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President hails strong economy and inaugurates Ratnapura gem tower

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasised that the government’s prudent decisions over the past two years have bolstered the nation’s economy, providing a favourable environment for political activities on the streets.

However, he cautioned that the economy still faces challenges, urging citizens to weigh the choice of either continuing with the government’s initiatives for prosperity or risking regression. Highlighting a remarkable increase of over 50% in government income in 2023 compared to 2022, President Wickremesinghe underscored the conducive backdrop for advancing confidently with a robust economy. These remarks were made during his attendance at the inauguration of the International Gem and Jewellery Trade Centre, known as the Ratnapura Gem Tower, yesterday (4).

Plans have been shown for the construction of the Ratnapura Gem Tower in Demuwawa in Ratnapura, to be executed in two phases. The initial phase saw the completion of a five-storey building, costing Rs. 365 million. The forthcoming second phase entails the construction of an additional 14 floors, with an estimated expenditure of Rs. 450 million.

The newly inaugurated International Gem Trade Centre comprises 27 business premises, with 17 allocated to local entrepreneurs and 10 designated for foreign counterparts. Financing for this venture is sourced from the National Gems and Jewellery Authority, aiming to establish an international hub facilitating seamless transactions between sellers and buyers.

Functioning akin to renowned sales centres in Bangkok and Hong Kong, the centre will offer comprehensive services including independent quality testing, laboratory facilities, and banking and export services. This initiative aims to bolster the gem and jewellery trade, positioning Ratnapura as a pivotal player in the global market.

During his visit to the International Gems and Jewellery Trade Centre, President Ranil Wickremesinghe unveiled the plaque to mark its inauguration and inspected the facilities.

The President emphasised the government’s commitment to further enhancing the gem and jewellery industry’s contribution to the national economy. He instructed officials to compile a report by the end of April outlining potential solutions to industry challenges and proposed reliefs for industry stakeholders. The President stressed the importance of ensuring benefits for gem miners as part of this initiative.

The President highlighted the significance of the International Gem Trading Centre in elevating Sri Lanka’s gems to attain their rightful value on the international stage. This initiative aims to position Sri Lanka as a prominent player in the global gem and jewellery market, fostering economic growth and prosperity for the nation.

During his address at the event, President Ranil Wickremesinghe acknowledged the origins of the International Gems and Jewellery Centre, noting that its construction commenced during the tenure of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He also paid tribute to the dedication of Ministers Lohan Ratwatte and Chamara Sampath to the project’s realisation.

Highlighting the significance of the centre, President Wickremesinghe emphasised that its impact extends beyond Ratnapura, positioning it as a pivotal hub for the gem and jewellery industry nationwide. He reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering the industry’s growth and its pivotal role in contributing to the national economy.

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

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China to provide full school uniform requirement for 2025 (Pics)

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The Chinese embassy in Colombo reached another step in providing scholarships for children from low-income families.

Accordingly, Chinese Ambassador Scholarships for 100 students at the Badulla Keppitipola Maha Vidyalaya (National School) was handed over on Nov. 01, with the embassy pledging Rs. 2.5 million for the cause.

Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador – Mr. Qi Zhenhong said that the scholarship programme, which began in 2016, is now active in over 20 schools across Sri Lanka.

Noting that China donated 70% of the required school uniform material for Sri Lankan students in 2023, and 80% in 2024, the ambassador said that they hope to provide the full requirement of school uniform materiel for the 2025 academic year.

“In the 2025 academic year, we will donate 100% of the fabric for school uniforms, totaling 11.82 million meters, worth approximately 5.2 billion rupees, which will be shipped to Colombo in three batches before the end of this year,” he said.

 The ambassador added : “In addition, the Chinese government, local governments, and non-governmental organizations have donated schoolbags, stationery, and other learning materials to thousands of students in remote areas, and plan to build 900 smart classrooms in 500 schools across Sri Lanka in the next few years, benefiting over 1 million students.”

Ambassador Qi expressed that China is not only a true friend but also a reliable partner of Sri Lanka, which is moving towards a new era under the strong leadership of current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Embassy staff, Uva Province Education officials as well as students, staff and alumni of the school attended the event.

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Laugfs gas prices also to remain unchanged

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Laugfs Gas PLC announced that the company will not revise domestic LP gas prices for the month of November 2024.

Accordingly, the current prices of Laugfs domestic LP gas cylinders are as follows :
12.5 kg cylinder – Rs. 3,680
05 kg cylinder – Rs. 1,477

Earlier today (Nov. 04)  Litro Gas also said that domestic LP gas prices will remain unchanged for this month.

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Lohan Ratwatte’s wife also remanded

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Shashi Prabha Ratwatte, the wife of former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte, has been arrested and remanded after appearing before the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court.

She was arrested over the discovery of an unregistered car found at her house in Mirihana.

The Nugegoda Magistrate has ordered her to be held in remand custody until Nov. 07.

Her husband, Lohan Ratwatte, too is currently remanded.

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