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Cricket sources have reported that the new Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Selection Committee, chaired by former national cricketer Upul Tharanga, is likely to name a new skipper for the T20 squad.

Accordingly, all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is tipped to be named the captain of the Sri Lanka T20 squad, while it has been confirmed that Dimuth Karunaratne will remain the Test Captain.

The SLC Selection Committee is slated to meet again on Monday (18 Dec.), and make a decision ahead of Zimbabwe’s Tour of Sri Lanka in January 2024.

Foreign media further reported that Charith Asalanka is likely to be appointed as the Vice Captain of both, the T20 and ODI teams, while Kusal Mendis may be appointed as the captain of the ODI team

The 2024 Appropriation Bill (Budget) was passed in Parliament with a majority of 41 votes a short while ago.

Accordingly, the 2024 Budget was passed in Parliament with 122 votes in favour of the Bill, while 81 MPS had voted against it and MP C. V. Vigneswaran abstained from voting.

Incidentally, former Minister and SLPP MP Roshan Ranasinghe was amongst those who voted against the Bill.

The vote for the Third Reading of the 2024 Appropriation Bill was held at 06:40 p.m. today.

After the vote on the Third Reading of the Budget concluded, Parliament was adjourned until 09 January 2024 by the Speaker.

The division on the Third Reading of the 2024 Appropriation Bill was held this evening (13 Dec.) following the concluding of the Committee Stage debate.

On 13 November, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, presented 2024 Budget, the country’s 78th Budget Speech, to parliament as part of the broader economic plan.

Subsequently, the debate on the second reading of the Appropriation Bill commenced the following day and continued for seven days.

It was passed by a majority of 45 votes with 122 parliamentarians in total voting in favour and 77 voted against it.

Following the Committee Stage debate of Appropriation Bill for the year 2024 which was held for 19 days from November 22nd excluding Sundays, the Third Reading vote was held today.

According to the Appropriation Bill of 2024, the total government expenditure has been set at a record Rs. 6,978 billion, an increase of nearly 33% compared to 2023.

Meanwhile, the budget deficit for the fiscal year 2024 is estimated at Rs. 2,851 billion or 9.1 as a percentage of the GDP.

This is higher than the revised 8.5% of GDP in the current year. The original target for 2023 was 7.9%.

(adaderana.lk)

Public security minister Tiran Alles says he remains prepared to face any challenge to curb crimes within the next six months.

“Contribution and support from the public will be sought for this national task. We should treat them cordially. Then, their support will come definitely,” he said at a meeting of top officials in Colombo.

Speaking further, Alles said the setting up of community police committees across the country has not taken place properly within the specified timeframe.

He expected all police officers to contribute towards their full formation within the next few weeks.

Proper implementation of the plans will enable us to overcome 75 per cent of the challenges, he said.

The underworld is using its drug money to fund false propaganda and mud-slinging at him and the police via social media, the minister claimed.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has urged all to confine their greed for political power to election periods only.

He was speaking in parliament today (13) on the final day of the debate on budget 2024.

The president also asked the people to be cautious of fairytales being said by politicians with an eye for power that will take the country back to bankruptcy.

He said he was addressing the House with great happiness because the IMF officially approved the second tranche of a bailout loan for Sri Lanka.

The IMF has admitted the country was now at a decisive juncture to come out of its branding as a failed state, he said.

Wickremesinghe said he was modestly happy to have given the leadership in that journey after accepting a bankrupt country a year ago.

Heroes who speak in parliament today had no courage then to come forward, but I accepted that challenge with determination and planning, he said.

The president admitted that the people tolerated with difficulties the certain difficult decisions he had taken.

All of them are the sharers of that proud journey that took us less time than most other countries to come out of bankruptcy, he added.

The state-owned supermarket chain, ‘Lanka Sathosa’ has reduced the prices of ten (10) essential food items in view of the upcoming festive season. The state-owned supermarket chain, ‘Lanka Sathosa’ has reduced the prices of ten (10) essential food items in view of the upcoming festive season.

Lanka Sathosa announced that the price reduction will be effective from today (Dec 15) until December 31, 2023.

The revised prices are as follows: Lanka Sathosa announced that the price reduction will be effective from today (Dec 15) until December 31, 2023.

The revised prices are as follows:

• Sathosa Milk Powder – reduced by Rs. 08 (New price - Rs. 940)

• Imported Canned Fish 425g – reduced by Rs.55 (New price - Rs. 595)

• Imported Canned Fish 255g – reduced by Rs. 10 (New price - Rs. 280)

• Local Canned Fish 425g – reduced by Rs. 15 (New price - Rs. 530)

• Imported Potatoes – reduced by Rs. 15 (New price - Rs. 300)

• Local Potatoes- reduced by Rs. 15 (New price - Rs. 300)

• Red Raw Rice 01kg – reduced by Rs. 02 (New price - Rs. 218)

• White Raw Rice 01kg – reduced by Rs. 05 (New price - Rs. 207)

• Chickpeas 01kg - reduced by Rs. 05 (New price - Rs. 535)

• White Sugar 01kg – reduced by Rs. 60 (New price - Rs. 275)

• Watana Dhal 01kg – reduced by Rs. 40 (New price - Rs. 225)

• Wheat Flour 01kg – reduced by Rs. 12 (New price - Rs. 195)

Meanwhile, Lanka Sathosa also reported that eggs, sugar and onions will be sold at Rs. 35 (each), Rs. 275 (per kg) and Rs. 400 (per kg), respectively, throughout the festive season.

This price slash comes against a backdrop where egg vendors have refused to sell eggs below Rs. 55, and the prices of onions, too, have soared in the local market.

Sports Minister Harin Fernando says he has signed a Gazette notification revoking the earlier decision to appoint an interim committee for Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

Taking to ‘X’, Minister Fernando said the Gazette was signed today with an aim to lift the ban imposed on Sri Lanka Cricket by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The Sports Minister further revealed that he has also written to the ICC, seeking their observations on the Auditor General’s report on Sri Lanka Cricket.

Minister Fernando added that the advice of the Attorney General’s Department has also been sought for future actions.

An escalating spat between former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe and the current SLC administration resulted in the ICC imposing a ban on Sri Lanka Cricket, citing political interference.

The former Sports Minister had appointed an interim committee headed by former cricketer Arjuna Ranatunga, claiming that the Auditor General’s report has confirmed financial malpractice related to the SLC.

Following the appointment of the interim committee, the SLC wrote to the ICC on the matter, while a Parliament vote was also held suspending the office bearers of the SLC.

Taking into consideration the developments, the ICC imposed a ban on Sri Lanka Cricket citing political interference.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe also stepped in sacking Roshan Ranasinghe from all his ministerial portfolios, including Sports, to which he appointed Minister Harin Fernando.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the necessity to transform Horton Plains National Park and its surrounding areas into a premier destination for high-end tourists. The President made these remarks earlier today (15) during his participation in an observation tour in Horton Plains National Park.

Following a visit to the site office of Horton Plains National Park, President Wickremesinghe recorded his insights in the special guest book and subsequently participated in an observation tour of the park along the Ohio route.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe further conducted a survey of the lands owned by the Department of Wildlife and Forest Conservation related to Horton Plains National Park using map sources. During this assessment, he directed officials to compile a comprehensive map encompassing all lands associated with both Horton Plains National Park and its associated region, with a prompt submission deadline.

The President emphasized the potential for the nation to generate significant foreign exchange by strategically developing Horton Plain and its surrounding areas, known for their appeal to both local and international tourists, with a focus on attracting high-end tourists. Additionally, the President underscored the importance of ensuring that all activities align with environmental sustainability and adhere to eco-friendly practices.

President Wickremesinghe further inquired about the living conditions of the residents in the villages surrounding the park, highlighting the potential improvement in their lives through the promotion of the tourism industry.

Subsequently, the President conducted an observation of the road passing through the Udaveriya Estate and its vicinity. (PMD)

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has conveyed his sincere appreciation for the positive outcomes resulting from the productive discussions held with President Ranil Wickremesinghe in August.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the Singaporean Prime Minister conveyed his appreciation in a cordial letter addressed to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

PM Lee Hsien Loong expressed his dedication to enhancing ties between Singapore and Sri Lanka across political, economic, and people-to-people dimensions.

The assurance of strengthened collaboration signifies a shared commitment to deepening the bilateral relationship for mutual benefit.

In extending his well wishes, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong conveyed hopes for President Wickremesinghe’s good health and continued success in steering the nation’s progress.

The Singaporean Prime Minister also expressed anticipation and eagerness towards visiting Sri Lanka in the near future, further solidifying the commitment to sustaining and advancing the diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, The Princess Royal of the United Kingdom will visit Sri Lanka next year.

Sri Lanka's Foreign Affairs Ministry said that Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, The Princess Royal of the United Kingdom will visit Sri Lanka from 10 -13 January 2024.

She will be accompanied by her spouse Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.

Her Royal Highness has been invited by the Government of Sri Lanka to participate in events connected with the 75th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the UK.

Parliamentarian Vadivel Suresh has been appointed as the Co-Chairman of the Divisional Coordination Committees in the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Passara and Lunugala in the Badulla District.

Accordingly, the MP has been tasked with monitoring all development activities implemented by the Government in Passara and Lunugala D/S divisions, the President’s Media Division (PMD) reported.

The relevant appointment has been made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Earlier this month, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Badulla District MP was appointed as an Advisor to President Wickremesinghe on the full integration of up-country Tamils into Sri Lankan society.

That role will centre around overseeing the comprehensive integration of Hill Country Tamils, particularly focusing on the districts of Badulla, Nuwara Eliya and Rathnapura.

Mayor of the Kurunegala Municipal Council Thushara Sanjeewa has been sentenced to three years of rigorous imprisonment.

Thushara Sanjeewa has been sentenced for demolishing the 13th Century King’s Court of King Bhuvanaikabahu II, dating back to the Kurunegala / Yapahuwa Kingdom Era, for a road development project.

The Kurunegala High Court today (Dec 14) sentenced the Former Mayor of the Kurunegala Municipal Council along with four others.

The former Mayor of Kurunegala together with officials from the Urban Development Authority (UDA) demolished the building in July 2020 for a road development project.

The Department of Archaeology had filed a complaint with the Kurunegala Police at the time, claiming that Thushara Sanjeewa had demolished a 13th-century King’s Court that was under its supervision.

Businesswoman Thilini Priyamali, who is accused of large-scale financial fraud, has been acquitted and released from the case in which she was accused of allegedly issuing a cheque from a bank account with insufficient funds to purchase a vehicle worth Rs. 8 million.

Accordingly, Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabendige issued the relevant order when the case was taken up today (11 Dec.).

The relevant case was filed by the Attorney General, accusing Priyamali of committing criminal breach of trust by allegedly issuing a cheque from a bank account with no funds to purchase a vehicle worth Rs. 8 million from an individual.