Japan will consider new projects in Sri Lanka only after examining any request from the Sri Lankan authorities and its economic status first, the Japanese Embassy said yesterday.

The embassy said its priority is to carry out 11 projects that were resumed after debt restructuring. The embassy was responding to a question whether Japan had pledged new projects after the new government was formed.

Asked about the status of 11 ongoing projects, the embassy said most of them, including the Bandaranaike International Airport expansion project, are in progress smoothly.

The other Japanese-funded projects are: Kalu Ganga Water Supply Expansion Project, Anuradhapura North Water Supply Project, Kalu Ganga Water Supply Expansion Project, Kandy City Wastewater Management Project, Project for Formulation of Western Province Solid Waste Management Master Plan, Project on Capacity Development for Urban Planning, Water Engineering and Utility Management Future Leaders Training Programme, the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship, Project for Capacity Development on Effective Public Investment Management, Digitalisation of Terrestrial TV Broadcasting Project and a programme for development support of fishing and agrarian villages/Dairy Development Project in Northern Province in Sri Lanka.

Following the completion of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by all Official Creditor Committee members on July 22, 2024, Japan officially decided to resume disbursement to 11 loan projects. Japan disbursed 12.5 billion Japanese yen, which is about US $ 87 million by the end of September.

Japan played an important role in restructuring Sri Lanka’s bilateral debts and in the facilitation of restructuring International Sovereign Bonds.

Japan took the lead in organising the Official Creditor Committee for the negotiation of the debt restructuring.

In response to Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, Japan provided emergency humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, amounting to approximately U.S. 100 million in grants- the largest amount of annual support Japan has ever given. On the other hand, the past three years were not just about economic crises and challenges.

A 43-year-old man from Kilinochchi, who holds British citizenship, was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) due to a travel ban imposed on him in 2009.

Special Commodity Levy on imported big onions will be reduced from Rs.30 to Rs. 10 per kilo till December 31, 2024, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development said. The Ministry said the Special Commodity Levy on imported potatoes will remain unchanged at Rs. 60 per kilo.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) arrested three individuals for disturbing public peace by promoting LTTE Mahaviru commemorations.

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has revised fuel prices with effect from midnight (30).

The death toll due to the inclement weather experienced across Sri Lanka has increased to 17, as of 06.00 am today. According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), 11 of the deaths are reported from Ampara, and one each from Badulla, Puttalam, Trincomalee, Vavuniya, and Jaffna.

Airmail services to Canada have been suspended due to a trade union strike by Canada Post, a senior official of the International Postal Service said. The official said trade union action was launched on November 15, and would continue until further notice. The protests are driven by workers’ demands for a wage increase and the ability to work weekends with overtime pay.

As a cyclonic storm sweeps over Sri Lanka, health experts warn of the spread of waterborne and communicable diseases in regions experiencing heavy rains and flooding.

Secretary-General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera has clarified the process and policies regarding the privileges granted to Members of Parliament (MPs) and the allocation of official residences.

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong defended China-funded projects, stating that they were developed at the request of previous Governments.

A 41-year-old naval officer attached to the Punewa Navy camp was killed in a wild elephant attack last night, Police said. The victim is identified as a Lieutenant Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy and a resident of Nittambuwa.

A 75-year-old man died due to severe burns caused by a fire at his home in the Silawatta area of Mullaitivu yesterday (29). The deceased, a resident of Silawatta, lived alone in a house near his son’s residence. According to preliminary investigations, the fire may have started due to flames lit in the house to combat the cold, which subsequently spread and caused the fatal accident. Further investigations are being conducted by the Police.

Sri Lanka must not bow to external pressure and must maintain an independent foreign policy, especially at a time when some ‘parties’ are trying to take advantage of its economic situation, China’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong told a group of journalists in Colombo last evening.

Applications have been called for to fill the vacancies for the posts of members in the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), the Communications Department of Parliament said.

The deep depression that caused significant disruption in Sri Lanka’s northeastern regions over the past few days has intensified into Cyclone Fengal, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

According to the real-time Air Quality Index (AQI), the air pollution level indicated in Sri Lanka's atmosphere is still at risk and the country will experience unhealthy air quality conditions.

The Colombo High Court today ordered the acquittal and release of two accused, including former Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne, in the controversial White Van press conference case.

In a coordinated operation between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lanka Navy, two Sri Lankan-flagged fishing vessels were intercepted and seized with 500 kg of narcotics (Crystal Meth) in the Indian Ocean.

Considering the candidates affected by the prevailing adverse weather conditions, the Examinations Department has decided to postpone the 2024 GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examinations till December 3, Examinations Commissioner General Amith Jayasundara announced.

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Politbureau Member and District Organizer of Jaffna, Geethanath Cassilingham has accused newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Northern Province representing the National People’s Power (NPP) of failing to assist people affected by the devastation caused by Cyclone Fengal.

The A-9 main road to Jaffna at Omanthai, which had been closed for traffic due to flooding, has been cleared for vehicle movement again, police said.