More job opportunities in South Korea for Sri Lankan workers
South Korea’s government will support the promotion of jobs, vocational training and investment opportunities, said Speaker of the National Assembly Park Byong-soog. He made this statement during a meeting with President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat, the Presidential Media Unit said. The President also requested Mr. Seog to encourage leading Korean companies to invest in Sri Lanka. Mr. Soog also informed the President that steps would be taken to fulfill the request made to give more opportunities to Sri Lankan workers in the South Korean labor market, the Presidential Media Unit said. The South Korean Speaker also agreed to provide assistance from the Korean Government to develop vocational training opportunities in Sri Lanka.
5 arrested in Katunayake with foreign currency
Five persons have been arrested by the Customs in Katunayake for attempting to smuggle foreign currency into Dubai. It is reported that the value of the foreign currency seized by the Customs is around Rs. 42 million. It has been revealed that the five suspects arrested are residents of the Colombo area. Upon checking their luggage on their suspicious behavior, they found these foreign currencies subtly hidden in them. Among the foreign currencies, US $ 22,300, EUR 63,500, Saudi riyals 292,000, pounds 8,725 and dirhams 75,000 have been identified. A special investigation has been launched into the suspect.
Interest rates rsised
The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has decided to increase the Fixed Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Fixed Loan Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank by 50 basis points to 5.50 per cent and 6.50 per cent, respectively. Meanwhile, the bank rate will automatically rise to 9.50 per cent, adjusting with the regular credit facility rate. However, the Monetary Board has decided to maintain the statutory reserve ratio at the current level of 4.00%. The decision by the central bank has been called a “compression monetary policy”.
An explosion on an Indian ship
Several people have been killed in an explosion on an Indian ship, international media reports say. Three sailors were killed in an explosion on a ship anchored in a dockyard in Mumbai.
A petition to the court against the new marriage regulation
A writ petition has been filed in the Court of Appeal seeking the annulment of a new regulation imposed by Sri Lankans on marriages with foreign nationals. The new regulation stipulates that in such a marriage, a clearance report must be obtained from the Ministry of Defense. The petition was filed by Attorney-at-Law Tishya Weragoda. Registrar General W.M.M.B. Weerasekera, Defense Secretary Kamal Gunaratne and Secretary to the Ministry of Health SH Munasinghe has been named as the respondent here. Petitioner states that as a recognized right in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights signed by Sri Lanka, every person is free to marry any person he wishes. A circular was issued on October 18 requiring foreigners intending to marry Sri Lankans to obtain a “security clearance report” as a precondition for registering their marriage, and the regulation will take effect on January 1.
South Korean Speaker to visit the island
The South Korean Speaker has arrived in the island for a four day official visit. The Korean Speaker and his delegation arrived in the island on a Singapore Airlines flight last night (19). South Korean Speaker Park Geun-hye will pay a courtesy call on Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. Minister of Sports Namal Rajapaksa, Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga and State Minister of Civil Aviation DV Chanaka were also present to welcome the South Korean Speaker and his delegation. During his visit, South Korean Speaker Park Geun-hye will hold talks with the President, the Prime Minister and other senior government officials, and will also visit the Sri Lankan Parliament.
Minister Weerasekera infected with covid 19
It is reported that the Minister of Public Defense Riyadh Admiral Sarath Weerasekera has been infected with the covid virus. The Minister has been admitted to the Narahenpita Police Hospital for treatment. During a PCR examination due to an illness, the Minister confirmed that he was infected with the covid 19 virus.
Two Nigerians arrested
Two Nigerian nationals have been arrested in the Navinna area in Maharagama for staying in Sri Lanka without a valid visa. The two suspects were arrested by the CID yesterday (18) evening. The two suspects have been produced before the Maharagama Police Station for further investigations. The suspects are to be produced before the Gangodawila Magistrate’s Court today (19).
16 years old girl died after falling in to a well
A 16-year-old girl has died after falling into a well in the Nelliady police division, according to reports from the Karaveddi area. Police say that the incident was reported last night (18). The deceased has been identified as a 16 year old school girl residing in Karaveddi area. The body is being kept at the Point Pedro Hospital morgue and Nelliady Police are conducting further investigations.
A generator in Kelanitissa power plant stops working
One generator at the Kelanitissa power plant has been shut down. The CEB stated that the generator has been temporarily shut down due to a lack of fuel. It is reported that a generator supplying 150 megawatts of electricity to the national grid has been shut down.. However, the board stated that there would be no need for a power cut today (19) due to the shutdown of the generator.