News
Country’s services exports jump by 55.6 percent
Sri Lanka’s services exports have recorded a substantial growth, surging by 55.6 percent to reach USD 2,304 million by end of last month compared to first nine months of 2022, as reported by the Export Development Board (EDB). Services exports include services such as ICT/BPO, construction, financial services, transport, and logistics.
In September, the EDB revealed that services exports up to August had increased by 12.9 percent to USD1, 409 million. However, in September, services exports saw a growth of USD 985 million, marking a 39 percent rise. The exact reason for this significant surge hasn’t been disclosed.
In the broader context of Sri Lanka’s export performance, earnings of both goods and services combined for the nine months leading up to September 2023 was USD11,262 million, a marginal decrease of 1.8 percent compared to the previous year.
Services exports do not encompass remittances. In the same period, official remittances showed impressive growth, surging by 68 percent to USD 4,345 million in the first nine months, EDB said.
This surge brought the total inflows, excluding tourism, to USD 15,610 million—a significant 68 percent increase from the previous year.This report does not include data related to tourism.
In terms of imports, they reached USD10, 974 million up to September 2023. The decline in imports was influenced by a slowdown in private credit and a halt in money printing.
Other significant outflows include tourism, remittances, interest payments on borrowings, dividends, and net debt repayments. These figures provide a comprehensive overview of Sri Lanka’s evolving economic landscape, reflecting both challenges and opportunities.
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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