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Restaurants that are operating during the curfew

April 6, 2020 By Abdul Nazeer Leave a Comment

Information received on April 2, 2020

Restaurants that are ready to serve you this curfew season in Colombo

Restaurants that are ready to serve you this curfew season in Colombo.
will be updating the list as it goes on

01. Mitsis Delicacies

Home of cakes and Balkan fare in Bagatalle Road.
Delivery areas : Colombo 01 to Colombo 10, Dehiwala, Mount Lavina, Nawala, Rajagiriya, Kotte, Nugegoda, Kohuwala.
Delivery time : 9am to 8pm
Delivery charges : Free Delivery(Colombo 02 to 07)
Contact Number : 077 716 30 90
Visit for Delivery Menu

02. Doner & Durum

Delivery areas : Colombo 03 to 07, Kirulapone and Narahenpita
Delivery time : 1pm to 9pm
Delivery charges : Rs.150 – Rs. 250
Contact Number : 077 997 79 93

03. Indulge Desserts Co.

Indulge desserts, delivering your favourite indulge desserts to your doorstep.
Delivery areas : Colombo 01-10, Battaramulla, Kotte, Nawala, Rajagiriya, Nugegoda, Dehiwala
Delivery time : 12pm to 6pm
Delivery charges : Certain areas will carry a delivery charge
Contact Number : 077 446 63 25, 011 768 23 14

04. Asylum Restaurant & Lounge Bar

Delivery areas : Colombo 01 to 08
Delivery time : Place orders between 7am and 10am and deliver between 11am and 4pm the same day
Delivery charges : Free delivery within a 2km radius, Rs.250 for over 2km upto 5km
Contact Number : 077 360 13 77, 076 770 78 91
Visit for Delivery Menu

05. Burger King

Delivery areas : –
Delivery time : 11am to 9pm
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number : 011 512 31 23

06. Hilton Colombo

Delivery areas : Within Colombo
Delivery time : 9am to 9pm
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number : 076 800 22 00
Visit for Delivery Menu

07. Life Food

Delivery areas : Colombo 03, 04, 05 and 07
Delivery time : 11am to 4pm
Delivery charges : Rs. 250 delivery fee
Contact Number : 011 722 54 33
Visit for Delivery Menu

08. McDonald’s

Delivery areas : Rajagiriya
Delivery time : 11am to 7pm
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number : 011 555 55 55

09. domino’s pizza

Delivery areas : Borella to Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Maradana to Ridgeway Hospital, Athulkotte to Madiwela, Kalapaluwa to Aggona Junction and Nawala to Narahenpita
Delivery time : 12pm to 9pm
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number : 7889

10. Michaelangelo Pizza

Delivery areas : Colombo 03, 05 – 08, Nawala, Rajigiriya
Delivery time : 5pm to 8pm
Delivery charges : Nawala, Rajigiriya ((Free Delivery), Colombo 03, 05 – 08(Rs.150)
Contact Number : 011 761 26 12

11. Ramada Colombo

Delivery areas : Colombo 01-13, Mount Lavinia, Rajagiriya, Nugegoda, Kohuwela, Nawala
Delivery time : 11am to 9.30pm
Delivery charges : Free Delivery
Contact Number : 076 664 55 07
Visit for Delivery Menu

13. Cafe Kumbuk

Delivery areas : Within Colombo city limits
Delivery time : 10am to 3pm
Delivery charges : –
Order via Instagram profile
Visit for Delivery Menu

14. Chinese Dragon Cafe

Delivery areas : –
Delivery time : –
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number : 011 780 80 80
Visit for Delivery Menu

15. Barista

Delivery areas : Colombo 02, 03, 05, 06 and 07
Delivery time : 8.30am to 3pm
Delivery charges : Free Delivery
Contact Number : 011 267 79 66
Visit for Delivery Menu

16. Coffee Colombo

Delivery areas : Colombo 03 to 07, Nugegoda, Dehiwala, Mount Lavinia, Rathmalana
Delivery time : 10am to 10pm
Delivery charges : Colombo 02 to 07(Rs. 250), Rest of the areas(Rs. 350)
Contact Number : 076 969 60 06
Visit for Delivery Menu

17. Chocolate House Colombo

Delivery areas : Within limited colombo areas
Delivery time : 10am to 11pm
Delivery charges : Rs. 150 onwards
Contact Number : 077 329 95 51
Visit for Delivery Menu

18. 3 Brothers Italian Bistro

Delivery areas : Colombo 01 to 08
Delivery time : 12pm to 9pm
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number : 011 250 58 18, 077 373 37 30
Visit for Delivery Menu

19. Kottulabs

Delivery areas : Nawala, Nugegoda (including Delkanda) , Colombo 4, Colombo 5 (including Kirulapone, Hevelock road), Narahenpita, Colombo 6, Pamankada, Colombo 8 (including Borella), Rajagiriya, Battaramulla (upto junction), Mirihana, Kohuwala, Boralesgamuwa, Maharagama, Dehiwala
Delivery time : 10am to 4pm
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number : 077 668 00 00
Visit for Delivery Menu

20. Chola Authentic Indian Restaurant

Delivery areas : Colombo 01-15, Nugegoda< Dehiwala and Mount Lavinia
Delivery time : –
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number : 011 436 31 18
Visit for Delivery Menu

21. Mackie’s Restaurant

Delivery areas : Within Colombo city limits
Delivery time : Delivery from 11.30am
Delivery charges : Free Delivery (Orders above Rs.3000), Rs.250 (Orders under Rs.3000)
Contact Number : 011 576 47 64
Visit for Delivery Menu

22. Caramel Pumpkin

Delivery areas : Colombo 02, 03, 05, 06 and 07
Delivery time : 8.30am to 7.30pm
Delivery charges : Free Delivery
Contact Number : 011 267 79 66
Visit for Delivery Menu

23. Dinemore

Delivery areas : Colombo 01 to 14 and Dehiwala city limits
Delivery time : –
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number : 011 566 16 61
Visit for Delivery Menu

24. Health House

Delivery areas : Colombo 02 to 07, Rajagiriya and Wellawatte
Delivery time : 11.30am to 3.30pm
Delivery charges : Rs.150 – Rs.250
Contact Number : 077 714 17 86
Visit for Delivery Menu

25. Eat Right

Delivery areas : Colombo 01 to 10
Delivery time : Order today and they will deliver the next day
Delivery charges : Rs 200
Log on to: www.eatright.lk and ORDER NOW
Visit for Delivery Menu

26. M’eat US

Delivery areas : –
Delivery time : Pre order lunch by 10.30am and delivery 12pm, dinner by 4.30pm and delivery 6pm
Delivery charges : Depending on location
Contact Number : 076 806 00 77

27. Pot Biryani

Delivery areas : –
Delivery time : –
Delivery charges : Free delivery for selected areas
Contact Number : 077 733 09 38

28. CheeseHeads

Delivery areas : Colombo
Delivery time : From 11am onwards
Delivery charges : Dehiwala, Mount Lavinia, Wellawatta (Free Delivery) , Rest of Colombo(Rs.250)
Contact Number : 077 373 36 64

29. KIKU Colombo

Delivery areas : –
Delivery time : 12pm to 3pm
Delivery charges : Rs. 250
Order via KIKU Colombo Instagram page

30. Cafe 47

Delivery areas : –
Delivery time : 9.30am to 11.30am and 4pm to 6pm
Delivery charges : Free Delivery
Contact Number : 077 723 10 47

31. Kaha Bath Gedara

Delivery areas : Rajagiriya, Nawala, Kotte, Nugegoda, Battaramulla, Talawatugoda, Malabe, Pelawatte
Delivery time : 11am to 8pm
Delivery charges : Free Delivery for orders above Rs. 3000
Contact Number : 077 766 07 40 (Whatsapp)

32. Dindigul Thalappakatti Restaurant

Delivery areas : –
Delivery time : From 11am
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number : 077 716 72 26, 011 487 87 87

33. Grill Kitchen

Delivery areas : Thalawatugoda, Maharagama, Pannipitiya, Kotte, Rajagiriya, Thalahena and Hokandara
Delivery time : The orders need to be placed before 10.00 PM on the day before
Delivery charges : Thalawatugoda(Rs. 90), Maharagama(Rs. 100), Pannipitiya and Kotte(Rs. 150), Rajagiriya, Thalahena and Hokandara(Rs. 250), Free Delivery for orders above Rs. 5000
Contact Number : 070 55 000 55 (Whatsapp or Text)
Visit for Delivery Menu

34. The Mango Tree & The Jack Tree

Delivery areas : Colombo 02 to 08
Delivery time : 12pm to 8pm
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number : 075 966 69 99 (Whatsapp or Text)

35. Isso

Delivery areas : –
Delivery time : 11am to 9pm
Delivery charges : Free Delivery (Orders above Rs. 2000)
Contact Number : 011 777 03 00, 076 847 77 49 (Whatsapp)

36. Diner’s Delight

Delivery areas : –
Delivery time : –
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number : 011 774 13 41
37. PJ’s Cafe
Delivery areas : Colombo and Suburbs
Delivery time : 8am to 8pm
Delivery charges : –
Order via PJ's Cafe Colombo Facebook page
Visit for Delivery Menu

38. Shandong Chinese Restaurant

Delivery areas : Colombo, Rajagiriya, Nawala, Kotte, Nugegoda, Battaramulla, Talawathugoda, Malabe, Kolonnawa and Wellampitiya
Delivery time : 11am to 4pm
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number : 011 788 28 82, 077 448 33 58(Whatsapp), 077 303 95 22(Whatsapp)

39. Malay Restaurant

Delivery areas : Colombo 03 to 06, Dehiwala, Mount Lavinia and Kohuwala
Delivery time : Pre Orders
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number : 077 216 87 18, 076 700 89 17

40. Wayside Thai Cafe

Delivery areas : Kohuwala, Nugegoda, Dehiwala, Mount Lavinia and Havelock Road
Delivery time : Order before 11.30am for lunch, Order before 5.30pm for dinner
Delivery charges : Rs.200
Contact Number : 077 732 61 49
Visit for Delivery Menu

41. Pizza hut

Delivery areas : Borella, Colombo 01 to 03, Colombo 06 to 11, Dehiwala, Fort, Havelock, Kadawatha, Kandy, Katugastota, Kottawa, Kurunegala, Malabe, Moratuwa, Nawala, Nugegoda, Pelawatta, Panadura, Peradeniya, Piliyandala, Pitakotte, Rajagiriya and Union Place
Delivery time : 12pm to 8pm
Delivery charges : Free Delivery
Order via www.pizzahut.lk or the pizza hut app.

42. KFC

Delivery areas : Colombo 03 to Colombo 06 and Dehiwala
Delivery time : –
Delivery charges : 10% on the total bill
Contact Number : 011 553 25 32

43. Lemongrass Restaurant

Delivery areas : –
Delivery time : 11am to 11pm
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number : 011 288 80 81, 077 735 55 51, 077 068 67 00, 076 204 05 93

44. Peri Peri Kukula

Delivery areas : Colombo 05 and Colombo 07
Delivery time : 12pm to 8pm
Delivery charges : Delivery charges apply
Contact Number : 077 540 27 33, 011 588 21 88

45. My Sister's Kitchen

Delivery areas : –
Delivery time : –
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number : 077 301 75 15

46. Me Colombo

Delivery areas : Within 3km radius
Delivery time : 7am to 10.30pm
Delivery charges : Free Delivery
Contact Number : 011 765 43 21
Visit for Delivery Menu

47. Cafe Noir

Delivery areas : Colombo 03, 05, 07, Nugegoda and Mirihana
Delivery time : Order before 12pm and Delivery between 12pm to 9pm
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number : 076 316 61 51, 011 255 51 88, 077 331 11 63(Whatsapp)
Visit for Delivery Menu

48. Indian Summer

Delivery areas : –
Delivery time : 10am to 5.30pm
Delivery charges : delivery charges applicable (Orders above Rs. 2000)
Contact Number : 011 266 21 12, 011 266 21 13, 076 247 98 61, 077 314 93 27

49. Dwaraka Colombo

Delivery areas : Kollupitiya, Bambalapitiya and Wellawatte
Delivery time : 10am to 3pm and 6pm to 9pm
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number : 011 208 11 68

50. Chana’s

Delivery areas : Within Colombo 06
Delivery time : 11am to 6pm
Delivery charges : Free Delivery
Contact Number : 011 328 87 88, 077 513 36 55(Whatsapp)
Visit for Delivery Menu

51. Kande Gedara

Delivery areas : Dehiwela, Mt Lavinia, Wellawatta, Colombo 04 to 08, Ratmalana, Katubedda, Rajagiriya, Battaramulla, Boralasgamuwa, Maharagama, Kohuwela, Nugegoda, Kotte
Delivery time : –
Delivery charges : Dehiwela, Mt Lavinia, Wellawatta(Free), All other locations (Rs. 250)
Contact Number : 011 272 93 93, 070 489 52 90
Visit for Delivery Menu

52. Galle Caterers

Delivery areas : –
Delivery time : –
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number : 011 494 92 22, 077 397 10 44
Visit for Delivery Menu

53. Sen-Saal

Delivery areas : Around Colombo area
Delivery time : –
Delivery charges : Rs.250 to Rs.850
Contact Number : 076 434 30 30(Battaramulla), 076 848 15 55(Jawatta), 077 013 22 50(Nawala), 077 013 22 51(Hyde Park), 077 013 22 49(Havelock), 076 845 15 55(Nugegoda)
Visit for Delivery Menu

54. Saffron Restaurant

Delivery areas : Colombo 01 to 15
Delivery time : 11am to 11pm
Delivery charges : Delivery charges applicable
Contact Number : 077 177 56 61, 076 028 45 85
Visit for Delivery Menu

55. Shri Vani Vilas

Delivery areas : Colombo 12,13 and 14
Delivery time : 8.30am to 2.30pm
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number : 011 232 29 22
Visit for Delivery Menu

56. Arthur’s Pizza and Lion Pub

Delivery areas : –
Delivery time : 12pm to 10pm
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number : 011 795 59 55
Visit for Delivery Menu

57. CASA Italia Srilanka

Delivery areas : Nugegoda, Mirihana, Pita Kotte, Nawala, Rajagiriya, Battaramulla, Thalawatugoda, Thalapathpitiya
Delivery time : 11.30am to 9pm
Delivery charges : Free Delivery(Orders above Rs. 2000)
Contact Number : 077 169 77 70, 077 073 58 78
Visit for Delivery Menu

58. Hunger Squad

Delivery areas : –
Delivery time : 4pm to 6pm
Delivery charges : Delivery charges applicable
Contact Number : 077 896 63 46 (Whatsapp)

59. Donlees Family Restaurant

Delivery areas : Ratmalana, Mt. Lavina, Attidiya
Delivery time : –
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number : 076 077 70 20

60. Giovanni’s

Delivery areas : Colombo 03 to 07
Delivery time : 2.30pm to 7pm
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number : 077 033 53 66

61. Mr Burger

Delivery areas : Colombo 01 to 15, Dehiwala, Kalubowila, Mount Lavinia
Delivery time : 11am to 8.30pm
Delivery charges : Colombo 01-10(Rs.250), Colombo 11-15(Rs.300), Dehiwala and Kalubowila(Rs.300), Mount Lavinia(Rs.400)
Contact Number : 011 258 50 50, 077 114 24 23
Visit for Delivery Menu

62. Pilawoos Premium

Delivery areas : Colombo 01-15, Kolonnawa, Dehiwala
Delivery time : 11am to 11pm
Delivery charges : Deliver charges applied
Contact Number : 075 044 41 11, 077 741 74 17

63. Brew 1867 by Dilmah

Delivery areas : Colombo 01, 02, 03, 04, 07, 10, 11 and 14
Delivery time : Taking pre-orders to be delivered the next day
Delivery charges : Free Delivery (Orders above Rs. 2000), Rs.250(Small orders)
Contact Number : 077 253 48 16
Visit for Delivery Menu

64. The Embazzy

Delivery areas : Colombo 02 – 07
Delivery time : 8.30am onwards
Delivery charges : Rs.200 to Rs.400
Contact Number : 011 257 60 27, 077 775 65 87
Visit for Delivery Menu

65. Thai Heritage Food Truck

Delivery areas : Deliver 5 Km away from Havelock
Delivery time : 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 10pm
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number : 077 700 36 88
Visit for Delivery Menu

66. The Barnesbury

Delivery areas : –
Delivery time : –
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number : 011 268 21 44, 077 173 95 25(Whatsapp)
Visit for Delivery Menu

67. The Cloud Kitchen

Delivery areas : –
Delivery time : –
Delivery charges : Free delivery within colombo
Order via The Cloud Kitchen Instagram page
Visit for Delivery Menu

68. Harpo's Pizza

Delivery areas : Colombo 01 to 15
Delivery time : 11am to 6pm
Delivery charges : Free Delivery
Contact Number : 011 432 79 40

69. Taj Samudra

Delivery areas : Colombo 01 to 13
Delivery time : 8am to 12pm and 3pm to 7pm
Delivery charges : Free Delivery (Orders above Rs.6000)
Contact Number : 011 244 66 22, 071 456 96 01
Visit for Delivery Menu

70. Mount Lavinia Hotel

Delivery areas : Colombo 03 to 08, Rajagiriya, Nawala, Koswatte, Kotte, Battaramulla, Mirihana, Nugegoda, Mount Lavinia, Morattuwa, Katubedda, Ratmalana, Dehiwala, Kalubowila, Pepiliyana, Boralasgamuwa, Piliyandala
Delivery time : 8am to 10.00am and 3pm to 5pm
Delivery charges : Free Delivery (Minimum Order Rs.5000)
Contact Number (Whatsapp): 077 790 12 07(Col 03 – 08), 077 361 30 04(Rajagiriya, Nawala, Koswatte, Kotte, Battaramulla, Mirihana, Nugegoda), 077 317 11 16(Mount Lavinia, Morattuwa, Katubedda, Ratmalana, Dehiwala, Kalubowila, Pepiliyana, Boralasgamuwa, Piliyandala)
Visit for Delivery Menu

71. Taco Bell Sri Lanka

Delivery areas : Colombo 01-03, Colombo 04 (up to Wellawatte & W A Silva Mawatha), Colombo 05 (up to Kirulapone), Colombo 07 & 08, Rajagiriya (up to Ethul kotte & Buthgamuwa rd up to Perera mawatha), Nawala (up to Nawala junction)
Delivery time : 11am to 8.30pm
Delivery charges : Free Delivery
Contact Number: 011 273 87 38

72. Coco Veranda

Delivery areas : Colombo 02, 03, 05, 06, 07, Nugegoda, Palawatta, Battaramulla, Kotte, Narahenpita, Nawala, and Rajagiriya
Delivery time : 11am to 7pm
Delivery charges : Delivery charges start from Rs. 150
Contact Number: 011 266 26 78
Visit for Delivery Menu

73. Big Bite Biriyani

Delivery areas : –
Delivery time : –
Delivery charges : Delivery charges apply
Contact Number: 075 522 27 77

74. Curry Pot

Delivery areas : –
Delivery time : 10am to 9pm
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number: 011 257 38 00, 077 345 49 62, 077 345 49 62

75. Brio. The Italian kitchen
Delivery areas : Colombo 07 – 08, Rajagiriya, Battaramulla, Palawatte, Thalawathugoda, Hokandara, Maharagama and Pannipitiya
Delivery time : 11am to 9pm
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number: 011 288 58 81
Visit for Delivery Menu

76. Palmyrah Restaurant Colombo

Delivery areas : Colombo 01 to 08
Delivery time : Place orders before 10am and deliver between 11am and 4pm on the same day
Delivery charges : Free Delivery (Orders above Rs.4000)
Contact Number: 011 257 35 98, 077 159 08 89(Whatsapp)
Visit for Delivery Menu

77. Rolling Kitchen

Delivery areas : Moratuwa, Katubedda, Ratmalana, Mount lavinia, Dehiwala, Kalubovila, Kirulapone, Nugegoda, Kotte, Battaramulla, Pelawatte, Thalawathugoda, Udahamulla, Maharagama, Boralasgamuwa, Piliyandala, Kottawa
Delivery time :
Delivery charges : Free Delivery (Orders above Rs.1000), Rs.250 for orders below
Contact Number: 070 301 01 01
Visit for Delivery Menu

79. Spice & Curry

Delivery areas : –
Delivery time : 10am to 7pm
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number: 011 281 19 49, 077 725 55 15

80. PappaRich Sri Lanka

Delivery areas : Nugegoda, Borella, Battaramulla, Rajagiriya, Colombo 03, 05 and 07
Delivery time : Order 10am – 12pm (Deliver 12pm – 3pm) and Order 4pm – 6pm (Deliver 6pm – 9pm)
Delivery charges : Packaging and delivery charges apply
Contact Number: 076 620 37 03 (Whatsapp), 077 919 01 05 (Whatsapp), 071 291 09 10 (Nawala Restaurant)

81. The Common’s Rotti Cart

Delivery areas : Colombo 01 – 05, 07 and 08
Delivery time : Last order 5.30pm
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number: 011 269 44 35 , 011 486 90 00

82. Chatz

Delivery areas : Colombo 02, 05, 07, 08, Nawala, Rajagiriya and Welikada
Delivery time : Place order 8am to 11am for lunch and 4pm to 6pm for dinner
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number: 011 722 68 88 , 011 722 69 99, 077 727 72 94

83. Baked

Delivery areas : Colombo 03 to 07
Delivery time : 2pm to 6pm
Delivery charges : Rs.150
Contact Number: 077 715 44 54
Visit for Delivery Menu

84. මස්ම Eat

Delivery areas : Homagama, Kottawa, Maharagama, Nugegoda, Thalawathugoda, Pelawatte, Pitakotte, Borelagamuwa
Delivery time : Order requests between 9am and 12pm.
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number: 076 917 85 88
Visit for Delivery Menu

85. Great Wall Restaurants

Delivery areas : Colombo 02-04, 07, Nawala, Rajagiriya, Athul kotte, Pita kotte and Pelawatta
Delivery time : 11am and 9pm.
Delivery charges : –
Contact Number: 011 250 85 55, 075 350 85 55
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Five Hundred (500) buses from Indian Government in parallel to the 75th Independence Day Celebration

February 5, 2023 By Abdul Nazeer Leave a Comment

Fifty buses (50) were handed over to the President under the second phase of the project.

A token of another fifty buses (50) were handed over to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat premises today in the morning (05)out of the 500 buses to be provided by the Indian Government to uplift the public transport service in rural areas across the country.

The documents of the buses were handed over to the President by Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay.
The President inspected two of the buses after declaring them open by cutting the ribbons.

These buses are provided by the Indian Government as a part of a project which is implemented in parallel to the 75th Independence Day Celebration and its first fleet of 75 busses were handed over to the Sri Lankan Government recently.

Another fleet of 40 buses have been directed to the registration and hence 165 buses have already been provided out of the 500 buses that are to be provided as per the request made by Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena from the Indian Government. The project is to be completed by March 2023.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe instructed to direct these buses to all SLTB bus depots island wide to uplift the public transport service in rural areas across the country.
Minister of Transport and Highways and Minister of Mass Media Bandula Gunawardena, State Minister of Transport Lasantha Alagiyawanna, State Minister of Investment Promotion Dilum Amunugama, MP Rajika Wickramasinghe, MP Muditha Prishanthi, First Secretary of Indian High Commission Irina Thakur, SLTB Chairman, Commissioner General of Motor Traffic, CEO of Lanka Ashok Leyland Umesh Gautam were also present at the occasion.

(PMD)

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Sri Lanka rejects billionaire Tim Draper’s proposal

February 5, 2023 By Abdul Nazeer Leave a Comment

â€œAdoption of 100% Bitcoin wonâ€™t be a Sri Lanka reality ever,” the Governor of the central bank said.

Nandalal Weerasinghe â€“ Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka â€“ rejected Tim Draperâ€™s idea to eliminate corruption in the country by embracing bitcoin.

The banker argued that adopting the primary cryptocurrency could worsen the economic situation of the nation.

The American venture capital investor recently visited Sri Lanka to shoot an episode of his TV show â€œMeet the Drapers.â€ He also held discussions with the President of the country â€“ Ranil Wickremesinghe â€“ and the Governor of the central bank â€“ Nandalal Weerasinghe â€“ regarding the financial crisis reigning in the region and the possible solutions that could ease the turbulence.

Draper claimed that Sri Lanka has emerged as a â€œcorruption capitalâ€ and suggested shifting towards bitcoin to get on the right track:

â€œHave you seen Sri Lanka in the news? Itâ€™s known as the corruption capital. A country known for corruption will be able to keep perfect records with the adoption of Bitcoin.â€

Weerasinghe, though, was not open towards the idea, claiming â€œthe adoption of 100% bitcoin wonâ€™t be a Sri Lanka reality ever.â€

The Governor believes technologies different from the leading digital asset could successfully distribute monetary services and boost financial inclusion in the country.

â€œWe donâ€™t want to make the crisis worse by introducing Bitcoin,â€ he concluded.

The economic condition of Sri Lanka is quite concerning, with inflation surging above 54%. The country was also hit by an energy crisis last year, which triggered massive protests against the government. The shortage of fuel, domestic gas, and essential goods was so severe that locals had to queue for days to buy supplies.

Draper pointed out El Salvador, which, despite its issues (significant unemployment, poverty, and inequality), declared bitcoin legal tender in 2021. It positively impacted the country, boosting investments in the area and fostering the local tourism industry.

One of the poorest nations across the globe â€“ the Central African Republic (CAR) â€“ also embraced the asset as an official payment method inside its borders. (CryptoNews)

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Billionaire Draper pitches Sri Lanka on Bitcoin, gets rejected

February 5, 2023 By Abdul Nazeer Leave a Comment

A billionaire cryptocurrency evangelist may have gotten a tougher reception than he expected when proposing widespread adoption of Bitcoin to a bankrupt country.

Silicon Valley investor Tim Draper was in Sri Lanka to shoot an episode of his “Meet the Drapers” TV show with local entrepreneurs, and met President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday to proselytize the adoption of cryptocurrency. He journeyed to the central bank the next day with the same pitch — but embattled Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe, who’s still working to calm financial mayhem, was having none of it.

“I come to the Central Bank with decentralized currency,” proclaimed Draper, dressed in a Bitcoin tie for the meeting that took place in a teak-paneled room overlooking the sea.

“We don’t accept,” Weerasinghe said, taking another sip of fizzy ginger beer.

During the meeting, Draper several times referred to what he described as Sri Lanka’s reputation for corruption and argued cryptocurrency was one solution. Colombo could avert graft by keeping perfect records after adopting Bitcoin, he argued.

“Have you seen Sri Lanka in the news? It’s known as the corruption capital,” Draper said. “A country known for corruption will be able to keep perfect records with the adoption of Bitcoin.”

Sri Lanka’s topmost monetary official countered: “Adoption of 100% Bitcoin won’t be a Sri Lanka reality ever.”

It’s a frostier response than Draper has gotten in some other locations. The tiny island country of Palau in the Pacific made him the founding resident of its digital-residency program, for instance.

Fuel and food shortages in Sri Lanka stirred riots last year that forced the then-President to flee the country and later resign. The debt-stricken nation is in talks with international creditors about debt restructuring, aiming to get the International Monetary Fund to come up with a rescue plan. Inflation stands at 54.2% and last year the economy contracted 8%, the governor said.

To crypto enthusiasts, that might seem like the perfect place for Bitcoin adoption. One of the main use cases people see for crypto is as a steady store of value not subject to changes in central-bank or government policy. Draper even cited El Salvador, which adopted Bitcoin as legal tender, in the meeting. But experiences like El Salvador’s, which staved off default at the last minute just last month, might serve as a cautionary tale more than anything.

Draper, 64, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist and early backer of companies like Tesla, Baidu Inc., Skype, Coinbase and Robinhood, made news in 2014 when he purchased seized Bitcoin at a US Marshals Service auction. Bitcoin is hovering in the low $20,000s — but he sees it reaching $250,000 this year.

He kept trying with Weerasinghe. “Does the administration have the guts to do it?” he asked. “What’s the advantage of having your own currency?”

Weerasinghe said other technologies could efficiently distribute financial services to foster inclusion and disburse electronic welfare payments, and noted that a country without its own currency couldn’t have monetary-policy independence.

“We don’t want to make the crisis worse by introducing Bitcoin,” he said.

The meeting lasted 30 minutes.

Source: Bloomberg

–Agencies

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Hackathon to beat Sri Lanka’s corruption – Sunday Times

February 5, 2023 By Abdul Nazeer Leave a Comment

Hackathon to beat Sri Lanka's corruption. By Duruthu Edirimuni Chandrasekera. View(s): 3. Tim Draper, the billionaire US venture capitalist and …

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Japanese Minister praises Sri Lanka

February 4, 2023 By Abdul Nazeer Leave a Comment

Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Takei Shunsuke called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena today (03) at the Temple Trees to discuss cooperation between the two countries and areas of possible future cooperation.

Shunsuke, who has arrived in Colombo to participate at the 75th Independence Day celebrations, offered warm greetings to Sri Lanka on this important milestone. The Prime Minister thanked the State Minister for the Japanese long-standing assistance to Sri Lanka. Japan has provided US $ 3 million humanitarian assistance last year to procure essential medicines and food through UNICEF and the World Food Programme.

Shunsuke praised Sri Lankaâ€™s commitment to Indian Ocean regions peace and maritime security. He said Japan, as a victim of nuclear attacks, condemn and provocative actions by any nation that could result in a nuclear disaster. Prime Minister Gunawardena said Sri Lanka stand for peaceful solution to any conflict between the nations and is vehemently opposed to use of nuclear weapons.

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Naval gun battery booms on Independence Day to honour the nation

February 4, 2023 By Abdul Nazeer Leave a Comment

The 75th National Independence Day of Sri Lanka was marked today, under the theme â€œLetâ€™s Leap Towards the Centenaryâ€. On the sidelines of the main ceremony, the Sri Lanka Navy honoured the nation by according a 25-Gun Salute onboard Sri Lanka Naval Ship (SLNS) Gajabahu by 12.00 noon today (04th February 2023).

The ceremonial tradition was executed at the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, under the guidance of the Commanding Officer of the ship, Captain Indika De Silva.

According of a Gun Salute is considered as a mark of respect and the highest honour of 25-gun salute is only accorded to nothing but the nation. Going by this time-honoured custom, Sri Lanka Navy today executed this military honour from SLNS Gajabahu to coincide with the 75th Independence Day celebrations and this rare occasion was televised/broadcast live through electronic media.

The custom stems from naval tradition in the 14th century, where warships were firing their cannons indicating they were effectively disarmed, to signify the lack of hostile intent towards the opposition. The same gesture has been reciprocated by cannon in coastal fortifications, to indicate the incoming ship that they are defused. It has become a custom over time.

Since the Royal Navy had 7 cannons on their ships early years, the gun salute had been conducted using 7 cannons. In 1948, the Royal Navy had fired a 15- Gun Salute at the Galle Face Green on the first Independence Day. In the following year, it had been executed on board HMCyS â€˜Vijayaâ€™ using one cannon. Commencing from 1948, the Navy has uninterruptedly performed this military honour at the Galle Face, on board ships, at Galle Buck Bay and Colombo Lighthouse.

On the 73rd Independence Day (2021), the Sri Lanka Navy honoured the nation by according a 25-gun-salute on board SLNS Samudura and on the 74th Independence Day (2022) on board SLNS Gajabahu.

Traditionally, the main mast of a ship is dressed with maritime signal flags when a Gun Salute honor is presented. Accordingly, to deck out the vessel with flags for this ceremonial occasion, the main mast of SLNS Gajabahu had been dressed with signal flags denoting the phrase â€˜25 Gun Salutes for the Nationâ€™.

Bursts of gunfire presented from four 47mm guns fitted onboard SLNS Gajabahu rent the air in the city of Colombo, rekindling the national spirits. Meanwhile, the gunfire party comprised Commanding Officer SLNS Gajabahu Captain Indika De Silva, Executive Officer Commander Sumudu Dissanayake and Gunnery Officer, Lieutenant Commander Milinda Yapa.

SL Navy

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The 75th Anniversary of National Independence celebrated under the patronage of President, PM

February 4, 2023 By Abdul Nazeer Leave a Comment

The 75th National Independence Day celebration was held under the theme “Namo Namo Mata – A Step towards the Century”, under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena this morning (04) at Galle Face Green.

The event was organized with great pride and dignity ensuring minimal cost and the aim was to showcase the pride and past glory of the Sri Lankan nation to the world.

The Sri Lanka Army clarinet players heralded the arrival of the President with fanfare and he was received on arrival by the Chief of Defence Staff, Tri Forces Commanders and the Inspector General of Police and was escorted to the main flag post.

The dayâ€™s events commenced with the President unfurling the National Flag amidst the rhythm of traditional drums (Magul Bera) and the blowing of conch shells.

Thereafter, the President was escorted to the special podium while 105 students recited the National Anthem followed by the reciting of Jaya Mangala Gatha and â€˜Devo Vassathu Kalenaâ€™ Gatha.

Two minutes of silence was observed to commemorate all Sri Lankans who have sacrificed their lives for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.

Thereafter, 21 gun salutes were fired and the three armed forces, the police and the Civil Defence Force coloured the 75th Independence Day celebration parade showcasing Sri Lankaâ€™s sovereignty to the world.

The vehicle carrying the statue of the Lion, symbolizing the strength and magnanimity of the Sri Lankan nation, joined the parade with 100 personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and Civil Service Department marching ahead carrying national flags.

The parade also included armoured vehicles of the Tri forces, parades representing regiments and armed forces, including 21 retired officers and 29 disabled officers, followed by the Tri-forces march past and bands.
An air show including Kafir aircraft displaying the Sri Lanka Air Force air power added colour to the event, while Sri Lanka's naval power was also proudly displayed by a Sri Lanka Navy sail past. A colourful parachute show added an element of excitement to the parade.

The Maha Sangha and other religious leaders, First Lady Professor Maithree Wickramasinghe, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Cabinet Ministers, State Ministers, Governors, Members of Parliament, and foreign delegates including Hon. (Dr) Bimala Rai Paudyal â€“ Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal, Hon. Takei Shunsuke â€“ State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Hon. Jai Bir Rai â€“ Minister of Education and Skills Development of Bhutan, Hon. Abdulla Shahid â€“ Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Dr A.K. Abdul Momen â€“ Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Hon. Hina Rabbani Khar â€“ Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Hon. V. Muraleedharan â€“ Minister of State for External Affairs of India and Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland â€“ Secretary General, Commonwealth participated in the 75th Independence Celebration.

In addition, Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff to the President Mr Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary to the President, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Cabinet Secretary, Defence Secretary and other ministry secretaries, Chief of Defence Staff and Tri-Forces Commanders, Director General of the CSD, security heads, state officials and war heroes were also among those who attended the Independence Parade.

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The President’s Office strongly rejects the false reports about diplomatic event in Kandy

February 4, 2023 By Abdul Nazeer Leave a Comment

The President's Office strongly rejects the false reports about diplomatic event in Kandy

The President's office has focused its attention on the false information circulating on social media regarding the diplomatic event that was held at the Presidentâ€™s House in Kandy on the 02nd, where 11 newly appointed Ambassadors and 6 High Commissioners presented their credentials to the President.

Certain groups have criticized the police escorting the diplomats under special security, to attend the event.

Several special functions including the programs of the 75th National Independence Day celebration on February 04th were organized in Kandy under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Simultaneously arrangements were made to hold this program at the Presidentâ€™s House in Kandy.

Respecting the tradition of the civilized countries of the world, including the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations established in 1961, it is the responsibility of any government in power in Sri Lanka to give diplomatic recognition to Ambassadors and High Commissioners when they come to present their credentials.

In such a background, the President's Office strongly rejects the attempts made to spread false information that misleads the public.

Presidentâ€™s Media Division (PMD)

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Fresh talks to boost greater Pakistan, Sri Lanka business ties

February 4, 2023 By Abdul Nazeer Leave a Comment

Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka-Pakistan Business Council President S. Deivanayagam and committee members called on High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka Maj. Gen (retr.) Umar Farooq Burki HI.

The High Commissioner was briefed on various activities and initiatives being planned by the business council in order to promote trade and investment opportunities between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. In this regard, a delegation visit is being planned in early March 2023 by the business council to explore business opportunities with counterparts in Pakistan.

A detailed discussion was held to strategise a way forward to optimise bilateral trade, within the context of the current economic scenario. The Business Council appreciated the timely and expeditious actions taken by the Government of Pakistan to facilitate imports from Sri Lanka, despite current challenges.

The High Commissioner underscored that such challenges must be viewed as a catalyst for capitalising on valuable opportunities and that Pakistan would continue to prioritise its relations with Sri Lanka in all facets of cooperation.

The High Commissioner further highlighted that Sri Lanka is considered as a very important regional partner with which Pakistan would like to further enhance its trade, business and economic relations. To this end, he apprised that business visa applications from Sri Lanka are being processed on priority within 24-48 hours by the High Commission, subject to fulfilment of requirements. Pakistan’s Trade and Investment Attaché Asmma Kamal briefed the participants regarding the various high potential sector-specific trade exhibitions being organised in Pakistan by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of Pakistan and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan. She invited Sri Lankan importers, exporters, manufacturers, buying houses and businesses from various sectors to participate in the upcoming four mega trade exhibitions being organised in Pakistan, including Engineering and Healthcare Show (23-25 February in Lahore), Tech Spring Pakistan for ICT Sector (16-18 March in Lahore), International Food and Agriculture Exhibition (4-6 May in Karachi) and the Fourth Edition of the International Textile Exhibition known as TeXpo (26-28 May in Karachi).

The High Commissioner reaffirmed his commitment to support the leadership and members of the Sri Lanka Pakistan Business Council in all possible manner and to continue working closely to promote bilateral trade, joint ventures and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

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Sri Lanka Bondholders tells IMF ready to help restructure debt

February 3, 2023 By Abdul Nazeer Leave a Comment

Express readiness in writing to IMF Managing Director
Keen to engage quickly and effectively with SL authorities to design and implement restructuring terms that would help Sri Lanka restore debt sustainability and allow country to regain access to international capital markets during IMF Program period
Lists 3 conditions for successful finalisation of agreement
Foreign private bond holders account for $ 14.5 b or 31% of the $ 46.6 b external debt outstanding

The Ad Hoc Group of Sri Lanka Bondholders (Bondholder Group) yesterday informed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of its willingness to engage in the efforts to restructure Sri Lanka’s external debt and restore its sustainability.

In a letter to IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, the Bondholder Group said through its Steering Committee it stands ready to engage quickly and effectively with the Sri Lankan authorities to design and implement restructuring terms that would help Sri Lanka restore debt sustainability and allow the country to regain access to the international capital markets during the IMF Program period.

The Bondholder Group’s written representation is following its acknowledgment of the Sri Lankan authorities’ engagement with their official creditors towards a resolution of the current crisis and restoration of debt sustainability. Foreign private bond holders account for $ 14.5 billion or 31% of the $ 46.6 billion external debt outstanding.

The Bondholder Group further acknowledged that such engagement has recently resulted in the Government of India (in its letter to the IMF, dated 16 January 2023 (the “India Letter”)) delivering letters of financing assurances, committing to support Sri Lanka and contribute to its efforts to restore debt sustainability by providing debt relief and financing consistent with the IMF Extended Fund Facility Arrangement (the “IMF Program”) and the IMF Program targets indicated in the India Letter.

“Based on the limited information available to us at this time, including information contained in the India Letter, we understand that the IMF Program’s debt sustainability targets are identified as (i) reducing the ratio of public debt to GDP to 95% by 2032, (ii) limiting the central Government’s annual gross financing needs to GDP ratio to 13% in the period between 2027 and 2032, and central Government annual foreign currency debt service at 4.5% of GDP in every year between 2027 and 2032 and (iii) closing of the external financing gap,” the letter said.

Via the letter, the Bondholder Group confirmed to the IMF it is prepared to engage, through its Steering Committee, with the Sri Lankan authorities in restructuring negotiations consistent with the parameters of an IMF Program and the targets specified therein (the “IMF Program Targets”), which the Bondholder Group understands to be the targets identified in the India Letter; it being recognised that these negotiations will necessarily be further informed by the receipt of the forthcoming DSA.

It noted that the finalisation of an agreement will also be subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

1. The central Government’s domestic debt – defined as debt governed by local law – is reorganised in a manner that both ensures debt sustainability and safeguards financial stability.

Assuming that annual gross financing needs should not exceed 13% of GDP in the period between 2027 and 2032, whilst allowing for central Government annual foreign currency debt service to reach 4.5% of GDP in every year between 2027 and 2032, domestic gross financing should therefore be limited at 8.5% of GDP for the period 2027-2032

2. While we recognise that the determination of the economic assumptions underpinning the IMF Program Targets is ultimately the responsibility of the IMF and that the overall design of the IMF Program is one that is negotiated between the IMF and Sri Lanka, it is nevertheless important that the Bondholder Group has the opportunity to express its views on both the economic assumptions underpinning these IMF Program Targets and the adequacy and feasibility of the adjustment efforts contemplated under the IMF Program.

When considering any restructuring proposal that is made to the Bondholder Group, it is the Bondholder Group’s intention to take into consideration the extent to which the economic assumptions and the adjustment efforts are consistent with these views

3. Recognising the important commitments made by India in the India Letter, the Sri Lankan authorities will apply the principle of comparable treatment in respect of the debt relief requested and obtained from all their remaining official bilateral creditors

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Information received on April 2, 2020

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