1. Public Security Minister Tiran Alles says steps will be taken to present the Online Safety Bill to Parliament on 23rd Jan’24: also says “international” organizations, embassies and others are expressing opinions against the bill, but the Govt will not be influenced by such pressures.
2. President Ranil Wickremesinghe said to be planning to prorogue Parliament on 27th Jan’24: also expected to address the nation through the House when it is convened after the Independence Day celebration on 4th Feb’24.
3. President Ranil Wickremasinghe proposes to develop Victoria Dam in Kandy and the surrounding area as a major tourist attraction: the dam is named after Queen Victoria and was opened in 1985 by then President J R Jayewardene and then UK PM Margaret Thatcher.
4. SL Navy Spokesperson says 189.38kg of ‘ICE’ with a street value of approximately Rs.1.8bn and 55.64kg of Heroin with a street value of approximately Rs.1.4bn were seized from a vessel off the coast of Galle.
5. CID arrests Deputy Director of Health Services (Supplies Division) at the Ministry of Health, H B Herath over the alleged importation of substandard Immunoglobulins: Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court remands Herath until 10th Jan’24.
6. CID informs Fort Magistrate’s Court that an investigation has been launched into Ruwan Prasanna Gunaratne, who allegedly promoted suicide via religious preachings and committed suicide recently.
7. Police ask the public to notify them about any religious cults that manipulate or coerce people into adopting specific faiths that may pose a threat to their lives: notification to be done via their hotlines – “118” and “119”: clarifies that the Police has the authority to intervene if such incidents may lead to loss of life.
8. President of the “Organisation of Relatives of the Disappeared during Military Conflicts” Sivanathan Jenita and a civil society activist taken into custody for organizing a protest against President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to Vavuniya: these activists had raised black flags and protested at the Vavuniya Cultural Hall.
9. Cement manufacturers say the maximum retail price of a 50kg bag of locally manufactured cement has been increased by Rs.150 with immediate effect: increase due to the imposition of the VAT on 1st Jan’24: new price – Rs.2,450 per bag
10. Sri Lanka opening batsman Pathum Nissanka to miss the ODI Cricket series opening match against Zimbabwe as he is down with Dengue fever.

January 06, Colombo (LNW): M.D. Paul, Chairman of the National Construction Association of Sri Lanka, expressed deep concerns over the significant surge in construction costs, marking a 20% increase. This spike, attributed to the recent VAT hike effective from January 1, 2024, has created a dire crisis within the construction industry.

Paul highlighted the industry’s plight, emphasizing the adverse impact of including fuel under the VAT purview. The expansion of VAT applicability to various essentials, previously exempted, such as machinery, electricity, and light bulbs, has notably escalated construction expenses.

The consequential rise in costs, estimated at 20%, presents a challenging scenario for the construction sector, significantly impacting ongoing and future projects. The inclusion of these crucial construction components under VAT has amplified financial burdens and poses a considerable threat to the industry’s stability.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi – UAE celebrated the International Migrants Day on 18 December 2023 at the Embassy premises with the participation of Sri Lankan business community, remittance companies, professionals, technical experts, banks and women entrepreneurs. 

Addressing the gathering, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to UAE Udaya Indrarathna highlighted the importance of celebrating  International Migrants Day which gives the opportunity to appreciate and honour the dedicated services of the migrant workers around the world. Referring to the unique challenges that the migrant workers are facing, the Ambassador emphasized the Sri Lanka government’s positive initiatives for the welfare of Sri Lanka expatriates living abroad. 

Further, Ambassador appreciated the commitment and generosity shown by the UAE authorities by opening doors for Sri Lankan nationals. “They contribute their skills and talents within the UAE’s diverse workforce.  Opportunities have not only provided employment but have also fostered mutual understanding and strengthened the bilateral ties between two countries”, he said.  

Ambassador Indrarathna added that the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment together with the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment has undertaken several initiatives to support and protect Sri Lankan migrant workers abroad. 

He affirmed that the Embassy of Sri Lanka in UAE is fully committed to ensure the safety and welfare of the Sri Lankans in the UAE  fostering a sense of belonging and support in a foreign land. The Ambassador also extended gratitude and appreciation for the incredible contributions that migrant workers make to develop Sri Lanka’s economy.

Third Secretary of the Embassy Samantha Dhanayake delivered a speech on requirements of SLBFE registration, benefits and welfare facilities provided for migrant workers. 

Representing the Sri Lankan migrant workers in the UAE, Lokitha Karawita and Nilupul Kolambage addressed the gathering and shared their life experiences as migrant workers in the UAE. Micheline Ruth Fernando provided an insight into the life of the children of the migrant workers and also extended deep appreciation for the UAE for the opportunities given for all the migrant workers and their families to thrive and succeed in their chosen fields.

 Embassy of Sri Lanka 

 Abu Dhabi

January 06, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka – Egypt Parliamentary Friendship Association (PFA) for the Ninth Parliament convened its inaugural meeting in Parliament, presided over by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana. During the session, Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakse was nominated by MP Mohamed Muzammil for the role of Secretary, a proposal confirmed by MP Madhura Withanage.

January 05, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Northern and Eastern provinces.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere after 2.00 p.m.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces during the morning.

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

January 05, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has proposed an ambitious plan to transform the Victoria Dam in Kandy and its surrounding area into a prominent tourist destination, marking a significant leap in the region’s tourism landscape.

Recognized as the tallest dam in the country, the Victoria Dam stands as a cornerstone achievement of the accelerated Mahaweli development project. Commissioned in 1985 and named after Queen Victoria, the dam’s inauguration was presided over by President J.R. Jayewardene and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

As part of the new development initiative, plans are underway to erect a statue of Queen Victoria in close proximity to the dam, commemorating its namesake and historical significance.

The development project is currently in progress, with Central Province Governor Lalith Gamage conducting an inspection of the site’s advancements on the 4th of this month. Governor Gamage emphasized that further enhancements aimed at positioning this area as a prime attraction for both local and international tourists will pave the way for new income opportunities for local residents.

The envisioned transformation of the Victoria Dam area into a tourist hotspot not only celebrates its engineering marvel but also promises to offer visitors an enriched experience while creating economic prospects for the local community.

January 05, Colombo (LNW): The Urban Development Authority (UDA), in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank, is poised to inject over Rs. one billion into transforming Sigiriya/Dambulla and Trincomalee into thriving tourism hubs.

Minister Prasanna Ranatunga highlighted that this pivotal project faced setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic challenges. However, the government aims to kickstart this initiative by allocating an initial investment of Rs. 320 million this year. The primary objective is to convert specific locations within Sigiriya/Dambulla and Trincomalee cities into designated tourism zones while facilitating necessary infrastructure development.

Besides enhancing infrastructure, the project emphasizes the preservation and development of historically significant sites. “Creation of new car parks and similar initiatives will significantly bolster tourism revenue, particularly benefiting stakeholders in these regions,” Minister Ranatunga stated, adding that consultations with regional provincial councils and relevant ministries have been initiated to gather diverse perspectives for this project’s success.

The Trincomalee segment of the project encompasses six sub-projects aimed at comprehensive development. These include plans for Dutch Bay and Back Bay Beach Development, preservation and enhancement of Fort Frederick, the establishment of public facilities for hot springs, construction of floating restaurants, and the creation of eco-parks.

Furthermore, the project outlines strategies for improving Powder Island and Crow Island Areas, modernizing Colonial Buildings, including the Trincomalee Port Head Office Premises, to uplift the aesthetic and functional appeal of these locations.