News

Yunnan Province Governor eager to develop cooperation with SL

Published

7 months ago

May 17, 2023

editor

Visiting Governor of Yunnan Province in China, Mr. Wang Yubo called on the Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena today (17).

During a luncheon meeting at Temple Trees, they discussed potential collaboration in trade, tourism, agriculture, technology and investments. Governor Wang had said that Yunnan Province, which had a population of 50 million and a GDP of USD 417 billion in 2022, is in a position to help friendly nations like Sri Lanka.

According to a media release issued by the PM’s office, the Yunnan Governor and PM Gunawardena had identified that Agriculture and tourism can be promoted as the pilot projects in Sri Lanka. They also felt that local communities can be directly benefited by the innovative digital economic mechanism, the media release adds.

The Prime Minister had requested the Yunnan Governor to consider assisting in economic empowerment by promoting entrepreneurship, microfinance initiatives, and livelihood development programs. He pointed out that empowering individuals to generate income, reduce poverty, and improve their economic standing.

Mr. Wang was accompanied by a top level delegation of Yunnan Provincial Government as well as officials of the Chinese embassy in Sri Lanka. PM Gunawardena was accompanied by State Minister of Foreign Affairs – Tharaka Balasuriya as well the newly appointed Eastern Province governor – Senthil Thondaman.

During his visit, the governor attended a ceremony at Lanka Hospital earlier today where a team of Chinese medical staff had conducted 120 cataract surgeries free of charge.

Organised by the Yunnan Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Sri Lanka – China Social and Cultural Cooperation (ASLCSCC), the project was implemented by the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan and the Lanka Hospitals Corporation PLC.

In addition, the Governor also held a field study at Port City Colombo. He also plans to visit Kandy, Polonnaruwa and the Eastern Province, where Rs 25 million worth school kits, equipment and food parcels will be distributed.

BIZ

Egg prices on the rise again

Published

8 mins ago

December 11, 2023

editor

Egg prices in the local market have been increased despite the festive season being just around the corner.

Although the price of an white egg was around Rs. 40 – 42 in the last week of November, it rose to Rs. 44 – 46 last week before increasing again to Rs. 55 – 60.

The price of a white egg and brown egg at the Narahenpita Economic Centre is priced at Rs. 50 and Rs. 52 respectively.

It is speculated that the prices will continue to spike, resulting in the price hike of bakery and confectionary products.

Experts in the field allege that Trade Minister – Nalin Fernando’s short sighted decisions are to be blamed for his.

The minister had recently halted egg imports from India, stating that the local egg industry has been stabilized.

However, experts say that the minister had initially imported eggs when the demand was low and had left the local market to depend entirely on the local market when the demand was at its peak, to secure another future chance to import eggs from India.

News

Parliament votes to debate VAT bill today

Published

39 mins ago

December 11, 2023

editor

The Sri Lankan Parliament has voted to debate the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill on today (Nov. 11).

The ruling party proposed that the VAT (Amendment) Bill be taken up for debate today, following the third reading of the appropriation bill.

However, as the opposition rejected the government’s move, the Speaker of parliament decided to call for a vote on whether the VAT (Amendment) Bill will be taken up for debate today.

Accordingly, a vote took place shortly after 9:30 am, with 92 votes in favour, 41 votes against and 01 abstention.

Earlier, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) in a statement announced that they will vote against the VAT Bill.

News

Kataragama chief custodian & grandson missing during Tiran’s visit

Published

1 hour ago

December 11, 2023

editor

The chief custodian (Kapu Mahattaya) of the Ruhunu Kataragama Devalaya and his grandson (who is currently the custodian in charge of the Devala store room), have disappeared from Kataragama, reports say.

Last week, the Attorney General instructed to arrest the duo over a 38-pound gold offering that had gone missing from the Devalaya. The offering had been made by the wife of former underworld leader – Angoda Lokka.

Accordingly, the chief custodian – Dhurandara Somipala Ratnayake and his grandson – Saman Priyantha or Chuti Kapu Mahathaya, who is in charge of the temple’s storeroom, are to be arrested.

Meanwhile, the duo had not turned up when the Acting IGP – Deshabandu Tennakoon and Minister of Public Security – Tiran Alles had visited the Kiri Vehera and Kataragama Devalaya on Dec. 09 for religious observances.

Only 03 other custodians had been present at the Devalaya during that time.

A custodian had informed higher officials that the duo had recently left for another province, with plans to appear in courts through lawyers’ intervention and amid political support.