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Today’s (Dec 28) official exchange rates

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Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) indicates further appreciation against the US Dollar today (28) in comparison to yesterday, as per the official exchange rates of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).

Accordingly, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 319.14 from Rs. 320.53, and the selling price to Rs. 328.87 from Rs. 330.38.

The Sri Lankan Rupee, meanwhile, indicates fluctuation against other foreign currencies.

1422 more suspects apprehended in ‘Yukthiya’ Operation

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Colombo (LNW): A total of 1422 suspects were apprehended during the “Yukthiya” (Justice) operation conducted between 0030 hours on December 27, 2023, and 0030 hours on December 28, 2023.

Further investigations are currently underway for 35 suspects based on detention orders.

Additionally, illegal asset investigations have been initiated for three suspects, and 37 individuals identified as drug addicts have been sent to rehabilitation centres.

The operation also led to the arrest of 73 individuals listed by the Police Narcotics Bureau and the Special Bureau.

The seized quantities of illicit substances include 347g of heroin, 827g of crystal methamphetamine (“ice”), 5kg 475g of cannabis, 6691 cannabis plants, 208g of mawa, and 3574 pills.

Renowned Actor and DMDK Chief Vijayakanth dies at 71 after Covid-19 complications

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World (LNW): Renowned actor and DMDK chief, Vijayakanth, aged 71, passed away on Thursday at a private hospital in Chennai.

The party confirmed that he had been on ventilator support after testing positive for Covid-19, though the hospital’s statement attributed his condition to pneumonia.

The hospital’s official statement read, “Captain Vijayakanth was on ventilatory support following his admission for pneumonia. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he passed away in the morning on 28th December 2023.”

Vijayakanth was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday for a routine health check-up.

At the time, the party had asserted that he was in good health and expected to return home after the necessary tests.

Expressing condolences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the loss of his “close friend” Vijayakanth, stating that his passing creates a “void that will be hard to fill.”

As an actor, Vijayakanth earned recognition for his impactful performances in Tamil cinema during the 1980s and 1990s. Fondly known as “Captain” in the industry, he starred in numerous successful films and carved a niche for himself as an action hero.

In the realm of politics, Vijayakanth founded the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) in 2005 and entered active politics. He contested in various elections, including the state assembly elections, and held influential positions.

His transition from a popular actor to a significant political figure marked a distinctive chapter in his public life.

SriLankan Airlines expands fleet with second Air Belgium aircraft

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Colombo (LNW): SriLankan Airlines is set to enhance its fleet with the addition of a second aircraft from Air Belgium in mid-January 2024, a recent statement from the flag carrier disclosed.

The airline recently celebrated the arrival of a wide-bodied Airbus A330-200, which was wet-leased from Air Belgium. This strategic acquisition contributes to the expansion and efficiency of SriLankan’s fleet.

The newly acquired aircraft is configured with 22 Business Class and 240 Economy Class seats, reflecting a commitment to providing diverse travel options for passengers.

The Airbus A330-200 is slated to commence operations on key routes, including Frankfurt, Dhaka, and Dubai, starting from December 29, 2023.

This deployment is part of SriLankan’s ongoing efforts to optimise its route network and offer enhanced connectivity to its passengers.

SL reports measles cases surge in 09 districts

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Colombo (LNW): There is an increase in the number of measles cases across nine districts, the Health Ministry disclosed.

In response, Secretary to the Ministry of Health Dr. Palitha Mahipala has announced a targeted vaccination programme for infants aged 6-9 months.

The vaccination initiative is scheduled to be implemented in districts with a higher incidence of measles, including Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Kandy, Jaffna, Kurunegala, and Kalmunai.

The programme is set to take place on January 6th, from 9 am to 4 pm.

It is noteworthy that Sri Lanka achieved certification from the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2019, recognising the country as one that successfully eradicated measles.

The current vaccination efforts aim to address the recent uptick in measles cases and maintain the nation’s health achievements.

Fire erupts in Jaffna building: Rapid response by fire brigade ensures no injuries

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Colombo (LNW): In the early hours of this morning (28), a fire incident occurred in a building located in Jaffna.

Sri Lanka Police reported that the fire affected three shops within the building.

The Fire Brigade of the Jaffna Municipal Council promptly responded and successfully extinguished the fire.

Fortunately, there were no reported injuries resulting from the incident; however, several adjacent shops sustained damage.

At present, the cause of the fire remains undisclosed, and investigations are underway to determine the origin of the incident.

Inmates transferred as Dept addresses risk of brain fever spread

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Colombo (LNW): The Department of Prisons has announced the transfer of prisoners from Matara Prison to Angunakolapelessa Prison as a preventive measure against the potential spread of brain fever.

In response to the identified risk, a decision has been made to administer antibiotics for brain fever to inmates in other prisons suspected to be at risk.

Dr. Hemantha Ranasinghe, Director of Prison Health Services, asserted that the implementation of this programme is imminent.

He further noted that the administration of antibiotics for brain fever has been initiated for both inmates and officials at Matara Prison.

Brain fever is predominantly affecting individuals with a history of drug addiction. Biosamples collected from several sick inmates at Matara Prison revealed one confirmed case of brain fever.

This proactive measure aims to contain the spread of the disease within the prison system.

8 mn imported eggs sent to SATHOSA outlets amid festive season demand

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Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka State Trading (General) Corporation has announced the dispatch of an additional 8 million imported eggs to SATHOSA outlets.

The Department of Animal Production and Health has granted approval for the stock of eggs, Chairman Asiri Walisundara asserted.

As a result of this approval, the eggs will be made accessible to customers through SATHOSA outlets starting today (28).

Walisundara acknowledged the heightened demand for eggs during the festive season, noting that numerous stores have depleted their egg inventory, prompting the daily importation of 1 million eggs to meet market requirements.

Port trade unions call off work-to-rule campaign amid salary increase demands

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Colombo (LNW): The All-Ceylon General Ports Employees Union has announced the cancellation of the work-to-rule campaign initially scheduled to commence on December 28.

The union had intended to initiate a token strike on this day to advocate for salary increases.

Chief Secretary Niroshan Gorakana stated that union members are now planning to engage in a trade union action after January 09.

On December 27, the Colombo District Court issued an enjoining order against the trade unions affiliated with the Ports Authority.

This legal measure restrains them from conducting a token strike that could disrupt the operations of the Colombo Port.

Dollar rate at commercial banks today (Dec 28)

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Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) has further appreciated against the US Dollar today (28) in comparison to yesterday, as per leading commercial banks in the country.

At Peoples Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 318.48 from Rs. 319.41, and the selling price to Rs. 329.58 from Rs. 330.60.

At Commercial Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 317.02 from 317.89, and the selling price to Rs. 328 from Rs. 329.25, respectively.

At Sampath Bank, the buying and selling prices of the US Dollar have dropped to Rs. 318.5 from Rs. 320 and to Rs. 327.5 from Rs. 329, respectively.