March 13, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee continues to exhibit strength against the US Dollar in commercial banks in Sri Lanka today (March 13), marking a further appreciation compared to Tuesday’s rates.
As reported by Peoples Bank, the buying and selling rates of the US Dollar remain stable at Rs. 300.82 and Rs. 311.30, respectively.
Commercial Bank notes a reduction in the buying rate of the US Dollar from Rs. 300.48 to Rs. 300.41, while the selling rate has also dropped from Rs. 310.25 to Rs. 309.75.
Similarly, at Sampath Bank, the buying and selling rates of the US Dollar have decreased from Rs. 302 to Rs. 301.50 and from Rs. 311 to Rs. 310.50, respectively.
March 13, Colombo (LNW): With arid weather prevailing, water consumption in the region has surged by 15%, prompting the National Water Supply and Drainage Board to announce low-pressure water supply to higher ground and outermost areas of water projects. While water cuts have not been enforced in any region thus far, the Board urges residents to use water judiciously.
The Department of Meteorology predicts the continuation of dry weather conditions into the next month, with intermittent showers expected. However, these showers are not anticipated to provide sufficient rainfall to alleviate the arid conditions. Ajith Wijemanna, the Director of the Department of Meteorology, emphasized that the dry spell is likely to persist until the onset of the South Western monsoon.
In light of the increased water consumption and the prolonged dry period, authorities are urging the public to adopt water-saving measures to ensure sustainable usage during these challenging conditions.
March 13, Colombo (LNW): The non-academic staff members of all 17 state universities in Sri Lanka have entered the second consecutive day of their trade union action. The token strike, initiated at noon on March 12, is a protest against the authorities’ failure to fulfill promises made during a meeting on January 22, specifically regarding the rectification of salary cuts.
As the strike continues until 4.30 p.m. today, the non-academic staff members are emphasizing their demand for a resolution to the salary cut issue. K. L. D. G. Richmond, the co-secretary of the Inter University Trade Union Federation, warned that if authorities do not provide a satisfactory solution, they are prepared to escalate the protest to an indefinite strike starting next week.
The ongoing trade union action highlights the urgency for a resolution to address the concerns of the non-academic staff members and underscores their commitment to securing fair compensation for their work.
March 13, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval for Sri Lanka to sign documents with the Japanese government, securing a grant of Yen 1.6 billion (approximately Rs. 3.3 billion) under the Japanese Economic and Social Development Program. This grant aims to support various projects in Sri Lanka, particularly those addressing immediate humanitarian needs and uplifting the country’s economic situation amid the current crisis.
Japan, a longstanding ally of Sri Lanka, is extending its cooperation by providing immediate humanitarian grants to communities affected by the economic downturn. The approved grant of Japanese Yen 1.6 billion will be allocated for the implementation of several key projects under the Japanese Economic and Social Development Program.
The projects include:
Response and management enhancement project for oil spills of Sri Lanka Coastal Defense Force
Project to supply assisting equipment for maternal and infant treatments in the main hospitals of the Northern province
Project to distribute assisting equipment for garment courses in vocational training centers of the Northern province
Project to award assisting equipment for the security of fishermen in Northern and Eastern provinces
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his role as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policies, proposed the signing of exchange papers and other relevant documents with Japan to facilitate the donation grants for these projects. The approval from the Cabinet marks a significant step towards the initiation of these developmental endeavors.
1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the importance of education instilling resilience in children, encouraging them to confront challenges with unwavering principles. He also highlighted the significance of education beyond textbooks, encompassing sports, leadership and the exploration of emerging fields like artificial intelligence (AI).
2. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has voiced concerns over the high levels of child, infant, and maternal malnutrition prevalent in the country. Citing statistics from a 2022 census indicating that 25% of children aged 5-18 are underweight, Premadasa stressed the urgent need for action to address this critical issue. In an effort to tackle the malnutrition crisis affecting mothers, babies, children, and school children, Sajith Premadasa announced plans to meet with representatives from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the coming week.
3. The Cabinet of Ministers has given its approval to publish the Draft Bill of the Recovery of Loans by Banks (Special Provisions) Act No. 4 of 1990, which was amended to facilitate legal provisions for the suspension of Parate Law.
4. Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera has held discussions with an Indian government delegation regarding the renewable energy cooperation between the two countries, capacity building programs, technology transfer, investments, opportunities and policies related to the sector.
5. Prices of imported milk powder will be reduced from this week, Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security Nalin Fernando announced: Said that the prices of imported milk powder will be reduced between Rs.100 – Rs.150 per kilo.
6. Cabinet approval has been granted for the Draft bill on Gender Socialization Equality to be published in the government gazette notification for Parliament approval.
7. Parliamentarian M. A. Sumanthiran, PC was the ONLY MP that represented the opposition at Monday’s (11) meeting at the President’s Office to discuss the IMF-supported program for the country. Following the discussion convened by the President regarding the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, M. A. Sumanthiran, PC voiced significant concerns regarding the lack of transparency surrounding the IMF program’s implementation.
8. The Ministry of Education has reiterated the set of guidelines issued earlier aiming to ensuring the protection of school children from potential adverse effects of the prevailing high atmospheric temperatures. Emphasized the responsibility of all principals of the schools island-wide, in order to ensure the protection of children, while highlighting the need to comply with the guidelines issued earlier.
9. Sri Lanka to receive a grant of Yen 1.6 billion (approximately Rs. 3.3 billion) under the Japanese Economic and Social Development Program for the implementation of several projects. Japan has expanded its corporation to provide Sri Lanka with immediate humanitarian grants for the communities devastated by the present economic crisis and to empower the government sector to upgrade the economic situation of the country.
10. The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee selected a 16-member squad to take part in the ODI series against Bangladesh. The squad was approved by Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Harin Fernando. The ODIs will be played on the 13th, 15th and 18th of March in Chattogram, Bangladesh.
March 13, Colombo (LNW):The Department of Export Agriculture (DEA) has alerted farmers to the imminent risk of a fungal disease posing a threat to pepper cultivation in Sri Lanka. In a discussion held at the Ministry of Plantation Industry under the guidance of Agriculture and Plantation Industry Minister Mahinda Amaraweera on the morning of the 12th, DEA officials revealed the presence of a root-damaging fungal disease affecting pepper vines.
Known as ‘Quick wilt and slow wilt,’ these diseases result from the fungus Phytophthora Capsici, which attacks the root system of pepper vines. The consequence of root rot is the wilting and eventual death of pepper vine leaves, as the vine fails to receive adequate water and nutrition.
The spread of this disease is further exacerbated by the damage caused by the stem-boring gull. Reports indicate that all areas related to pepper cultivation in the country are currently experiencing the effects of these diseases, leading to the complete destruction of approximately 200 acres of pepper cultivation. The DEA emphasizes the heightened risk of rapid disease spread due to the prevailing hot and dry weather conditions.
To combat these diseases, the DEA recommends the use of anti-fungal agents containing 64 percent Mancozeb and 08 percent Metalaxin. Fungicides such as Ribomil, Redoxil, and Radon are cited as suitable for controlling the condition.
Despite a high yield reported during this Maha Season in pepper cultivation, the DEA underscores the potential threat to pepper pods due to root rot caused by the fungal infection around the pepper root system. The Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries urges farmers to take preventive measures, including the burning and destruction of diseased pepper vines and the application of recommended chemicals to control the spread of this damaging disease.
March 13, Colombo (LNW):Minister of Fisheries, Douglas Devananda, expressed optimism regarding the release of lands in the Northern Province currently under the control of Security Forces (SF), Wildlife Department (WLD), and Forest Conservation Department (FCD). Speaking at a function held at the Jaffna District Secretariat, where lands in Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts were handed back to their owners, Minister Devananda stated that the majority of such lands have already been released. He confidently anticipates the release of the remaining lands within the coming months.
During the event, the Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to gradually returning farmers’ lands acquired by SF, WLD, and FCD. He highlighted the collaborative efforts of the President and the Army Commander of the Northern region in aligning with the goal of releasing these lands. Minister Devananda underscored that the President advocates for the release of lands to their previous state before 1985, with a target to complete the process by next April.
Addressing the Indian poaching issue, Minister Devananda reported the recent arrest of three boats and twenty fishermen on March 10. He urged the SF to intensify operations, emphasizing that diplomatic measures between the two countries are being pursued at the highest levels through the Foreign Minister. The event was attended by senior officials, including the District Secretaries of Jaffna and Kilinochchi Districts, and Senior Advisor to the President, Sagala Ratnayake.
March 13, Colombo (LNW):In a formal ceremony held at the President’s House on the morning of the 12th, newly appointed Ambassador Paitoon Mahapannaporn of the Kingdom of Thailand and High Commissioner Major General (R) Faheem Ul Aziz, HI (M) of Pakistan presented their credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The presentation of credentials, in adherence to diplomatic protocol, was witnessed by Foreign Affairs Minister, President’s Counsel Ali Sabry, and Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake. The event marked the official acknowledgment of the diplomatic roles of Ambassador Paitoon Mahapannaporn and High Commissioner Faheem Ul Aziz in Sri Lanka.
March 13, Colombo (LNW): The recruitment process for Grade III positions within the Grama Niladhari Service is currently in progress, with a total of 2,002 individuals slated to be selected based on interview results. The interviews are taking place at the Home Affairs State Ministry (Nila Medura) in Narahenpita, spanning from today until March 15.
A notable 4,232 candidates, successful in the competitive examination for Grama Niladhari officer recruitment, have been deemed eligible for the ongoing interview phase.
Letters summoning candidates for interviews have already been dispatched. For those who haven’t received their letters, the date and time of their interview are available on the official Ministry website www.moha.gov.lk, as stated by Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government Ministry Secretary Pradeep Yasaratne.
Secretary Yasaratne further emphasized that details regarding the required documents for the interview can also be accessed on the aforementioned website.
March 13, Colombo (LNW):Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts in the evening or night.
Mainly dry weather will prevail elsewhere of the island.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.
