News

Foreign firms to handle air traffic control in SL?

Published

3 years ago

October 31, 2022

editor

The Ports, Shipping and Aviation Ministry sources said that there is a shortage of air traffic controllers in the country.

Although there should be 150 air traffic controllers in Sri Lanka, the country only has 80 of them.

Due to the shortage of air traffic controllers, the airspace service for the aircraft passing through Sri Lanka will have to be handed over to other countries.

In view of the current situation, only aircraft arriving and departing Sri Lanka are being controlled and international aircraft control activities have been suspended.

It was reported that air traffic controllers have left Sri Lanka due to higher salaries and other allowances offered by other countries.

Sri Lanka will lose an amount of 25,000 US Dollars if air traffic control duties were given to another country.

If restrictions are imposed regarding the violation of international air traffic control laws, aircraft flying towards India and Australia over Sri Lanka may also be entitled to control the aircraft over Sri Lanka.

(Ada Derana)

BIZ

1st stock of imported coconut milk to undergo clearance, lab testing today

Published

20 minutes ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The first consignment of imported coconut milk under the Government’s raw material importation programme is scheduled to undergo clearance and laboratory testing today (31), as part of a coordinated initiative by the Plantation Industries Ministry.

This initiative, approved by the Cabinet, aims to supply essential raw materials to industries linked to the coconut sector, aiming to reduce domestic coconut prices and support local manufacturers. The consignment currently under clearance includes products equivalent to 200 million coconuts. They are in the forms of frozen coconut milk, coconut milk powder and chunked coconut with testa (non-copra), imported as part of the programme initiated in March 2025. The stock will be used primarily in the coconut milk powder industry, which has been facing raw material shortages. The Plantation Industries Ministry expects this move to reduce the pressure on local coconut supplies and contribute to a drop in retail coconut prices.

(dailynews.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Ministry denies Sevanagala sugar factory closure rumours

Published

30 minutes ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development states that reports circulating on social media about the possible closure of the Sevanagala Sugar Factory are false.

The ministry adds that neither the government nor Lanka Sugar Company (Pvt) Ltd. (LSCPL) has discussed such a move.

The ministry further states that the Sevanagala Sugar Factory, which operated at a loss under the previous government, is now continuing operations under a new marketing plan and has begun implementing measures to transform it into a profitable institution.

News

Youth killed in sword attack

Published

34 minutes ago

May 31, 2025

editor

03 individuals were attacked with a sword near the railway line at Nedurana Junction in Eheliyagoda last night (May 30).

A 22-year-old resident of Gatahetta, Iddamalgoda, died after being admitted to the Eheliyagoda Hospital with serious injuries, while the other 02 victims have been transferred to the Ratnapura Hospital for further treatment.

Eheliyagoda Police are conducting further investigations to apprehend the suspects.