S&P downgrades Sri Lanka to CCC, outlook negative

COLOMBO (News 1st); Maldivian Parliament’s Speaker and former President of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed arrived in Sri Lanka on Sunday (16) on a four-day official visit.He is accompanied by a two-member delegation.He was received at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake by the State Minister of Regional Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Three people have drowned in Ratnapura and Koslanda, said Sri Lanka Police.Four people had gone to bathe in the Kalu Ganga on Saturday (15) evening in Sri Palabaddala in Ratnapura.Police said two of them, aged 22 & 40, were swept away by strong currents.One other person had managed to swim ashore, while a 10 year old boy remains missing.At the same time a 16 year old boy drowned while bathing in the Makaldeniya River in Koslanda.Moreover, a 54 year old man who was returning from pilgrimage to Kataragama is reported missing while bathing in a canal attached to the Udawalawa Reservoir in Sevanagala.

COLOMBO (News 1st); According to the latest SARS-CoV-2 variant report issued by the Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology Unit of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, 160 new cases of Omicron and 22 new cases of Delta were detected from 182 samples.“These 182 samples were sequenced from the last week of December and the first week of January from the community and arrival and departure samples from the airport.” said Dr. Chandima Jeewandara, Director of the Allergy, Immunology and Cell Biology Unit of the Faculty of Medicine.The 160 Omicron cases include a mix of the two main Omicron lineages BA.1 and BA.2. BA.1 is detected in at least 113 countries and whereas BA.2 is directed in at least 3o countries.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A parcel sent to Sri Lanka from the Netherlands said to contain bed linen and toys turned out to be Ecstacy Pills with Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth), when inspected by Sri Lanka Customs.The discovery was made by officers of Sri Lanka Customs attached to the Central Mail Exchange when inspecting a parcel addressed to a resident of Jaffna, that arrived from the Netherlands.“The ecstasy pills have been found secretly hidden inside cardboard walls of the parcel,” said Sri Lanka Customs Spokesperson Sudattha Silva, who is also the Deputy Director of Customs.4,000 pills weighing 1,600 grams were discovered and the officers of the Narcotic Control Unit of Sri Lanka Customs have assessed the approximate marked value as Rs. 26 million.A resident of the Wellawattte who had arrived at the Central Mail Exchange to clear the parcel was arrested by Sri Lanka Customs.Preliminary investigations into this importation of drugs are being carried out by the officers of the Narcotics Control Unit of Sri Lanka Customs and the suspect and the stock of drugs are to be handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau for further investigations.

COLOMBO (News 1st); India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S.

Taking a long, hot bath when temperatures are low can be a well-deserved treat.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Head of Sri Lanka’s Catholic Church, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo claimed that certain political leaders, who were well aware of the 2019 Terror Attacks, used it for their political advantage.He reiterated that the 2019 April 21st Attacks or the Easter Attacks was a conspiracy.“The 2019 April Attacks may be over. But, today we can see that those in powerful places are attempting to put the entire blame on Muslim Extremists and cover up the truth.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Minister Chamal Rajapaksa was met with strong resistance from a local monk during an event to solve issues pertaining to Mahaweli lands in Hambantota on Thursday (13).A heated argument broke out when two factions claimed that owned the land in which the temple, the monk represents, was located at.As the argument intensified, security personnel decided to remove the monk identified as the Chief Incumbent of the Sooriyawewa Maha-Ara Nigodharama Temple, from the premises.The Venerable Thero alleged that the issues were caused by Minister Chamal Rajapaksa.However, the minister said the issues surrounding lands will be solved.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Head of Sri Lanka’s Catholic Church, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo on Thursday (13) said the discovery of a hand grenade at a Colombo Church is a conspiracy.He flayed Sri Lanka Police over its handling of the investigation adding that authorities were presented a cooked-up story instead of revealing the truth.His Eminence said detectives have only examined CCTV footage recorded from 3 PM the day the grenade was discovered and not from the morning, adding that morning footage clearly shows a man acting in a suspecting manner.“At 9:52 AM, a man carrying a shopping bag was seen limping into the church. He was examining the surroundings. He enters a row of seats at the back.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The government is preparing to import fertilizer again from China’s Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group.A stock of fertilizer sent by the Chinese fertilizer company was rejected earlier, for containing harmful pathogens.However, the government eventually paid 6.9 million US dollars Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group for the rejected shipment.Now the Sri Lanka Standards Institute is preparing new standards for special types of fertilizer.Its Senior Deputy Director K.A. Anil said initial work is being done to prepare the new standards.Agriculture minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said the ministry had requested the SLSI to prepare new standards for liquid biofertilizer and solid fertilizers.He noted that the previous standards did not allow the importation of fertilizer containing bacteria.The minister said that authorities would not allow fertilizer containing harmful bacteria into the country.The Sri Lanka Standards Institute says it would not set standards targetting Chinese fertilizer.Senior Deputy Director K.A.

COLOMBO (News 1st): Power cuts were reported from across multiple areas in Sri Lanka.,According to the Ceylon Electricity Board the power cuts are reported as two generators at the Kelanitissa Power Plant have run out of Diesel.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Foreign Minister Peiris emphasized the need to optimize utilization of the EU GSP+ facility in accessing the Hungarian market, as Sri Lanka’s key exports benefit from duty free access to the EU market. Moreover, interest was also expressed in the early conclusion of the Double Taxation Agreement between the two countries, as well as cooperation, inter alia, in science and technology, Ayruveda and renewable energy.The two Ministers met on 12th January during the Hungarian Minister Péter Szijjártó’s visit to Sri Lanka. Minister Peiris noted with appreciation Hungary’s empathetic approach towards Sri Lanka in addressing residual issues of reconciliation, and apprised the Hungarian Minister on progress in reconciliation and the credible domestic framework in process to promote and protect human rights, in keeping with the country’s international obligations.

COLOMBO (News 1st); What would you do if you were the President today?, was the question posed to Sri Lanka’s Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday (12).Wickremesinghe is the Leader of the United National Party, the oldest political party in Sri Lanka, and the only MP in parliament from the UNP.“I am not the President. But, I know what should be done at this time,” said Wickremesinghe during the 10 Questions programs with News 1st.According to Wickremesinghe, Sri Lanka’s economy was stable in 2019 despite the Easter Attacks, and it was a matter of moving forward.He said suspending the imports of raw material to save reserves is a wrong move, adding SWAP agreements with other countries will not be successful.Wickremesinghe said the Trincomalee Oil Tanks could have been developed and Sri Lanka could have supplied fuel to the whole of South India.He said the Light rail transit (LRT), LNG programs, Central Expressway, MCC, and related programs could have boosted the reserves.“I would not anger India, China, Japan, USA, Europe, all at once,” pointed out Wickremesinghe.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) is perturbed over the announcement by S&P Global Ratings to downgrade Sri Lanka, at a time when the GOSL has diligently lined up adequate funds to repay its maturing foreign debt liabilities and its repeated assurances over the strong commitment to oblige its debt service payments, including the International Sovereign Bond (ISB) maturing on 18 January 2022, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) states. The credit rating agency, Standard & Poor’s (S&P) lowered long-term sovereign credit rating on Sri Lanka from ‘CCC+’ to ‘CCC’ on increasing external financing risks on Wednesday (12).The Central Bank of Sri Lanka, issuing a statement in response, states that this move demonstrates repetitive nature in which S&P and other rating agencies acted to initiate rating actions just prior to the settlement of ISB obligations. S&P’s action also fails to recognize the positive developments taking place in Sri Lanka, in an environment in which the entire world is grappling with repeated waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CBSL states.The sense of urgency on the part of an internationally recognised rating agency is inconceivable, particularly since S&P was being constantly updated by the Sri Lankan authorities on the latest developments in all sectors of the economy and many measures to shore-up foreign exchange inflows.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Power on Wednesday (12) afternoon announced that there will be no power cuts during the day.However, on Tuesday (11) even though the Ministry announced that there will be no power cuts, many areas were left in darkness following a breakdown at a private plant at the Kelanitissa Power Plant premises.Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Power Sugath Dharmakeerthi told News 1st that the breakdown is being rectified and therefore, there will be an uninterrupted supply of power.On Wednesday (12), given these unannounced power cuts, activists filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission noting that these power cuts are posing serious issues to the people.However, Minister of Power Gamini Lokuge alleges that these events could be the result of some form of conspiracy.Why is Sri Lanka facing an electricity crisis?Sri Lanka’s Forex Crisis is a main reason for the electricity crisis because the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation is seeking dollar payments from the Ceylon Electricity Board for fuel provided for electricity generation.Concessions granted to consumers by the CEB have resulted in low revenue, which is another reason for the crisis.In addition, one generator at the Norochcholai Power Plant is not acting, posing an issue in electricity generation for the country.Furthermore, a considerable drop in rainfall in areas where reservoirs are situated is another reason leading to the electricity crisis.Despite these reasons, especially that Sri Lanka is receiving low rainfall, Sri Lankan authorities are releasing water from the Maussakele reservoir citing repairs.

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Opener Shevon Daniel hammered a blistering 75 runs as Sri Lanka Under 19s recorded a mammoth 128 run win against Ireland on Tuesday (11) in their opening warm-up match of the 2022 ICC Under 19 Men’s Cricket World Cup held in the West Indies.Ireland won the toss and elected to bowl with the match being cut short for 43 overs due to overnight rain.

Construction work on the East Container Terminal (ECT) of the Colombo Port commenced on Wednesday (12) under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.With the planned construction beginning today, the length of the Eastern Terminal will increase to 1,320 meters and has been scheduled to be completed in July 2024.Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, U. D.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Central Bank Governor said there is a possibility of obtaining a new loan from China for the country’s debt restructuring purposes.“We have a very good understanding with China, about our debt and key payments and investments,” Ajith Nivard Cabraal told reporters on Wednesday (12) morning.He told that “assistance that has been sought has been connected to the key payments that we are having. but it is only with regard to China’s transactions.”Cabraal said that Sri Lanka has an understanding with China that they would assist Sri Lanka in making the repayments.“So there is a possibility that we would have a new loan coming from China, in order to cushion the effect of our debt repayments to China itself,” he elaborated.However, the Governor said that this is something Sri Lanka wants to explore, and it would be used for the future as well.“It is to cushion the debt repayment to China that we would try to negotiate a new loan for that purpose, as well as for any other purposes.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Investigations by the Tamil Nadu Crime Branch CID (CB-CID) have revealed that former intelligence operative of the Liberation Tamil Tigers Eelam (LTTE) Satkunam alias Sabesan (47), who was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) from Chennai in October 2021 for alleged involvement in the smuggling of drugs and arms from Pakistan to Sri Lanka, had close links with Sri Lankan don Angoda Lokka and his aides, The Hindu reports.The CB-CID, which is investigating the death and illegal stay of Lokka in disguise in Coimbatore, recently arrested Sabesan and two other suspects, one from Chennai and a Lankan.The CB-CID team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police P. Sivakumar interrogated the trio and found they were closely associated with Lokka and his confidante Chanuka Thananayake alias ‘Ladiya’.According to investigators, Sabesan and Chinnasuresh had left Sri Lanka following crimes there and to escape from a rival gang, while Angoda Lokka and Ladiya had also shifted base to India for the same reason.

Sri Lanka Police says a hand grenade was discovered at a church in Borella.Police Spokesperson Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Attorney Nihal Thalduwa said, Three people have been arrested, and the Police Special Task Force has been called in to defuse the ordinance.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s People’s Bank has been removed from the blacklist of the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, it was confirmed on Tuesday (11).On the 9th of January 2022; The People’s Bank of Sri Lanka has informed the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka of its request to be taken off the blacklist by the Embassy’s Economic and Commercial Office over the Chinese Fertilizer shipment that was rejected by Sri Lanka, after pathogens were detected in samples twice.This is after People’s Bank honoured the Letter of Credit obligation of USD 6.9 Mn to China’s Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group.The People’s Bank of Sri Lanka announced that a sum of USD 6.9 Million was paid to Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group Co., Ltd, on Friday (7) as per the Letter of Credit opened for the purchase of organic fertilizer.This announcement came days after the Colombo Commercial High Court dissolved an order preventing the payment to a Chinese company for imported fertilizer.The order was dissolved on the basis that the Chinese company and the Sri Lankan Government had reached a settlement on the issue.The People’s Bank of Sri Lanka was then blacklisted by the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka for failing to make the payment according to the Letter of Credit and the contracts between the two parties.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The party leaders of Sri Lanka have decided to debate the President’s Policy Statement for the Second Session of Parliament on the 19th and 20th of January 2022.The second session of the 9th Parliament will open on the 18th of January 2022, with the President expected to deliver the Policy Statement of the Government.President Gotabaya Rajapaksa prorogued the Parliament in accordance with the powers vested in him by Article 70 of the Constitution with effect from midnight on the 12th December 2021, and announced that the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament will commence on the 18th of January at 10.00 am.According to Article 33 of the Constitution, the President has the opportunity to ceremonially open the Parliament and preside over the presentation of the Policy Statement of the Government at the commencement of a new session.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka will hand over two Indian prisoners to Indian authorities under the SAARC exchange agreement.Prisons Commissioner and Spokesperson, Chandana Ekanayake told News 1st that the Additional Secretary (Legal) of the Ministry of Justice had informed the Commissioner-General of Prisons to hand over two Indian Prisoners to the Indian government, under the SAARC exchange agreement.One prisoner was found guilty of possession, distribution, and importation under the Poisons, Opium, and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Act, No. 26 of 1986 by the Negombo High Court and was sentenced to three life sentences for each charge.He has been incarcerated for 12 years.The second prisoner was charged under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and was also serving three life sentences for three charges.He has been incarcerated for 6 years.Accordingly, these two prisoners will be escorted to the Bandaranaike International Airport under armed guard by the Prison Officials and will be handed over to Indian Police Officers.

In case our readers are unaware, pre-open economy Sri Lanka was a time where the general public had to stay in long queues to buy essential items ranging from rice to kerosene.When the News 1st team visited urban hotspots of the commercial capital of the island nation our cameras captured certain sights prevalent during the closed economy.Due to the dire consequence of the gas crisis, bullock carts carrying kerosene barrels were seen in Central Colombo’s Maligawatte area, a sight that took the residents down the memory lane.Our reporters said that this is now a common sight in many parts of Colombo City.An elderly lady speaking to News 1st said that it is a pity to see the fate of the country as she reminisced her times standing in queue to buy rice and bread during the 1970s.Although the two leading gas companies in Sri Lanka have said that ample gas stocks will be distributed to the market, the queues do not seem to end.Some people who are heavily impacted by the gas shortage have now opted to use firewood.In general, it was reported that gas queues were seen across the island today (11) as well.

Sri Lanka’s Joint-Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana says the island nation has kept it doors open to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to provide support on debt restructuring.The Minister made the above remarks when asked whether Sri Lanka would restructure its debt.He noted that debt restructuring is one option and a need has arisen to talk to the agencies and countries and the debt owners.Minister Pathirana further added that currently talks are held with the World Bank and Asia Development Bank (ADB) and are also liaising closely with neighbouring India, China and Japan to support Sri Lanka.” So we are quite confident that we should be able to manage this crisis”, Dr.

Alongside gas, milk powder queues were a recent addition to the mounting woes of the people of present-day Sri Lanka.Nugegoda a bustling town just outside the borders of greater Colombo is home to a large number of residents and many others who arrive from all parts of the island seeking employment.According to our correspondents, many people ranging from teenagers to elderly pensioners were seen in lengthy queues opposite a leading local dairy produce outlet.A frustrated youth told us that he couldn’t turn up for work because of the long queue.An elderly mother told that they are now bearing the repercussions by voting in the current rulers and are now forced to stand in queues from 5 in the morning with a risk of returning home empty-handed.Another retired gentleman mockingly said the government is providing the people with free ‘Vitamin D’ by making them stand under the sun.Some people who were too furious about the situation opted to remain silent.

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COLOMBO (News 1st); The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has decided to consider on the 31st of January, a petition that was filed seeking a ruling that the fundamental rights are being violated when making it mandatory for children under the age of 18 to obtain the vaccine against COVID-19.The application was called up in the presence of Justices Gamini Amarasekera, Kumuduni Wickremesinghe, and Achala Wengappuli.President’s Counsel K. Kanag-Isvaran, appearing for the petitioner said it was promised in court earlier, that only the Director-General of Health Services would make statements with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic and the COVID-19 prevention programs.The President’s Counsel said that however, the Health Minister making such a statement is a violation of the agreement reached earlier in court.He said that further submissions will be made in court, adding that it is wise to first obtain the parent’s consent before administering the vaccine to children.The applications were filed by Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers approved to import of 200,000 MT of Nadu Rice and 100,000 MT of GR 11 short Grain Rice as a substitute for Samba Rice.The proposal was presented by the Ministry of Trade to ensure the availability of the required rice consignments in the open market.Joint Cabinet Spokesperson Minister (Dr) Ramesh Pathirana told reporters that the rice will be imposed from India and this decision was made as rice production in the country has dropped this year and has resulted in high prices for locally produced rice.He said the imports will be awarded to Sathosa and private importers.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers has given the green light to publish the Animal Welfare Bill in the government gazette.In addition, approval was given to submit the Animal Welfare Bill to the parliament for approval.According to the Department of Government Information approval was granted to draft the Animal Welfare Bill on the 19th of October 2020.It added that the Attorney General has given the clearance for the bill that was drafted by the Legal Draftsman of Sri Lanka.

Nicola Sturgeon is set to issue an update on the state of the coronavirus pandemic to the Scottish Parliament later today.

Even today (10) people stood in long queues to buy gas all over Sri Lanka.In another twist of topsy-turvy events, people from Maligawatte in Central Colombo were told that it is mandatory to bring a water bill or an electricity bill to prove their residency in the area in order to purchase a gas cylinder.Only about 40 cylinders were issued to those who had been queuing since early morning.An elderly area resident said he had to stand in line for five different separate occasions by sacrificing his job.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A 46-year-old woman had died after falling off the fifth floor of the building housing the Criminal Investigations Department.Sri Lanka Police said the woman was arrested by the CID for financial fraud.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday (10) issued an Extraordinary Gazette revising the institution that are placed under several ministries.

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COLOMBO (News 1st); State Councilor and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said discussions should be held to restart talks on a free trade agreement between China and Sri Lanka to send more positive signals to the world and contribute to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and development.Quoting Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs read “Sri Lanka appreciates China never interfering in its domestic affairs and thanks to China for its long-term and enormous support for the country’s economic and social development”The statement went on to note that China firmly supports Sri Lanka in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity and in following a development path suited to its national conditions.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ceylon Electricity Board on Monday (10) made public the proposed power outage schedule that it proposed to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa emphasizes that solutions for the electricity crisis should be sought without hindering the people’s daily life.In a backdrop where the island nation is facing an imminent power shortage, the Head of State spoke to the heads of the Power and Energy sectors at the Presidential Secretariat on Monday (10), said the President’s Media Division in a press release.Officials pointed out that the root cause of the current crisis is the issues prevalent in generating electricity through coal and fossil fuel.Sri Lanka’s coal reserves are sufficient as well as in good maintenance and if the fossil fuel power generating sector is managed well, the country can survive an impending power cut, said the officials.The Subject Ministers noted that all measures have been taken to manage the daily life of the general public during the current situation of the country.Ministers Gamini Lokuge, Udaya Gammanpila, Governor of the Central Bank Ajith Nivard Cabraal, State Minister Duminda Dissanayake, Secretary to the President P. B.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Energy says that a decision has been reached to resume operations at the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery on the 26th of January.Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, K. D.

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Navy has rescued a fisherman who had been swimming for more than 24 hours in the deep seas of Sri Lanka’s south.A fisherman had fallen into the sea when traveling with five other fishermen on the Multi-Day Fishing Trawler ‘Lakvindu 3 ‘.The boat had left the coast on Friday (07), and subsequently, the incident had taken place about 8 nautical miles away from Tangalle.The fishermen had been rescued by a navy vessel that had left the Galle Harbor for whale watching about 7 nautical miles from the coast.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Sunday (9) afternoon.According to the President’s Media Division, the meeting took place to further strengthen the 65 year diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka.Welcoming the visit of the Chinese Foreign Minister, the President recalled the historic close ties between the two countries.The President on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka and her people, thanked the Government of China for the material and financial assistance received to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.Reflecting on the friendship between the two countries, Wang Yi said he was pleased to be back in Sri Lanka and said that China would always support the island nation as a close friend.President Rajapaksa also thanked the Chinese Government for its continued support in providing Sri Lanka with Sinopharm vaccines for the successful implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination program.The President requested Wang Yi to assist in attracting Chinese tourists to Sri Lanka by allowing visitation using the bio-bubble program.The President pointed out that it would be a great relief to the country if the focus could be on restructuring the debt repayments as a solution to the economic crisis that has arisen in the face of COVID-19.The President also said that if a concessional trade credit scheme could be obtained for imports from China, it would enable industries to run smoothly.Wang Yi invited the President to visit China and expressed confidence that the visit would take place soon.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The People’s Bank of Sri Lanka has informed the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka of its request to be taken off the blacklist by the Embassy’s Economic and Commercial Office over the Chinese Fertilizer shipment that was rejected by Sri Lanka, after pathogens were detected in samples twice.This is after People’s Bank honoured the Letter of Credit obligation of USD 6.9 Mn to China’s Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group.The People’s Bank of Sri Lanka announced that a sum of USD 6.9 Million was paid to Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group Co., Ltd, on Friday (7) as per the Letter of Credit opened for the purchase of organic fertilizer.This announcement comes three days after the Colombo Commercial High Court dissolved an order preventing the payment to a Chinese company for imported fertilizer.The order was dissolved on the basis that the Chinese company and the Sri Lankan Government had reached a settlement on the issue.The People’s Bank of Sri Lanka was then blacklisted by the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka for failing to make the payment according to the Letter of Credit and the contracts between the two parties.

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COLOMBO (News 1st); Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Sri Lanka on Saturday (8) on 2-day visit to mark the 65th anniversary of Diplomatic Ties between the twi countries.During his visit, the Chinese Foreign Minister will meet with the country’s top leadership.His visit marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations and the 70th anniversary of theLanka-China Rubber Rice Pact. Signed in 1952, the Rubber-Rice Pact was a trade agreement between Lanka andChina under which Colombo supplied rubber to Beijing in exchange for rice, leading to the establishment ofdiplomatic relations and expansion of trade between the two nations.Profile:Wang Yi, a native of Beijing, was born in October 1953.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Five Sri Lankan fishermen have been rescued by merchant ship YM Summit 170 nautical miles east of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, after a Sri Lankan fishing vessel capsized off the coast of the Maldives.The Navy Spokesperson, Captain Indika de Silva said that there were six fishermen on board the vessel, however, one was missing.The Indian Coast Guard stated that the rescue was coordinated by Indian Coast Guard Maritime rescue coordination center (Mumbai) and Chennai.The rescued fishermen are due to be handed over to the Navy by the relevant merchant ship off the coast of Galle this afternoon (08).The fishing vessel, named Asela Putha has gone to sea from Beruwala.Subsequently, the owner of the vessel had complained to the Beruwala Police on 5th January that communication with the vessel had been disrupted.The Navy said it had informed the Maldivian and Mumbai naval authorities about the incident as well.

With a rising number of long-term care homes in outbreak, calls are growing louder for urgent safeguards to be put in place. Caryn Lieberman reports.