Srilanka

China highly appreciates the remarks made by Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa over the Hambantota Port agreement, said a statement released by the Chinese Embassy in Colombo on Friday.China is willing to guide related enterprises to work with the Sri Lankan side to expedite implementing the established agreement and further promote the prosperity and development of Hambantota Port, according to the statement.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) yesterday urged people living in several low-lying areas near the Mahaweli River and Kala Oya to evacuate as the reservoir is nearing spill level.Accordingly, the residents of the Thalawa, Ipalogama, Thambuttegama, Galnewa areas near Kala Oya and Welikanda, Seruwila, Muthur, Kinniya, Kanthale, Lankapura, Medirigiriya and Dimbulagala areas near Mahaweli River are warned of the potential flood risk.

An operation launched by the Consumer Affairs Authority and Sri Lanka Police is currently underway to raid shops selling rice above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) imposed by the government, a statement from the President's Media said.Recently, the CAA gazetted a MRP on Samba and Nadu rice at Rs. 98 per kg.

The Passenger Transport Management Ministry has decided to reduce bus fares of the Southern Expressway from December 23 for the festive season. Accordingly, fares charged from buses running on the Southern Expressway from Matara to Negombo would be reduced from Rs. 720 to Rs. 700 and Galle to Negombo would be reduced from Rs. 630 to Rs. 600. The National Transport Commission (NTC) said the decision was taken following a request by Minister Mahinda Amaraweera to facilitate passengers using public transport during the festive season.