January 01, Colombo (LNW): Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe during an interview with Ada Derana expressed optimism about improved economic conditions in Sri Lanka for the year 2024.
Weerasinghe indicated that the country is on a positive trajectory toward recovery, foreseeing continued growth from the fourth quarter of 2023 into 2024.
This trend is expected to lead to the normalisation of the economy and an enhancement of livelihoods, the CB Chief pointed out.
However, Dr. Weerasinghe cautioned that challenges, such as high taxation in specific sectors, are anticipated, adding that these measures are deemed necessary to provide relief to those most severely affected by the economic crisis.
Despite these challenges, the Governor outlined a positive economic outlook for 2024, predicting low-interest rates, reduced government borrowings, and increased resources available for private sector business operations.
January 01, Colombo (LNW): In his New Year message, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa reflected on the challenges faced in 2023, a year marked by setbacks.
He emphasised the need for a formal mandate to establish a government, with a focus on preparing for upcoming elections to prevent the sustained dominance of the current administration.
He further highlighted the unprecedented challenges to citizens’ livelihoods due to the government’s shortsighted actions and advocates for a governance system prioritising people’s welfare over rulers’ indulgences.
Despite lacking power, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has provided public service, Premadasa went on, calling for unity to overcome the burdensome imposition of multiple taxes.
The Opposition Leader further underscored the critical significance of the upcoming elections in shaping Sri Lanka’s future and urges everyone to unite, cherish achievements, and safeguard democracy in the coming year.
New Year message of the Leader of the Opposition
The conclusion of a year marked by numerous setbacks is approaching, giving way to the dawn of a new year. Regrettably, 2023 stands as a period devoid of triumphs and joy for our hearts, leaving the populace without a semblance of victory.
To navigate the prevailing confusion and despair, it becomes imperative to establish a government through formal mandate. The primary endeavour should focus on paving the way for forthcoming elections. Without this progression, 2024 may mirror past occurrences, allowing the current administration to sustain its dominance while guiding the Rajapakshas across the dilapidated bridge to safety.
The ordinary livelihoods of our citizens face unprecedented challenges amidst severe economic and political risks. The current regime’s shortsighted actions have upended the self-sufficient economic model grounded in agriculture and entrepreneurship. To rectify this, a governance system prioritising the welfare of the people over the rulers’ indulgences becomes an urgent necessity.
Over the last three years, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, as the people’s opposition, has undertaken an unparalleled public service in the 75-year history of our democracy, despite lacking power. Our commitment remains unwavering as we strive to sustain this service into 2024. Furthermore, amidst the government’s burdensome imposition of multiple taxes, unity becomes imperative to salvage and reconstruct the lives of our citizens.
The forthcoming year holds critical significance for Sri Lanka, marked by elections that will shape our nation’s future. Hence, I implore everyone to unite and fulfill the nation’s aspirations while peacefully cherishing our achievements and safeguarding democracy. My sole aspiration is for the people to realise their hopes in the approaching year.
January 01, Colombo (LNW): During the “Yukthiya” (Justice) special operation conducted between 0030 hours on 31.12.2023 and 0030 hours on 01.01.2024, a total of 1,229 suspects were apprehended, with further investigations being conducted on 86 suspects based on detention orders, Police said.
Among those detained, 40 drug addicts have been sent to rehabilitation centres.
These arrests and seizures are part of ongoing efforts to address and curb illegal drug-related activities in the island.
Additionally, 100 suspects listed by the Police Narcotics Bureau and the Special Bureau were arrested during the operation, Police emphasised.
The quantities of drugs seized during this special operation include:
440g of heroin
260g of crystal methamphetamine (“ice”)
15kg 300g of Cannabis
3,948 cannabis plants
01kg 300g of Mawa
417 pills
The detainees will undergo legal processes, and the police continue to work towards maintaining public safety and combating drug-related crimes.
January 01, Colombo (LNW): Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC) and SINOPEC have announced a price hike in their fuel simultaneous to the price revision declared by the state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) earlier this morning (01).
Below are the revised fuel prices declared by the two private companies.
01 litre of Petrol 92 Octane increased by Rs. 20 to Rs. 366.
01 litre of Petrol 95 Octane increased by Rs. 38 to Rs. 464.
01 litre of White Diesel increased by Rs. 29 to Rs. 358.
01 litre of Super Diesel increased by Rs. 41 to Rs. 475.
01 litre of Kerosene increased by Rs. 11 to Rs. 236.
January 01, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) remains largely steady against the US Dollar on the first day of the New Year in comparison to last year’s last week’s Friday, as per leading commercial banks in the country.
At Peoples Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has increased to Rs. 318.14 from Rs. 318.09, and the selling price has dropped to Rs. 329.23 from Rs. 329.58.
At Commercial Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 317.02 from Rs. 318.14, and the selling price to Rs. 328 from Rs. 328.25.
At Sampath Bank, the buying and selling prices of the US Dollar remain unchanged at Rs. 318.5 and Rs. 327.5, respectively.
January 01, Colombo (LNW): The government of Sri Lanka is further burdening an already financially strained populace through continuous taxation, National Peoples Power (NPP) member Nalin Hewage asserted.
He emphasised the significant impact on citizens, who now have to bear the brunt of paying Rs. 150 for each litre of petrol and diesel.
Highlighting the interconnectedness of energy sources, Hewage noted that since electricity generation relies on diesel, the exorbitant fuel prices make it impractical for factories or businesses to operate efficiently.
Expressing concern over the recent Value Added Tax (VAT) hike, the NPP member warned of adverse consequences for the manufacturing sector, and anticipated a decline in production capacity and foresees potential job losses, attributing these negative outcomes to the government’s taxation policies.
This critique suggests a broader impact on the economy, emphasising the need for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to address the challenges faced by both individuals and industries.
January 01, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has witnessed a notable surge in online job fraud cases, with over 150 police complaints filed this year, primarily through the “Telegram” messaging app, Head of Sri Lanka Police’s Computer Crimes Investigation Unit, SSP Dharshika Kumari disclosed.
The concerning increase in scams particularly target the youth, she pointed out.
The modus operandi typically involves scammers initiating communication through popular apps like Telegram, enticing victims with enticing job offers. The scammers exploit the allure of work-from-home opportunities with flexible schedules and claim that no prior experience is necessary, creating an appealing proposition for unsuspecting individuals.
This rise in online job scams poses a serious threat to individuals seeking employment opportunities, emphasising the need for increased awareness and vigilance among the public.
Authorities are working to investigate and address these fraudulent activities, urging citizens to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of job offers prior to proceeding.
The use of platforms like Telegram for fraudulent activities underscores the evolving nature of cybercrime and the importance of adapting preventive measures to safeguard individuals from falling victim to such scams.
January 01, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has communicated to India its decision to prohibit any Chinese research vessel from docking at its ports or operating within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for a duration of one year, the Hindustan Times reported.
The move follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to President Ranil Wickremesinghe to acknowledge and respect Indian strategic and security concerns.
Sri Lanka’s decision implies that the Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3 will not receive clearance to conduct deep-water exploration in the south Indian Ocean.
The moratorium, declared by the government, was transmitted to India through high-level diplomatic channels last week. This development means that the Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3, scheduled for “deep water exploration” in the south Indian Ocean from January 5, 2024, to late May, will not be allowed clearance by Sri Lankan authorities.
Sri Lanka’s decision comes after objections from India and the US regarding Colombo’s engagement with Chinese scientific research vessels and ballistic missile trackers in the Indian Ocean.
The Sri Lankan government declared the one-year moratorium after objections were raised by India and the US over Colombo’s support for Chinese research vessels.
The move is part of heightened concerns regarding China’s activities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The objections were raised concerning the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6, which conducted a joint maritime survey with the Sri Lankan maritime agency in October-November.
Despite Indian objections, Colombo allowed the vessel to dock at its seaport after Wickremesinghe’s visit to Beijing for the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on October 17-18.
In the past, Chinese research ships, ballistic missile trackers, and hydrographic vessels have entered the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and conducted deep surveys.
At least 25 Chinese ships, including PLA warships, submarines, ballistic missile trackers, and research vessels, operated in the IOR this year, causing concerns for India and the US.
Since 2019, a total of 48 Chinese scientific research vessels have been deployed in the IOR, primarily focusing on the east and west coastlines of India and the deep Indian Ocean.
CPC revises fuel prices following the VAT increase: Petrol 92 increased by Rs.20 per litre to Rs.366: Petrol 95 increased by Rs.38 to Rs.464: Auto Diesel increased by Rs.29 to Rs.358: Super Diesel increased by Rs.41 to Rs.475: Kerosene reduced by Rs.11 to Rs.236: in March’22, Petrol 92 was Rs.177 per litre (now Rs.366), while Auto Diesel was Rs.121 per litre (now Rs.358), with consumption of fuel being 50% higher than at present.
Ceylon Tobacco Co increases prices of cigarettes under 4 categories following the increase in Excise Duty & VAT: prices increased by Rs.5, Rs.15, Rs.20 & Rs.25 per stick.
National Water Supply & Drainage Board to increase the Water tariff by 3% from Jan’24, in line with the VAT hike.
Inter-Provincial Private Bus Assn, All Island School Van Operators Assn, and All-Island Three-Wheeler Drivers’ Union say their fares would have to increase in Jan’24 following the imposition of VAT at 18%.
Director of the State Revenue Unit of the President’s Office K K I Eranda says the Govt is expecting Rs.1,400bn from VAT in 2024, after broadening the base and raising the rate: also says Rs.600bn was expected from VAT in 2023, but only about Rs.450bn had been collected.
Health Minister Dr Ramesh Pathirana says Govt capital investment was absent in 2022 & 2023: also says Govt specifically directed its efforts towards debt restructuring and settlement during that period: further says steps are underway to regulate prices by importing rice & eggs: emphasises the VAT rate increase is only 3% & therefore the overall impact may not be as significant as anticipated.
Police Spokesman says a Policeman was killed & another injured during a shooting incident near a hotel in Weligama while Police were conducting a raid.
UAE Govt informs the Embassy of SL in Abu Dhabi that 44 Sri Lankans in prisons in UAE have been pardoned by a Royal order, on the occasion of the 52nd National Day of the UAE that fell on 2nd Dec’23.
Ministry of Public Security says a total of 20,797 persons have been arrested and 11.6 kgs of heroin, 8.3 kgs of ICE & 72,272 narcotic pills have been seized during the past 14 days of the ‘Yukthiya’ operation.
Total storage capacity of SL’s hydropower reservoirs rises to 97.8%: capacities of Victoria & Randenigala Reservoirs at 100%: accordingly, the country’s present energy requirements can now be met with hydropower: hence, consumers can expect a downward revision of electricity tariffs in the 1st quarter of the new year.
January 01, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his message for the New Year called upon every citizen to unite in the shared commitment to rebuild the nation as the year 2024 begins.
Emphasising that the collective responsibility for revitalising the beloved nation lies in the hands of each individual, he acknowledged both the challenges and the potential for rejuvenation in the coming year.
Wickremesinghe highlighted the intrinsic connection between personal aspirations and the country’s resurgence from its current state of crisis.
He underscored the significance of every Sri Lankan contributing to this national resurgence, emphasising the critical role of recognising and fulfilling this collective responsibility in the process of rebuilding the nation.
President’s New Year Message 2024:
As we step into the year 2024, we find ourselves facing both challenges and the prospect of revitalising the beloved nation. While each of us holds myriad personal aspirations, the realisation of these goals is intrinsically tied to the resurgence of the country from its current state of crisis.
Through the unwavering commitment of all the citizens and their resilience throughout the past year, we achieved a foundational success in saving the country from financial distress. However, in order to achieve economic stability, we must continue to forge ahead in this demanding path – one that is not adorned with flowers but presents formidable challenges.
The responsibility to contribute to this national resurgence rests upon every Sri Lankan. Recognising and fulfilling this collective responsibility is crucial for the rebuilding of the nation. January, named after God Janus, the God of beginnings and transitions in Roman mythology. God Janus possessed two faces to see the past and the future, serves as a reminder for us to reflect on the shared responsibilities.
Let us, in the spirit of the New Year, commit to fulfilling these responsibilities for the greater good of the country acknowledging both the past and the future. Through responsible and dedicated efforts, let us strive to make the New Year a prosperous one.
