January 01, Colombo (LNW): The prices of fuel have been revised with effect from 5 am this morning (Jan 01) announced the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO).
Accordingly, the price of a litre of 92 octane petrol has increased by Rs. 20, the price of a litre of 95 octane petrol by Rs. 38, a litre of white diesel by Rs. 29, and a litre of super diesel, Rs. 41.
The price of a litre of kerosene has been slashed by Rs. 11.
By: Isuru Parakrama
January 01, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Uva and Southern province and in Ampara, and Batticaloa districts, with several spells of showers being expected in North-Central province and in Trincomalee district, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (01).
A few showers are likely in Northern province, and showers or thundershowers may occur at several places elsewhere of the island after 2.00 p.m.
Heavy showers about 100 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central and Uva provinces.
Fairly strong winds about (30-35) kmph can be expected at times in Northern, North-Western and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district.
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 minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
| Condition of Rain: |
| Showers or thundershowers can occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Trincomalee to Galle via Pottuvil and Hambantota. Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places elsewhere in the sea areas around the island during the afternoon or night. |
| Winds: |
| Winds will be north-easterly and wind speed will be (25-35) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (40-50) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Pottuvil to Galle via Hambantota. |
| State of Sea: |
| The sea areas off the coasts extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Pottuvil to Galle via Hambantota will 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): The Mobile Phone Marketing and Sales Association (MPMSA) has announced a 35 percent increase in the selling prices of all mobile phones, starting tomorrow (Jan 01), due to the newly imposed Value Added Tax (VAT).
Association President Sampath Senarath cited the decision as a response to the 18 per cent VAT hike effective from tomorrow.
Anticipating a significant impact on the market, Senarath highlighted an expected 50 per cent decline in the mobile phone market with the new pricing structure.
Consequently, a mobile phone originally priced at Rs. 100,000 will now be sold at Rs. 135,000.
Colombo (LNW): As the clock struck midnight on December 31, 2023, Kiritimati, a small Pacific island also known as Christmas Island, etched its name in history by being the first location globally to herald the dawn of the new year.
Situated in the Kiribati archipelago, the New Year’s celebration on Kiritimati not only marked the commencement of 2024 but also underscored its distinctive geographical advantage, placing it at the forefront of global time zones.
Positioned at UTC+14, Kiritimati is located on the easternmost edge of the international date line, making it the initial inhabited location to transition into the new year.
Renowned for its breathtaking coral atoll and pristine beaches, this isolated island has garnered international attention as the inaugural site for New Year’s celebrations.
Colombo (LNW): A sudden and unfortunate incident occurred involving the unexpected death of a patient at the Colombo National Hospital. The incident was linked to the inadvertent ingestion of carbon dioxide during the post-surgical recovery care provided.
Following a thorough post-mortem examination, the cause of death was determined to be respiratory hypoxia. However, there was no explicit mention in the report of any unexpected or unusual events at the hospital contributing to the case.
The deceased was identified as a 61-year-old unmarried woman from Nugegoda, who had undergone breast surgery. Notably, she held the position of an executive director at Verité Research.
The mortal remains of the deceased have been respectfully placed at the Borella Remand Flower Hall, with the final rites scheduled for today, the 31st.
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By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): SLT-Mobitel, the National ICT Solutions Provider, is spreading festive cheer with a range of exciting seasonal offers for both new and existing customers.
The promotions include extra data benefits, special deals on new products, services, and devices, delighting broadband, PEOTV and smartphone users with amazing surprises.
Offering a joyful December, customers who activate a new Call-A-Tune service stand a chance to win an amazing gift voucher worth Rs. 25,000.
The promotion runs from 20 December 2023 to 20 January 2024. Multiple activations are permitted, increasing the chances of winning.
For all new PEOTV connections, throughout December 2023, SLT-Mobitel offers a free preview of CinemaWorld.
A special movie promotion has also been introduced on PEOTV and customers who enjoy two or more movies during the month of December will stand a chance to win valuable gift vouchers for shopping.
Customers who register for the Duthaya service from 18 to 31 December, enjoy a 10% discount on all services until 31 March 2024, using a unique promo code.
New customers in January 2024 who subscribe to Kaspersky are eligible for a raffle draw. However, the subscription must remain active until 30 April 2024.
Moreover, users who subscribe to Hitflix will receive the first month free, and the offer is valid from 1 to 31 December.
Seasonal delights also include an Eazy Storage Deal where new credit card customers who register from 24 November to 31 December can enjoy 60 days of free Eazy Storage services.
SLT-Mobitel seasonal bonanzas for existing customers include a 50GB FREE 7xFun data bundle valid for 14 days that can be claimed via the MySLT App or MySLT Portal till 31 December 2023 which can be activated from the Data Add-on page.
All Voice customers can enjoy free calls to any network on 24 and 25 December. In addition, based on the Double Play to Triple Play promotion, existing fibre customers can upgrade to Triple Play with a PEOTV connection for Rs. 4,990 + taxes throughout December 2023.
Extending the festive spirit, SLT-Mobitel has introduced an unbeatable range of discounts, up to 52%, on various devices and services purchased from eTeleshop and SLT sales outlets between 15 and 31 December 2023.
Some notable discounts include Mylion Mini UPS up to 52% off, DCP DC UPS with 50% off, Prolink Xtend PRO Wi-Fi Mesh at 43% off, and Kaspersky Standard 3 Devices 1 Year offered at 14% off.
SLT-Mobitel is committed to delivering world-class services and products. Making this festive season even more special, SLT-Mobitel has carefully curated a mix of offers catering to the digital lifestyle requirements of diverse customer segments.
The incredible offers aim to enhance the digital experience for SLT-Mobitel customers, ringing in a wonderful New Year.
By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): Lanka Hotels and Residencies Ltd. (LHR) Chairman Don Gamini Gunaratne revealed that following years of delay owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and Sri Lanka’s economic woes, the Sheraton Colombo Hotel, which was developed by LHR, was officially launched on 30 December.
He stated that LHR had invested nearly $ 100 million in the development of the Colombo Sheraton Hotel.
He further revealed that LHR had entered into a 30-year management contract with Marriott International for the hotel.
“We have entered into a management contract with them. It is the same principle that has been adopted in Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, which was done by Abans and managed by Marriott,” he stated.
In May 2012, LHR and its promoters – Green Water Resorts Ltd. India and Eurocon Building Industries FZC of the UAE – entered into a management agreement in Colombo with the US-based Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc., owners of the Sheraton brand, to operate and manage the Sheraton Colombo Hotel.
The 320-room Sheraton Colombo Hotel located in Colombo 3, complete with a Presidential Suite and other themed luxury suites along with a collection of four restaurant outlets, was originally scheduled to be launched in 2020.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis proved to be a damper on such plans.
The architectural contract for Sheraton Colombo Hotel had been awarded to leading global architectural design consultancy firm WS Atkins, which is also the designer and engineer for Burj Al Arab, the Address Downtown, Dubai Metro, and the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
The interior design contract was awarded to Catallo Associates of Singapore. International hotel brand Sheraton is coming to Sri Lanka with a $80 million investment through a new Sri Lanka partner, contrary to earlier reports that India-based ITC Ltd was bringing the brand here.
ITC Ltd is a franchisee for the US-based Sheraton leisure group and it was earlier announced that this entity was bringing the Sheraton brand in a $75 million investment.
However, Lanka Hotels & Residencies Pvt Ltd and its promoters, Greenwater Resorts Pvt Ltd India and Eurocon Building Industries FZC of the UAE signed an agreement in Colombo with US-based Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc, owners of the Sheraton brand to operate and manage the ‘Sheraton Colombo’ hotel.
The agreement was signed by Lanka Hotels Chairman K.D. Gamini Gunaratne, Nandkishor Chaturvedi and Ravindra Lad (Lanka Hotels’ directors) and Nikhil Manchharam, Starwood Group Vice President .
The architect of the project is W.S. Atkins, designers and engineers of Dubai’s landmark Burj Al Arab hotel and the Olympic Games in London. “Lanka Hotels and the Starwood Group are looking forward to other development opportunities in Sri Lanka,” the statement said.
By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is set to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with Thailand during Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visit to Sri Lanka in February 2024.
Thailand free trade agreement (FTA) wukk be finalized in February 2024 following the latest round of talks between the two countries, according to the Thailand Commerce Ministry.
Tariff cuts under FTAs come as an outcome of negotiation between the two countries, unlike in the case of multilateral liberalisation under the World Trade Organization.
Tariff cuts may not take place instantaneously according to tariff concessions offered under a number of FTAs recently signed by Thailand.
In all cases, the actual tariff cuts have fallen well short of initial expectations. Domestic protectionist lobby plays an important role in determining the actual outcome of FTAs.
Chotima Iemsawasdikul, director-general of the ministry’s Department of Trade Negotiations, told the media that Sri Lanka hosted the ninth round of FTA negotiations with Thailand on Dec 18–20, which was attended by Auramon Supthaweethum, director-general of the Department of Business Development and adviser to the FTA negotiation team.
FTA negotiations between the countries resumed in November after they were put on hold for four years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing restructuring of Sri Lanka’s government agencies.
Ms Chotima said the latest round of talks agreed on rules on trade, services, investments and economic cooperation.
The Commerce Ministry will submit the results to the cabinet for approval before the premier travels to Sri Lanka to sign the agreement in February, as per an invitation by Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, she said.
Despite being a small country of 22 million people, Sri Lanka plays a significant role in maritime freight in the Indian Ocean, and it is home to abundant natural resources, such as gemstones, graphite and aquatic animals, she said.
Many industries in Thailand will benefit from the FTA, including those in automotive, fashion, gems, metal, electronic goods, machinery, rubber gloves, pet food and corn, she said, adding the FTA will also benefit service firms, including those in finance, insurance, tourism and research and development.
From January to October this year, the value of two-way trade between Thailand and Sri Lanka was worth US$320.37 million (about 10.9 billion baht).
Thailand exported goods worth $213.49 million, while it imported goods worth $106.88 million from Sri Lanka.
The much-anticipated Sheraton Colombo Hotel, part of the world’s largest hotel chain Marriott International, is expected to be officially opened today.
By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan importers are proactively increasing container imports, placing orders hurriedly and deliberately exploiting January VAT surge with a sole purpose of earning profits by selling their commodity stocks at high prices, the finance ministry disclosed.
Importers are exceeding their daily imports of containers to capitalize from VAT hike in January, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya claimed.
Addressing the media, he said the daily container imports, which were 700, had suddenly increased to beyond 1,000, causing huge congestion at the port to release them.
“The trick of these importers is to sell these goods at a higher price with the VAT by completing the clearance process before January 1, when the VAT will be increased to 18%,” the Minister said.
He mentioned that it is also the responsibility of the media to intervene to stop such actions.
Meanwhile, the minister also commented on the need to raise the price of alcohol again due to the increase in VAT.
He said that although goods like fuel, gas, and chemical fertilisers are subject to VAT, the price of non-essential goods like alcohol will increase due to the decision to exempt ports and airports fees.
The deficit in the merchandise trade account narrowed to US dollars 390 million in November 2023, compared to the deficit of US dollars 449 million recorded in November 2022 as well as US dollars 683 million recorded in October 2023.
In the meantime, the cumulative deficit in the trade account during January to November 2023 narrowed to US dollars 4,414 million from US dollars 4,827 million recorded over the same period in 2022.
Due to the inaction of the Customs officials, a large number of containers, including essential food, are caught in heavy traffic in the port, the All Island United Container Transport Owners’ Association (AIUCTOA) said.
AIUCTOA president Sanath Manjula told Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva during his official visit to the Ports Authority that the traffic situation has been created artificially by the wharf clerks.
Many containers, including potatoes and onions, are stuck at the port.The wharf clerks take money underhand to release container lorries, Manjula said, adding that there was a system to release container trucks by the drivers themselves. But the wharf clerks interfere and create this artificial traffic.
He complained to Minister Silva to introduce a new system to clear the issues and also told the Minister to take this issue to the President for a new system.
“If these containers are not released soon, the congestion will increase. This situation will also affect the country’s economy,” the association president said.
Colombo (LNW): In light of the recent Value Added Tax (VAT) increase, the Excise Department is intensifying its efforts to curb illegal liquor activities, articulating a commitment to rigorous enforcement of pertinent laws.
Kapila Kumarasinghe, the Excise Commissioner and Spokesperson, has officially acknowledged that directives have been issued to officials to escalate the frequency and intensity of targeted raids.
This strategic response by the Excise Department underscores the recognition of potential challenges arising from the VAT hike and the necessity to address unlawful practices related to liquor collection.
The move indicates a proactive stance in upholding regulatory frameworks and deterring illicit activities within the liquor industry.
