Srilanka

During the first eleven months of 2019, the trade deficit contracted compared to the corresponding period in 2018, as a result of the significant decline in expenditure on imports along with a marginal increase in earnings from exports.Although tourist arrivals decreased on a year-on-year basis in November 2019, a continued recovery is seen in the tourism industry. Workers& remittances declined (year-on-year) in November 2019and have recorded a cumulative decline during the first eleven months of 2019.

The European UnionGeneralized Scheme of Preferences Plus tax concessions to Sri Lanka will continue until 2023, says Minister Prasanna Ranatunga.He made the announcement following talks with EU Sri Lankahead of political, trade and communications section Thorsten Bargfrede today.

The coastal and marine environment conservation activities conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy have started to deliver favorable returns as of now. As an eloquent testimony to this fact, several sea turtle eggs have been found at the Galle Face beach yesterday (18th January 2020), during a beach cleaning inspection visit by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva. Since this has been a rare sight at the Galle Face beach in the densely populated city, the naval personnel promptly encircled the area, giving the eggs a protected hatchling ground, under the directives of Commander of the Navy.

Showery condition is expected to enhance to some extent particularly in the South-western part of the island and in the Eastern, North-central, Uva and Central provinces during next few days from tomorrow (20th).Several spells of showers will occur in the Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota and Matale districts.Showers or thundershowers will occur at a several places in Sabaragamuwa and Western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts after 2.00 p.m.Fairly heavy falls above 75 mm are likely at some places in Sabaragamuwa province and in Kaluthara and Galle districts.Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces during the morning.General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.