary Consul, Mr. Mosvold had discussions with the Ambassador of Sri Lanka and the Embassy team in consultative sessions which were followed by lunch with business persons in IT, representatives of tourism industry, diplomats, and others.
Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) initiates Investigations
The Ministry of Defence in Sri Lanka strongly refuted the allegations that a group of Sri Lankans was taken hostage by the Al-Shabaab militant group after a SLAF helicopter crash-landed in Somalia.
The SLAF MI 17 helicopter (SMH 4417) was on a routine cargo flight during a United Nations Peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic on January 12 crash-landed at Sam-Oundja during the landing phase due to rotor brownout (RWB) resulting from extreme dusty and sand conditions.
At the time of the incident, five crew members and 1200 kg of cargo were on board. Two crew members sustained minor injuries.
The Ministry of Defence further emphasized that the above five-member crew and the helicopter are safe within the Sri Lankan Contingent in Central African Republic.
The SLAF has appointed a panel of investigators to probe the crash of the helicopter and determine the precise cause and extent of the damage.
The Ministry of Defence urges the public to not to be misled by false information. Furthermore, media personnel are informed to reach out to the Ministry for any clarification.
