News
CEO makes shocking revelation: 50% of factories are closed-
About 50% of factories had been closed and the others were operating at sub optimal levels, Dhammika Samarawickrama, head of the Micro Electric International (Pvt) Ltd said during a TV interview on Wednesday night.
“This is a big problem. A lot of factories have been closed, and the others are working only for about two weeks a month. This is because the demand has dropped and there is no point in running the factory throughout the month, he said.
Samarawickrama said that apart from the obvious economic problem, a large number of unemployed would have an unfathomable social cost.
“I don’t think we have ever had so many unemployed people. So many job losses and these people also have to make ends meet. The government really has to do something urgently,” he said.
The factories were closing down because of high bank interest rates and the skyrocketing cost of production, he said.
“Interest rates are too high. It’s impossible to take a new loan or even pay interest for existing loans. Attempts made by businessmen to get a debt moratorium too have been unsuccessful. On the other hand, the cost of production has doubled or tripled. The electricity bill has been increased by 100 percent. We hear that the tariff will be increased by 30 percent in January. Therefore the costs have gone up and businessmen have increased prices,” he said.
On the other hand, the purchasing power of the people has dropped and there is a marked drop in demand, Samarawickrama said. Samarawickrama said that no businessman wants to incur losses for any reason.
“However, people are not buying at the new prices. So obviously the economy will shrink. The government has to step in and ensure that there is some equilibrium,” he said.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the table below and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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