The Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake this afternoon (22) at the Presidential Secretariat. During their meeting, Ambassador Qi made a donation of LKR 30 million (USD 100,000) as emergency flood relief to assist those affected by the recent flooding in the country. In addition to immediate relief…
The overall rate of inflation, as measured by the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI), has decreased to -0.2% in September 2024 from 1.1% in August 2024, according to the latest data released by the Department of Census and Statistics. Meanwhile, food inflation also decreased to 0.5% in September, down from 2.3% in August. The NCPI…
The price of Nadu rice has exceeded the government-set control price, now retailing at over Rs. 230 per kilogram, while the maximum retail price remains at Rs. 220. This surge, reported by the Maradagahamula Rice Producers’ Association, is attributed to a shortage of Nadu paddy. B.K. Ranjith, Chairman of the association, expressed concerns about the…
The new government’s approach to major national issues appears to be one of caution and of continuing in the direction set by its predecessor. This is most clearly visible in its adherence to the IMF agreement and its strict conditions. The government has also retained key officials dealing with the economy despite having subjected them…
Sri Lankans working abroad sent back US$ 555.6 million in September 2024, marking a 15.2% increase from the same month last year, according to recent data. This brings the total remittances for the first nine months of the year to US$ 4.84 billion, an 11.5% rise compared to 2023. While September’s figures show a slight…
The Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Yamada Tetsuya, along with a delegation of senior representatives, met with the Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, At the Presidential Secretariat. The discussion focused on the second phase of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Development Project, implemented by JICA, and the immediate…
Sri Lanka Tourism presented “Destination Sri Lanka” at the International & French Travel Market 2024 IFTM Top Resa held at Porte de Versailles in Paris from 17 to 19 September 2024. The spacious, beautiful and well-located Sri Lanka Pavilion organized by Sri Lanka Tourism was a major attraction at IFTM, and featured the many facets…
The government has officially reinstated the previous visa issuance system, effective from midnight yesterday (26). Minister of Public Security Vijitha Herath has said that the government has taken steps in the past 24 hours to address the visa issuance issues that have arisen. This will enable all foreigners to obtain visa easily online, the minister…
The International Monetary Fund has welcomed the announcement of an agreement in principle between Sri Lanka and international bondholders’ representatives, subject to confirmation on comparability of treatment by Sri Lanka’s Official Creditors Committee. “This represents significant progress in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process,” said a spokeperson for the IMF. The spokesperson added that the IMF…
The East Coast Sea Aborigines are a marginalized group living along the coastline from Muthur in Trincomalee to Vakarai in Batticaloa. Following military conflicts in the area, particularly the Mavilaru humanitarian operation in 2006, many people from villages, including Santhoshpuram, were forced to leave. When they returned in 2009, the government allocated 200 acres of…
