News
Fish prices continue to soar
By Shiran Ranasinghe
Fish prices have increased by about Rs. 200 during the past few days owing to a shortage of kerosene, say fish traders.Secretary of the Peliyagoda Fish Market Business Association Jayantha Cooray said that usually fish prices were low in August due to good fish harvests.
“People can’t go fishing without kerosene. Fishermen also complain of the ill-effects of kerosene price increases but kerosene is not available even at high prices.
Cooray said that on Wednesday, the price of a kilo of seer fish, sailfish and tuna had been Rs. 2,000.A kilo of linna and salaya sold at Rs. 700, he said.
“Obviously, the demand has also dropped. Who can eat fish at such high prices? We were thinking of reducing prices because the government announced there will be fuel. However, diesel and kerosene are still not available to fishermen”, he said.
Cooray said that they understood that the country was going through a severe economic crisis and that there could be disruptions to the fuel supply. However, the government must try to manage the available resources properly he said.
“See how well the QR system is working. Of course, it’s not ideal for gas station and bowser owners, but most people have benefited from it. The government must think of a way to address the kerosene needs of the fishing community in a similar manner,” he said.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake has appointed Acting Ministers for four ministries before his departure on an official state visit to Vietnam.
The appointments cover three ministries under the President’s purview — the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, which comes under the purview of Minister Vijitha Herath, who is accompanying the President on this official visit.
Accordingly, the following Acting Ministers have been appointed:
Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Digital Economy.
Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Defence.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
[PMD]
Gen. Nakatani, Minister of Defense of Japan paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at Temple Trees today [May 4].
The discussion took place in the spirit of long-standing bilateral friendship and focused on strengthening cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka, particularly in the areas of defense and regional security. Minister Nakatani extended his congratulations to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Government of Japan and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to collaborative efforts in ensuring peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
He also emphasized Sri Lanka’s strategic importance in maritime security and regional connectivity.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support through development partnerships, especially via the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). She reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency, economic reform, and national transformation.
The Prime Minister also shared the government’s vision for evolving the role of Sri Lanka’s security forces to include responsibilities such as climate response, humanitarian assistance, and maritime protection. The meeting further explored opportunities in trade, investment, and tourism, with both parties agreeing to deepen engagement across five key sectors.
The Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, and senior officials from both governments participated in the meeting.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake departed for Vietnam.
The visit is taking place at the invitation of the President of Vietnam from May 4 to 6, 2025.
During the visit, President Disanayake is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with both the President and the Prime Minister of Vietnam. He will also meet with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and other senior officials.
On May 6, the President will attend the official opening ceremony of the United Nations Vesak Day celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City as the Chief guest and will also deliver the keynote address.
In addition, the visit is expected to include the signing of several bilateral agreements and engagement with the Vietnamese business community to further enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with a delegation of senior government officials, is accompanying the President on this important visit.
[PMD]
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