Srilanka

Northeast monsoon condition is getting gradually establish over the country and is expected to be fully established by November 27, 2019. Therefore prevailing showery condition particularly in the Northern and Eastern parts of the country is likely to continue.Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern, North-central, Eastern, Southern and Uva provinces. Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere after 2.00 p.m.Heavy showers above 100mm are likely at some places in Northern and Eastern provinces and in Polonnaruwa district. Fairly heavy showers about 75mm are likely at some places in Uva, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Anuradhapura and Hambanthota districts.Wind speed can be increased up to (40-50) kmph at times in Central hilly areas, Northern, North-central, Southern and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee district.Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa 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.

Sri Lankan rupee has appreciated by more than one rupee against the US dollar during the four days since the conclusion of the elections, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) says denying a statement made by Fitch Ratings.Issuing a statement on Thursday (21) Fitch Ratings said the Presidential Election significantly increases policy uncertainty and could prompt loosening that exacerbates fiscal weaknesses and a rollback of reforms. It said ‘political tensions could resurface ahead of elections to Parliament, where the UNP is the largest party&.

The funeral of former Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne took place at the Haliyadda Stadium in Doluwa, Gampola with state honours yesterday.Former Prime Minister Jayaratne was the most senior member of the SLFP at the time of his demise. He held a number of ministerial portfolios such as Minister of Lands, Agriculture and Wildlife, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Co-operative, Minister of Posts and Telecommunication, Minister of Upcountry Development, Rural Economy and Plantation in SLFP led Governments. Born in 1931 he had his education at Doluwa Maha Vidyala, Gampola. He launched his career as a teacher and later, was a Post Master.

Newly appointed Secretary of Defence Major General Kamal Gunaratne has stressed that citizens should not have any undue fear that the recent political change in the country would herald in political revenge, abductions or disturbances in Sri Lanka. He said this in a statement which was released by the Ministry of Defence after his appointment as the Secretary of Defence on Wednesday.&The acting Inspector General of Police has been informed that in the coming days duties must be carried out with greater concern,& it said.