President Mahinda Rajapaksa receives the Sri Lanka Central Bank annual report from Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal yesterday. Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Deputy Minister Geethanjana Gunawardena and Finance Ministry Secretary Dr P B Jayasundara were also present. Pictures by Lalith C. Gamage

Jaffna University students thank President : President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday met students of the Jaffna University at Temple Trees. They expressed their gratitude to the President for creating a peaceful environment for them to study by eliminating terrorism in the country. Here, President Rajapaksa in conversation with the students. Picture by Sudath Silva

CB predicts 8.5 percent growth for 2011

Increase in revenue collection from import taxes:

Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said the Bank is predicting a growth of 8.5 percent for this year. The 61st annual report of the Monetary Board was submitted to the President and Finance and Planning Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Central Bank yesterday. Speaking at the presentation of the annual report 2010 the Governor said the year 2010 showed a great improvement and it was a good year amidst many challenges that the country had to face in 2009.

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Economy records eight percent growth

Highest annual rate of growth in three decades:

Trend suggests fast recovery from 2009 setback:

The Central Bank yesterday said that the country’s economy recorded an impressive growth of eight percent, the highest annual rate of growth reported in three decades. This remarkable achievement reflects a fast recovery from the setback suffered in 2009 and a move to a high and sustainable growth path. According to the 2010 Central Bank report which was released yesterday all key sectors of the economy reflected a commendable performance in 2010, underpinned by the peaceful domestic environment, improved investor confidence, favourable macroeconomic conditions and gradual recovery of the global economy from one of the deepest recession in history.

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IGP to New Year shoppers:

Look out for pickpockets, snatch thieves

IGP Mahinda Balasooriya yesterday warned the public to be extra vigilant during the festive season shopping since pickpockets and snatch thieves were on the prowl ready to cash in from the congestion. Police Spokesman SP Prishantha Jayakody told the Daily News that IGP Balasooriya had instructed him to deploy a sufficient number of police personnel to man market places, bus stands and railway stations to prevent pick pocketing, chain snatching and other crimes.

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Standard time from midnight

The government yesterday declared the country’s standard time which needs to be adhered to by media organizations, telecommunication companies and all institutions in general by law. According to the Internal Trade and Cooperatives Ministry spokesman, President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared Sri Lanka’s standard time at Temple Trees yesterday evening.

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