News
Harsha welcomes SL’s credit upgrading
SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva on Tuesday (24), described the recent upgrade of Sri Lanka’s credit rating as a positive development, not only for the government but for the entire economy.
Addressing the media at the SJB headquarters Dr. de Silva highlighted its significance, “Sri Lanka has been removed from the list of countries at risk of debt default by leading credit rating agencies such as Moody’s and Fitch Ratings. This is a momentous development for the nation. The previous government’s mismanagement of debt placed immense pressure on private sector investors. For example, during negotiations between Sri Lanka and India’s Adani Group over electricity tariffs, Adani raised concerns about Sri Lanka’s poor creditworthiness. Similarly, the downgraded credit rating discouraged other investors from considering Sri Lanka as a viable destination. This upgrade, therefore, is a relief for both the government and the economy.”
Dr. de Silva, however, noted that Sri Lanka has not yet achieved the credit rating necessary to borrow from international markets.
“To reach that milestone, the economy must be further strengthened,” he emphasised. He attributed the recent credit rating improvement to measures initiated in 2023 during the country’s economic crisis. These included parliamentary-approved reforms and stabilisation efforts.
He observed that the credit rating upgrade was the result of adhering to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement without deviating from its fundamentals. “Before the election, the National People’s Power (NPP) pledged to introduce an alternative Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) for debt restructuring. However, when the opportunity for restructuring arose, no alternative DSA was implemented. Instead, the existing agreement was followed, ultimately benefiting the country,” he explained.
Dr de Silva also discussed the government’s recent decision to extend the gazette notification for rice imports until 10 January. He stressed the importance of setting a guaranteed price for paddy before the next harvest to support farmers. “Farmers affiliated with the NPP have demanded a guaranteed price of Rs. 130 per kilogram of paddy. If the government agrees to this price, will it revise the rice import gazette accordingly? Will the price of rice remain at Rs. 230 per kilo? If not, large-scale rice mill owners will exploit the situation by purchasing paddy from farmers at reduced prices, leaving them vulnerable once again,” he warned.
As a sustainable solution to the rice price issue, Dr. de Silva proposed reviving the Shakthi Rice Enterprise, a cooperative initiative launched during the Good Governance administration to support small- and medium-scale rice millers. “The solution lies in restarting the Shakthi Rice Enterprise, which previously operated in eight districts. Neglecting this initiative would be a mistake,” he concluded, urging the government to take decisive action to stabilise the rice market and safeguard the livelihoods of farmers.
Latest News
Landslide Earyly Warnings issued to the districts of Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura
The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued early warnings to the Districts of Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura from 1600hrs on 13th June 2026 till 1600hrs on 14th June 2026.
Accordingly,
LEVEL I (YELLOW) landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surounding areas of Palindanuwara and Agalawatta in the Kalutara district, Ambagamuwa in the Nuwara Eliya and Ayagama, Pelmadulla,
Godakawela, Elapatha, Kalawana, Ratnapura and Nivithigala in the Ratnapura district.
News
INS Sharda departs Colombo concluding replenishment visit
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) ‘Sharda’ departed the island today (13 Jun 26), concluding her replenishment purposes.
On departure the vessel was accorded a traditional naval farewell by the Sri Lanka Navy at the Port of Colombo.
The visit also paved the way for vibrant personnel interactions, fostering camaraderie and goodwill. The crew of INS Sharda and personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy participated in a
friendly volleyball match and a joint yoga session. A
dditionally, Sri Lanka Navy personnel had the opportunity to visit the Indian naval vessel, while the visiting crew took time to explore several culturally significant landmarks across the island.
Latest News
Special Dengue Prevention Week declared in Colombo District from June 15 to 21
A decision has been taken to declare a Special Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 of June by the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee to curb the spread of the disease in the Colombo District.
This decision was taken at the meeting of the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee held on Friday (12) at the Colombo District Secretariat under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Compared to last year, the number of dengue cases reported this year has increased significantly. According to the National Dengue Control Unit, approximately 39,100 dengue cases have been reported island wide to date, of which 25.8% have been recorded in the Colombo District. Following this situation, the Colombo District has been identified as a high-risk district.
Health authorities informed that the increasing spread of the disease has been influenced not only by the nature of circulating virus but also to the lack of sufficient immunity among the population. They further noted that the recent period of heavy rainfall has aggravated the spread of Dengue.
It was also identified that the current outbreak is being reported more frequently from public places such as government institutions, private establishments, schools, and religious venues rather than from residential premises. Observations have identified improperly managed solid waste and drainage systems in offices and other public locations as major breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Accordingly, during the Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 June, a series of measures will be implemented, including, organising community clean-up campaigns in government and private institutions, schools, residential areas, and other public spaces; Conducting inspections of high-risk premises by Divisional Secretariats and taking legal action, where necessary, followed by awareness programmes; Distributing informational leaflets, displaying banners, and carrying out public awareness campaigns through the media. Health authorities also requested school administrations not to involve students below Grade 10 in school cleaning programmes and to immediately notify the relevant Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office if a student is diagnosed with dengue.
The programme is expected to receive the active support and participation of the district’s political leadership, religious leaders of all faiths, public officials, local government institutions, the tri-forces, the police, and the general public.
The event was attended by the Chairperson of the District Coordination Committee, Members of Parliament, representatives of local government authorities, government secretaries, police officers, and officials representing the education and health sectors, among others.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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