Notable economic recovery by last quarter 2021 – CBSL-by Indunil Hewage Source:Dailynews Sri Lanka’s first quarter growth would be better than expected, Central Bank Governor Prof. W D Lakshman said. Despite the fact that GDP estimates for the first quarter of 2021 have not been released, Governor Prof. Lakshman said Sri Lankan economy is likely to have recorded a higher than expected growth rate in the first quarter of 2021 based on several information such as Index of Industrial Production, Agricultural sector performance and private credit, etc. “We’re pleased to observe positive developments on many fronts particularly during the first quarter. As COVID related lock downs are gradually removed and then with the vaccination drive which is in full force, we expect a notable recovery by the last quarter of the year.” ...

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Sri Lanka to issue new Rs.2, 000 currency note Source:Dailymirror The Central Bank is to introduce a new Rs.2, 000 currency note this year as a part of the existing 11th note series. The Central Bank Governor Prof. W.D. Lakshman said the new currency note would have improved security features. “In 2020, the Central Bank celebrated its 70th anniversary. To mark this event, an uncirculated commemorative coin with a value of Rs. 20 was issued, and a circulation standard commemorative coin will be issued soon. A new currency note for Rs. 2,000 will be introduced in 2021, as part of the existing 11th note series with improved security features,” Prof. Lakshman said. ...

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                                                          SRI LANKA NEWS (JULY 2020) – Compiled by Victor Melder                 The Civil Security Department (CSD) has launched a project to mitigate the human-elephant conflict; it has distributed over 100,000 citrus saplings among the staff members living in Handapanagala to be planted along elephant corridors. The project was initiated under the directives of the CSD Director General Rear Admiral (Retd) Ananda Peiris. “The CSD is now nurturing citrus nurseries as a long term solution for the long existing issue and the planting process would commence on a large scale with the onset of the rainy season,” said Rear Admiral Peiris. Rear Admiral Peiris, launching the pilot project said, citrus trees prevented elephants from entering villages as they consciously avoid citrus bushes full of sharp thorns. Lt. Col. Kumara Jagoda, CSD Commanding Officer of Moneragala who is steering the project in Handapanagala, one of the most vulnerable human habitations ...

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