Sri Lanka targeting European travellers hit by gas prices, tourism minister tells Quest

Sri Lanka targeting European travellers hit by gas prices, tourism minister tells Quest ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka is looking to attract European tourists affected by rising gas prices in that region in the coming winter season, Tourism Minister Harin Fernando told CNN’s Richard Quest in an interview. Speaking on CNN’s Quest Means Business programme Tuesday November 08 evening, Fernando said Sri Lanka has short and long term plans to revive the island nation’s crisis-hit tourism sector. “The short term is jumping into India and getting all the Indians to come…

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CWIT construction project in Colombo Port kicked off today

CWIT construction project in Colombo Port kicked off today The construction work of the newly built Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) within the Colombo Port was initiated today. The project was flagged off by Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva. The Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Gopal Bagle was also among the participants at this event as a special guest. The entire project will cost US$789 million. 51% of this total investment belongs to India’s Adani Group, 34% to John Keells Holdings PLC, and 15% to…

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Delimitation Committee to meet today

Delimitation Committee to meet today Technical committees to be appointed this week BY Mirudhula Thambiah (The Morning) The five-member National Delimitation Committee on the Demarcation of Wards for Local Authorities appointed by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and chaired by former Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya, which is to submit its final report by 28 February 2023, is to meet and appoint technical committees during the course of this week. Speaking to The Morning on Sunday (6), Deshapriya said that a final report on the matter will be submitted to Premier Gunawardena by…

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Sri Lanka opposition SJB demands elections, warns of protests against delay tactics

Sri Lanka opposition SJB demands elections, warns of protests against delay tactics (Monday October 31, 2022)  ECONOMYNEXT – A proposal by Sri Lanka’s minister of justice for a special committee in parliament on election reforms is being challenged by the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) which claims that the proposal is an attempt to delay elections. SJB general secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara speaking at an event said on Monday October 31 claimed that President Ranil Wickremesinghe had given an assurance to ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) legislators that…

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BASL calls for strong independent institutions through 21A

BASL calls for strong independent institutions through 21A Warns failure to create independent institutions will negatively affect future law reforms and rule of law Claims recent constitutional reform was a result of the public outcry due to the economic crisis Says 21A does not restore status quo which prevailed prior to 20A Calls on the President and all responsible to ensure integrity of nominations to independent institutions The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has called for strong independent institutions to be created through the 21st amendment to the constitution.…

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50 kg bag of Urea at Rs. 10,000 for farmers

50 kg bag of Urea at Rs. 10,000 for farmers First stock of 13,000 tons of urea received on World Bank concessionary loan                                                 The Ministry of Agriculture has received the first stock of 13,000 tons of Urea fertiliser yesterday under the World Bank concessional emergency loan of $ 110 million. The Government will provide a 50 kg bag of urea fertiliser to paddy farmers at Rs. 10,000.…

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Netherlands to provide innovative agro know-how to ‘Grow Food’ program

Netherlands to provide innovative agro know-how to ‘Grow Food’ program PM appreciates assistance provided by Netherlands for infrastructure development, agriculture Calls for more investments in agriculture, IT, renewable energy, transport and tourism The Netherlands has assured to extend further support to Sri Lanka especially with know-how to the Government’s “Grow Food” program. This assurance was given by when Netherlands Ambassador Bonnie Horbach called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on Thursday. The Premier thanked the Netherlands for the assistance provided to infrastructure development and agriculture and various other sectors and urged…

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President justifies tax hikes amidst criticism

President justifies tax hikes amidst criticism Says country will have to revert to an era of queues if revenue is not raised through direct tax increases Admits new tax measures are IMF recommendations, hence critical to secure international support to salvage SL economy Insists tax hikes not being taken wilfully but being done reluctantly Reveals SL lost Rs. 700 b due to wrong economic policies in the past Inflation rate increased to 70% since Rs. 2.3 t printed during the past two-and-a-half years Suggests tougher times ahead but reassures Govt. ready…

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Dutch FMO proposes $ 10 m investment in Sri Lanka seafood exporter

Dutch FMO proposes $ 10 m investment in Sri Lanka seafood exporter Taprobane Seafoods’ 15 facilities mainly employ underprivileged women HANOI – Dutch impact investor FMO said it has proposed a $ 10 million investment in one of Sri Lanka’s leading seafood exporters, which mainly employs underprivileged women including war widows. Established in 2010, Taprobane Seafoods has one main processing facility and 14 smaller locations in the South Asian nation and employs over 2,000 people. Taprobane processes blue swimming crab and white-leg shrimp, which it began farming two years ago.…

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RTI Commission holds sessions in Jaffna on IDUAI Day

RTI Commission holds sessions in Jaffna on IDUAI Day Jaffna GA Office 28 September 2022 RTI Commission holds sessions in Jaffna on IDUAI Day Marking the International Day for Universal Access to Info-rmation, on 28 September the Right to Information Commission of Sri Lanka held a series of discussions in collaboration with the District Secretariat of Jaffna, the Press Clubs of Jaffna, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi and academics of the Northern Province on 28 and 29 September.  At the meeting at the District Secretariat of the Jaffna presided over by the…

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