April 01, Colombo (LNW): As of March 27, 2024, Sri Lanka has witnessed a remarkable surge in tourist arrivals, surpassing the 600,000 milestone within the first 27 days of March.

This achievement was reported by provisional data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), and reflects a significant acceleration compared to the previous year.

In 2023, the country reached the 600,000 mark towards the end of June, highlighting the accelerated pace of recovery in the tourism sector.

Historical comparisons underscore the resilience of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, with the country successfully crossing the 700,000 mark by the end of March in both 2018 and 2019, prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Easter Sunday attacks.

As of the reporting date, Sri Lanka has welcomed a total of 181,872 international visitors, with a weekly arrival average of approximately 46,000 and a daily average of about 6,700.

Projections indicate that tourist arrivals are expected to surpass the 200,000 mark by the end of March.

Analysis of tourist arrival trends since 2015 suggests that the influx of international visitors typically experiences a slowdown from the third month of the year until July.

Leading the surge in tourist traffic for March 2024 is India, constituting 16 per cent of the total arrivals, followed closely by the Russian Federation at 14 per cent.

Germany ranks third, contributing 9 per cent of the total tourist arrivals, with the United Kingdom and China securing the fourth and fifth positions, respectively.

Meanwhile, earnings from tourism for the first two months of the year amounted to US$ 687 million, reflecting an impressive year-on-year growth of 118.2 per cent compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, Central Bank data showed.

April 01, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) has announced adjustments to fuel prices effective from midnight yesterday (31).

As per the revision, Petrol 95 Octane will see a reduction of Rs. 07, now priced at Rs. 440 per litre, while Super Diesel will witness a decrease of Rs. 72, bringing its price to Rs. 386 per litre.

Similarly, the price of Kerosene will be reduced by Rs. 12, now set at Rs. 245 per litre.

However, there will be no changes in the prices of Petrol 92 Octane and Auto Diesel, according to the CPC.

The revised fuel prices are as follows:

• Petrol Octane 92: Rs. 371
• Petrol Octane 95: Rs. 440
• Auto Diesel: Rs. 363
• Super Diesel: Rs. 386
• Kerosene: Rs. 245

By: Isuru Parakrama

April 01, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western, Southern, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces after 2.00 p.m. Fairly heavy showers above 50 mm are likely at some places, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (01).

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in North-western and Central provinces and in Mannar and Vavuniya districts in the evening or night.

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

General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

Meanwhile, heat index, the temperature felt on human body is expected to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Western, Southern, North-western, North-Central, Eastern provinces and Ratnapura, Monaragala, Mannar, Vavuniya and Mullaitivu districts.

The public is urged to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible, check up on the elderly and the sick, never leave children unattended, limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated, and wear lightweight and white or light-coloured clothing.

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe extends Easter wishes, reflecting on Christ’s resurrection as a symbol of hope amid economic challenges: emphasises unity, urging Sri Lankans to prioritise security and development while guarding against division: reaffirms the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring national security.
   
2. Leader of Mawbima Janatha Party (MJP) and ex-media giant Dilith Jayaweera says Sri Lanka is not the property of the Rajapaksa family: urges the Rajapaksa family not to play with the lives of the innocent people of Sri Lanka: strongly criticises Basil Rajapaksa, who according to him is ‘an American’, stressing that he should not be allowed to determine the course in which the country’s future elections are set.
   
3. The proposal to remove Mahinda Amaraweera, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, and Duminda Dissanayake from their SLFP positions was unanimously approved at a conference chaired by former President Maithripala Sirisena: K.P. Gunawardena, Hector Bethmage, and Sarath Ekanayake have been appointed as their successors.
   
4. Premier Dinesh Gunawardena pushes for stronger economic ties with China during his visit to Shanghai: Both countries advance this agenda by signing an MOU between China’s Quality Certification Centre and Sri Lanka’s Bureau of Standards, aiming to align trade standards.
   
5. IGP Tennakoon orders increased security at Sri Lankan churches for Easter Sunday, deploying over 9,500 officers and military personnel to protect 1,873 churches.
   
6. CB data reveals that Sri Lanka experienced an inflation rate of 0.9% in March, with the non-food sector seeing a slightly lower inflation of 0.5%: Moreover, tourism earnings notably increased from US$162 million in February 2023 to US$346 million in February 2024: Additionally, the country’s official reserves witnessed significant growth, reaching US$4.5 billion in February of this year from US$2.2 billion in February 2023.
   
7. The Health Ministry is investigating the death of a 50-year-old patient at Ragama Teaching Hospital shortly after receiving a vaccine: The patient, admitted for an ear condition, was pronounced dead after getting the ‘co-amoxiclav’ vaccine: Hospital authorities are conducting an internal probe to determine the cause of death, considering the possibility of an allergic reaction to the vaccine.
   
8. Deputy Director of Colombo National Hospital Dr. Rukshan Bellana discloses that the primary water tank and other storage facilities at the hospital have not been cleaned in two decades: The hospital manages 161 tanks, including the main tower, with no documented cleaning schedules: Despite routine bacterial assessments, concerns persist about water purity, risking patient and staff health, and equipment integrity: stresses the urgent need for corrective action, highlighting negligence by health inspectors and sanitation staff.
   
9. The UNESCO Executive Board unanimously approves a decision to commemorate the International Day of Vesak at UNESCO, following the initiative championed by Sri Lanka’s former Foreign Minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar: Led by Sri Lanka’s Permanent Delegation, the decision mandates annual Vesak commemorations at UNESCO Headquarters, emphasising Vesak’s universal significance and its alignment with UNESCO’s goals.
   
10. Sri Lanka Cricket unveils the new Ratnapura District Cricket Ground in Monaravila: The facility boasts seven turf wickets and will host various cricket matches, including international women’s games, benefiting local schools and clubs: The inauguration was attended by cricket officials and players, including Sri Lanka T20I Captain Wanindu Hasaranga and National Player Pathum Nissanka.

March 31, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe extended Easter wishes, reflecting on Christ’s resurrection as a symbol of hope amid economic challenges.

He emphasised unity, urging Sri Lankans to prioritide security and development while guarding against division.

The Sri Lankan President further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring national security.

President’s Easter Message.

As Christians worldwide rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we reflect on the profound significance of this event. Easter is preceded by a time of fasting and religious observance during the Lent season, symbolizing the journey of Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection.

In the face of unprecedented economic challenges, our nation has demonstrated resilience. Just as Christ’s resurrection brings hope, let us emerge stronger, united in our resolve to overcome obstacles.

As a diverse society, fostering unity is paramount. Let us join hands as Sri Lankans, dedicating ourselves to the country’s security, peace and development while guarding against divisive agendas.

While we commemorate Easter with reverence, we also remember the tragic events of the past perpetrated by extremists. The government remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring national security, preventing such tragedies from recurring.

On this blessed occasion, I extend heartfelt wishes for a joyful Easter to all Christians.

Ranil Wickremesinghe,
President,
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

March 31, Colombo (LNW): In a notable diplomatic development, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff, Sagala Ratnayaka, led a high-level delegation in discussions aimed at assessing bilateral economic connectivity projects between Sri Lanka and India.

These discussions took place in New Delhi on March 28, following an invitation from Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra.

Foreign Secretary Kwatra extended a cordial welcome to Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka, acknowledging the positive trajectory of Sri Lanka’s economic growth.

He emphasised that the current juncture presents an opportune moment for both nations to advance mutually agreed-upon projects, attributing this progress to the strategic vision of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Ratnayaka expressed appreciation for the extensive Indian assistance that has played a pivotal role in stabilising the Sri Lankan economy.

He provided insights into ongoing negotiations with the IMF and stressed the necessity of pursuing sustained economic growth.

Moreover, he underscored the significance of enhancing economic integration with India through improved connectivity, reflecting on the historical bonds that unite the two neighboring countries.

During the discussions, both parties conducted a comprehensive review of all bilateral projects, with a focus on ensuring their timely implementation.

It was mutually agreed to engage in this review process on a quarterly basis, demonstrating a shared commitment to achieving effective progress in bilateral economic cooperation.

With both nations poised to seize emerging opportunities, the deliberations in New Delhi marked a significant stride toward deepening bilateral ties and advancing mutual interests.

March 31, Colombo (LNW): Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon has issued directives for enhanced security measures at churches across Sri Lanka ahead of Easter Sunday services.

In response to potential security threats, a significant deployment of personnel has been organised, comprising 6,522 police officers, 320 members of the Police Special Task Force, and 2,746 military personnel.

This concerted effort aims to safeguard 1,873 Christian churches throughout the country during the Easter celebrations.

March 31, Colombo (LNW): The proposal for the removal of Mahinda Amaraweera, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, and Duminda Dissanayake from their positions within the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has been unanimously approved.

In this development, heat escalated dragging much media attention, and SLFP Chairman and ex President Maithripala Sirisena introduced the proposal, which received unanimous support during a conference convened yesterday (30).

The conference saw the participation of the SLFP Central Committee, Executive Council, as well as party electorate and district organisers.

Former President Maithripala Sirisena chaired the SLFP conference.

Consequently, K.P. Gunawardena, previously serving as the Mahiyangana Electorate Organiser, has been appointed as the National Organiser of the SLFP, succeeding Duminda Dissanayake.

Hector Bethmage has been appointed as the new Treasurer of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, succeeding Lasantha Alagiyawanna.

Furthermore, Sarath Ekanayake has been appointed as the new Senior Vice President of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, succeeding Mahinda Amaraweera.

March 31, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Cricket inaugurated the newly constructed Ratnapura District Cricket Ground in Monaravila on March 30, providing a vital sporting facility for the region and contributing to the development of cricket in the Sabaragamuwa province.

The new facility features seven centre turf wickets and is designed to accommodate various levels of cricket matches, including first-class games, under-19 cricket matches, practice sessions with visiting teams, and international women’s cricket matches.

Local schools and cricket clubs will have access to the ground for their practice sessions and competitive matches.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Mr. Shammi Silva, President of Sri Lanka Cricket, in the presence of Mr. Kanchana Jayaratne, President of the Ratnapura District Cricket Association, Mr. Sanath Jayasuriya, Consultant at Sri Lanka Cricket, as well as Mr. Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka T20I Captain, and Mr. Pathum Nissanka, Sri Lanka National Player, among other dignitaries.