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Rice & fishing nets donated by Chinese Govt. distributed to North, East

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According to the diplomatic level discussions held by the  Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardana and Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda during their visits to China, the Chinese Government donated 75000 nets, and the Minister of Fisheries has taken measures to distribute the nets to the Fishing communities in the Northern and Eastern provinces.

It has been decided to provide these nets to the District Assistant Directors of the Department of Fisheries and accordingly, 26700 packs of nets for the Jaffna District, 15100 packs of nets for Trincomalee District, 7800 packs of nets for Mannar District, 9850 packs of nets Batticaloa District, 4650 packs of nets for Mulaitheevu District, 5600 Packs of nets for Kalmunai District and 5300 packs of nets for Kilinochchi District, will be distributed.

These nets have already arrived in Sri Lanka and the transportation of the stock of nets to Northern and Eastern Provinces is being carried out by now. 16200 bags of rice 50 kg each received under the aid of the Chinese Government to encourage the Fishing families in the North and East. Accordingly, the rice will be distributed to 1335 families from Jaffna District, 265 families from Kilinochchi District, 390 families from Mannar District, 233 families from Mullaitheevu District, and 492 families from Batticaloa District, and each family will receive 20 kg of rice.

Minister Douglas Devananda has instructed the Assistant Directors of the Fisheries Department to distribute the rice through Fishermen’s Societies.

The discussion convened by the Minister in this regard was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries Mr. Nishantha Wickremasinghe, the Director General of the Fisheries Department Mr. Susantha Kahawaththa, and the Assistant Directors of the fisheries department in Northern and Eastern Provinces.(dailynews.lk)

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

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IMF Executive Board approves Sri Lanka’s fourth review

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The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Fourth review under the 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement, allowing the authorities to draw about US$350 million, said Evan Papageorgiou, IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka.

This brings the total IMF financial support disbursed so far to about US$1.74 billion.

“The EFF arrangement for Sri Lanka was approved by the Executive Board on March 20, 2023 in an amount of SDR 2.286 billion (395 percent of quota or about US$3 billion). The program supports Sri Lanka’s efforts to durably restore macroeconomic stability by (i) restoring fiscal and debt sustainability while protecting the vulnerable, (ii) safeguarding price and financial sector stability, (iii) rebuilding external buffers, (iv) strengthening governance and reducing corruption vulnerabilities, and (v) enhancing growth-oriented structural reforms.”

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Cabinet approval for online traffic fine payment system – Bimal

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Minister of Transport and Highways Bimal Rathnayake has said that Cabinet approval has been granted to implement an islandwide online traffic fine payment system.

He made this statement during a media briefing near the Kottawa Expressway entrance, following a public awareness programme on mandatory seat belt use for vehicles travelling on expressways.

“The Cabinet approved the proposal today. At present, the online fine payment system is available only between Kurunegala and Anuradhapura. Now, we’re providing all police units with mobile devices, so that from this year, traffic fines can be paid from anywhere via mobile phones… Rather than paying fines, we urge everyone to drive carefully, wear seat belts, and avoid violations. Our core message is simple, travel safely,” the minister has said.

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Indian entrepreneur delegation meets President AKD (Pics)

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Indian entrepreneurs state that they are currently directing their attention towards new investment prospects in Sri Lanka, particularly in sectors like energy, infrastructure, the digital economy, tourism and agriculture, as well as on enhancing entrepreneurial capacity.  

A delegation of around 20 Indian entrepreneurs, comprising heads of several prominent Indian companies, is currently engaged in an active programme in Sri Lanka, coordinated by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), with the aim of further developing existing investment opportunities and exploring new prospects. These comments were expressed during the delegation’s meeting with President Anura Kumara Disanayake this afternoon (01) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The delegation is visiting Sri Lanka following an invitation extended by President Anura Kumara Disanayake during his recent official visit to India. The Indian delegation held discussions with several Sri Lankan Ministers and with officials from key government institutions, including the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka.

President Disanayake emphasized that the country has now established a more favourable environment for investors, owing to the current economic stability.

The President briefed the Indian business representatives on the constructive measures implemented by the government to create a supportive economic climate and conditions conducive to investment. He further noted that the government has strengthened the legal framework and institutional system necessary to attract and sustain large-scale investments. He assured that under the present administration efforts have been made to eliminate the losses and corruption previously associated with investments. 

The President also emphasised that special attention has been given to attracting regional investors and providing them with the necessary facilities. He pointed out that numerous new business opportunities have opened up between India and Sri Lanka across various sectors.

The Indian entrepreneurs stated that Sri Lanka’s strategic location is of great appeal to investors. They appreciated the President’s explanation regarding the current situation of the country, noting that it had inspired confidence and renewed hope in them.

Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Professor Anil Jayantha Fernando, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Roshan Gamage, and Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha, along with officials from the Indian High Commission, were present at the occasion. Also in attendance were former Chairman of CII and Chairman and Managing Director of ITC Limited, Sanjiv Puri, and heads of several other major Indian companies.

(President’s Media Division)

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