India and Sri Lanka have signed six Memoranda of Understanding
India and Sri Lanka have signed six Memoranda of Understanding  The Indian High Commission stated that the relevant agreements were signed at the Ministry of External Affairs yesterday. Accordingly, the implementation of a digital reciprocity program, the Establishment of a Maritime Rescue Coordinating Center, Memorandums of Understanding have been signed on the implementation of hybrid power plant projects on three islands outside Jaffna. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the development of fishing harbors in Sri Lanka, Agreements have also been signed to set up computer labs in 200 schools in the Galle District.  In addition, Sushma Swaraj has signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Foreign Service Institute and the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute.
“Diesel landing delay: Avoid being in diesel queues today and, tomorrow, Petrol will distribute as usual” – Petroleum Corporation
A ship carrying 37,500 tons of diesel has not been able to land as planned. Â Due to this, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation warns the public not to wait in line at petrol stations for diesel today(30) and tomorrow (31). However, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation stated that it will continue to supply diesel for essential services. The distribution of petrol will be carried out as usual without any shortage The chairman of the Petroleum Corporation said.
US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs visits the Port of Colombo
A special US delegation led by  US Under Secretary of State  for Political Affairs  Mrs. Victoria Nuland recently made a special visit at the Port of Colombo (POC). US Ambassador Her Excellency   Juli J. Chung  also included in the delegation. The delegation inspected the ongoing port development projects at the Port of Colombo from the SLPA Control Tower. Â
BIMSTEC Foreign Ministerial Conference is today
The Foreign Ministers’ Conference of BIMSTEC member countries will be held today (29). It was at the Bandaranaike International Conference Hall. Delegates from 7 countries including India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand and Nepal are participating in the 5th BIMSTEC Summit hosted by Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka seeks $ 1 billion additional loan from India
Sri Lanka has requested an additional $ 1 billion loan from India to import essential food items, Reuters reports. According to a Reuters report, the Indian authorities have indicated that they will comply with Sri Lanka’s request for a new loan for the import of essential commodities such as rice, wheat flour, cereals, sugar and pharmaceuticals. This will be in addition to the $ 1 billion loan already pledged by India. Finance Minister Basil Rajapakse also signed a $ 1 billion loan agreement in the Indian capital, New Delhi, this month. In addition, India provided $ 500 million and $ 400 million in exchange rates for fuel purchases to Sri Lanka earlier this year.
Economic Crisis in Sri Lanka -China says no to debt restructuring but another loan to pay off debts
China has rejected a request from Sri Lanka to repay a loan taken from China, a weekend newspaper reports. But China has proposed another loan to pay off that debt. Accordingly, the Chinese government has recently agreed to provide a $ 1 billion loan to repay the loan installments. This billion will have to be used to repay the entire Chinese debt. In addition, interest will be added to new loans.
Today’s power cut schedule
The Public Utilities Commission will announce the power cuts today (29) Accordingly, the power cut is as follows. Zones A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L – 5 hours from 08.00 am to 06.00 pm and 2 hours and 30 minutes from 6.00 pm to 11.00 pm Zones P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W – 5 hours from 08.30 am to 05.30 pm and 2 hours and 15 minutes from 5.30 pm to 11.00 pm.
Sri Lankan government providing Rs 5000 allowance for New Year
The government has decided to provide an allowance of Rs. 5,000 to selected families for the coming New Year. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by the President yesterday. Accordingly, Cabinet approval has been granted to pay this allowance to 31 lakhs families for a period of two months.
There will be a one more hour power cut today
Today (27) the Public Utilities Commission has given permission for another hour of power cuts in P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W areas from 9AM to 3PM. This is due to the unexpectedly high energy demand over the weekend. The Public Utilities Commission has granted this permission following a request made by the Electricity Board. Also, areas from P to W will be cut off from 3 pm to 11 pm for two hours and from A to L areas from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm for 2 hours and 15 minutes and from 5.30 pm to 10.30 pm for 15 minutes. The Public Utilities Commission noted. Meanwhile, the supply of fuel for the Kelanitissa power plant commenced yesterday (26), according to the Ceylon Electricity Board. Accordingly, the amount of fuel supplied to the Kelanitissa power plant is 2400 metric tons.
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to visit Sri Lanka
The Ministry of External Affairs of India states that the External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar will pay an official visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka from 26-30 March 2022 at the invitations of the Foreign Affairs of Maldives, H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, Prof. G.L.Peiris. Dr. Jaishankar’s visit to Sri Lanka from 28th to 30th March follows the visits to India by Minister of Finance of Sri Lanka, Basil Rajapaksa in December 2021 and earlier this month and that of Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. G.L.Peiris in February 2022. The bilateral meetings and interactions which Dr. Jaishankar will have in Sri Lanka will highlight the priority that the Sri Lanka occupies for India, the Indian External Affairs Ministry stated. ​While in Sri Lanka, Dr. Jaishankar will also participate in the BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting on 29th March 2022 in Colombo.