INDO - LANKA TO RESOLVE FISHING ISSUES

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 24-10-2024 |
Indian High Commissioner Meets President’s Secretary Discusses Northern Sea Fishing Issues and Indian-Granted Projects

Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Santhosh Jha, met with Dr. Nandika Kumanayake Secretary to the President, at the Presidential Secretariat today (22).

Their discussions focused on resolving the on-going fishing issues in the Northern Sea. Both parties emphasized the need for a long-term solution that would address the concerns of fishermen from both countries while fostering cooperation.

The conversation also included a review of the current Indian-granted projects in Sri Lanka, with both sides addressing existing challenges and discussing ways to overcome these hurdles. They further examined the progress of projects funded through Indian loans and agreed on the necessity of expediting the remaining work to ensure timely completion.

OVER 1500 PEOPLE PROMOTED IN SL ARMY

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 16-10-2024 |
(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – 139 officers and 1,273 other ranks promoted to mark 75th army anniversary

A total of 139 Officers of the Sri Lanka Army and 1,273 Other Ranks of the Army (Regular Force and Volunteer Force) have been promoted to their respective next ranks in view of the 75th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army on October 10.

The promotions were made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, on the recommendation of the Ministry of Defence and Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army.

Accordingly, 131 Lieutenants to the rank of Captain (Including Quarter Masters) and 08 Second Lieutenants to the rank of Lieutenant (Regular Force & Volunteer Force) have been thus promoted in the Officers’ category.

In the category of Other Ranks, a total of 99 Warrant Officers-II to the rank of Warrant Officer-I, 185 Staff Sergeants to the rank of Warrant Officer-II, 380 Sergeants to the rank of Staff Sergeant, 346 Corporals to the rank of Sergeant, 111 Lance Corporals to the rank of Corporal and 152 Privates to the rank of Lance Corporal (Regular Force and Volunteer Force) have also been promoted.

PM REQUESTS THAI GOVERNMENT TO RESCUE LANKANS

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 16-10-2024 |
(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya requested the Thai government’s assistance in rescuing Sri Lankans still detained in cybercrime camps in Myanmar’s Myawaddy region, facilitated by the Myanmar government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The Prime Minister made this request during a discussion held with the Thai Ambassador, Paitoon Mahapannaporn, at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday (10), according to a statement.

The Prime Minister expressed her gratitude for the assistance provided by the Government of Thailand in rescuing 28 Sri Lankans from cybercrime camps and asked for continued support to rescue the 40 Sri Lankans still detained in the said camps.

Ambassador Paytoon Mahapannapon expressed warm congratulations to the Prime Minister on her appointment and fields of strengthening the bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and Thailand, development of the tourism industry, use of modern agricultural technology, joint research of post-harvest technology and food processing by the Faculties of Agriculture of University of Ruhuna and Wayamba University were discussed, said the PM’s Media Division.

The Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, senior officials of the Thai Embassy Mrs. Prangtip Kongridhisuksakorn and Mr. Thom Petchpugdepong participated in these discussions. Director General Mrs. Sasikala Premawardena and Director of South East Asia Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mrs. Thilini Ihalage were also present on this occasion.

End to passports crisis from Monday – Minister

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 16-10-2024 |
15th October 2024 (LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – Minister Vijitha Herath announced that Sri Lanka will receive a new shipment of passports next Saturday, which will be distributed starting on Monday (Oct. 21).

The announcement was made during a press briefing held this morning (15) to outline decisions made during the Cabinet meeting held yesterday.

The Minister also addressed the ongoing legal issues surrounding the e-passport system, stating that there is currently an injunction imposed by the court is in place, preventing any tenders from being called for the e-passport project. “We will revisit the matter once the court proceedings are concluded,” Herath added.

Despite the arrival of the 750,000 passports, the Minister cautioned that the stock will be exhausted in the near future. To avoid another potential passport shortage, it has been decided to initiate a procurement process for regular passports.

The government plans to import additional passports through a tender procedure to meet the growing demand, according to Minister Herath.

He further emphasized that the government is taking proactive measures to prevent any disruptions in passport issuance and to ensure that the needs of the public are met in a timely manner.

Spike in dengue cases amid rainy weather, health officials warn

Sri Lanka’s health authorities warn that there is a potential resurgence of dengue fever due to the ongoing rainy weather. With the monsoon season contributing to ideal breeding conditions for dengue-carrying mosquitoes, health officials are urging the public to remain vigilant.

Consultant Community Physician at the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) Dr. Anoja Dheerasinghe stated that a total of 40,657 dengue cases have been reported so far in 2024, with 1,247 new cases recorded in October alone. Additionally, the NDCU has confirmed 20 dengue-related deaths this year.

“The current weather conditions significantly increase the risk of dengue mosquito breeding,” Dr. Dheerasinghe explained, noting that most cases have been reported from the Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara districts. Other affected regions include Kandy, Ratnapura, Matara, Galle, and Matale.

Health authorities anticipate a further rise in dengue cases in the coming weeks if preventive measures are not taken, and they urge the public to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites, especially in waterlogged areas.

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 16-10-2024 |

Sri Lanka donates a consignment of Ceylon Tea to the civilians affected by the Typhoon Yagi in Myanmar
Posted on:
15th October 2024
(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – As a measure of support and solidarity with the people affected by Typhoon Yagi in Myanmar, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath handed over to the Ambassador of Myanmar in Colombo Marlar Than Htaik a token of a consignment of 227 kgs of Ceylon Tea at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday (14 October 2024).

Ambassador Htaik expressed sincere appreciation of the Government of Myanmar for the gesture of goodwill of the tea donation by the Government and People of Sri Lanka at this challenging time. The Minister of Foreign Affairs observed that the two countries shared an enduring friendship based on Theravada Buddhist ties and strong people to people linkages which is a testament to the strength of the relationship.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath conveyed Sri Lanka’s continuing concern with regard to the remaining 40 Sri Lankan nationals trapped in Cybercrime Centres in Myawaddy area in Myanmar and explained the humanitarian hardship the individuals were facing. Minister Herath sought the assistance of the Myanmar authorities to secure their early release. The Ambassador shared the challenges the Myanmar authorities faced and agreed to convey Sri Lanka’s appeal and to stay engaged.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and officials of the Embassy of Myanmar in Colombo were also present at the ceremony.

GERMANY PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 10-10-2024 |
German Ambassador Meets President Dissanayake, Pledges Continued Support for Development and Trade

Felix Neumann, German Ambassador to Sri Lanka, met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat today (09).

During the meeting, Ambassador Neumann congratulated President Dissanayake on his recent election victory and conveyed Germany’s commitment to standing by Sri Lanka as a steadfast partner. The Ambassador also passed on the warm greetings and best wishes of the German Chancellor H.E. Olaf Scholz.

Ambassador Neumann emphasized the longstanding partnership between Germany and Sri Lanka and expressed Germany’s eagerness to continue cooperation on mutual interests. He highlighted Germany’s 70 years of experience in human resource development and pledged support to Sri Lanka in strengthening this sector.

Further, the Ambassador offered assistance in enhancing the operations of the two German Technical Colleges in Katubedda and Killinochchi, which play a crucial role in technical education. He also expressed Germany’s readiness to help improve government sector efficiency in Sri Lanka and recognized the country’s promising export potential.

Ambassador Neumann encouraged Sri Lanka to have representation at the upcoming India International Trade Fair, which would provide valuable opportunities for the nation.

Additionally, Ambassador Neumann urged Sri Lanka to explore further trade ties with Germany and tap into the German labour market, offering assistance in these efforts.

The meeting reaffirmed the strong diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations, underscoring Germany’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s development and prosperity

DIRECT FLIGHTS BETWEEN VIETNAM & SRI LANKA

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 10-10-2024 |
October 9, 2024

Vietnamese Ambassador Meets President; Explores possibility of enhancing direct flights between Vietnam and Sri Lanka

The Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka, Her Excellency Trinh Thi Tam, paid a courtesy call on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat this afternoon (09).

During the meeting, Ambassador Tam conveyed her congratulations on behalf of the Government of Vietnam and expressed optimism for continued cooperation between the two nations.

The Vietnamese Ambassador also extended the greetings of the Vietnamese head of state, congratulating President Dissanayake on his recent election victory. Highlighting Vietnam’s achievements in foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade, President Dissanayake requested Vietnam’s assistance in fostering these sectors in Sri Lanka.

The discussion also explored the possibility of enhancing direct flights between Vietnam and Sri Lanka, with a focus on strengthening Buddhist ties and cultural connections. Ambassador Tam further pledged to explore opportunities to promote Sri Lanka as a key destination for Vietnamese tourists, thereby expanding people-to-people connections and boosting tourism.

The meeting underscored the commitment of both nations to further deepening their diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations.