News

Apparel sector orders may decline by 30%

Published

11 months ago

November 8, 2022

editor

The amount of garments exported from Sri Lanka may decrease by at least 30% in the next four months, Free Trade Zone Investors Association General Secretary Dhammika Fernando said.

He said the current orders will only last until next January.

Sri Lanka has exported garments worth about USD 3,000 million from January to July 2022 out of which garments worth USD 1,040 million have been exported to the United States of America, USD 1,000 million to the European Union, USD 450 million to England and USD 480 million to other countries.

On an average basis, Sri Lanka earns nearly USD 5,000 million a year from garment exports.

Mr. Fernando said some of the orders received by Sri Lanka have been transferred to countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Ethiopia due to the political and economic instability prevailing in the country.

The inflation in many other countries including the United States, has also affected the reduction of orders.

The demand for Sri Lankan garments has also fallen due to the Russian-Ukrainian war, disruption of Russian gas supply, rising fuel prices and inflation in European countries.

News

Student caught selling moonshine at school

Published

5 hours ago

September 26, 2023

editor

A student of a popular school in Kalawana, has been nabbed for selling moonshine at his school.

Upon being discovered by a teacher, he had been handed over to the Kalawana police.

Police say that the Grade 09 student had brought moonshine into the school in his water bottle and sold cups of it to older students.

He had been released after being strongly warned.

News

One dead in explosion at Kalpitiya Air Force firing range

Published

5 hours ago

September 26, 2023

editor

An explosion reported at the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Field Firing Range in Kandakuliya, Kalpitiya earlier today (26 Sep.) resulting in one death, Sri Lanka Police has confirmed.

Accordingly, an explosion which had occurred at the Air Force Field Firing Range in Kalpitiya, has resulted in the death of an 28 year old airman while injuring another, Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa has said.

Investigations into the cause of the explosion are underway, he added.

News

4 Excise officers interdicted for assaulting Beedi businessman

Published

5 hours ago

September 26, 2023

editor

Four Excise officers who were arrested for allegedly assaulting and soliciting a bribe from a ‘Beedi’ manufacturer in Walasmulla have been interdicted by the Commissioner General of Excise.

The decision has been taken following the instruction of State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya.

The four Excise officers including the OIC of the Tangalle Excise station have been interdicted over the allegations of assault and soliciting a bribe from a ‘Beedi’ manufacturer for not implementing the law against him for possession of Beedi leaves without a valid license.