Connect with us

News

Singapore offers assistance to upgrade Immigration system in SL

Published

on

The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Singapore Senarath Dissanayake met a team of officials from the Immigration Checkpoint Authority (ICA) of Singapore at the High Commission recently.

The ICA delegation is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka from 26 to 31 May 2024 and the visit aims to explore opportunities for collaboration in enhancing Sri Lanka’s immigration system through integrating advanced technology and achieving standards similar to those of Singapore. 

This visit has been arranged following a request made by Minister of Public Security of Sri Lanka Tiran Alles, from Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law, Singapore K Shanmugam.
During the meeting the High Commissioner highlighted the challenges Sri Lanka faces in border control. He emphasized that Minister and the Sri Lankan Department of Immigration are eager to receive the delegation, as their expertise and insights would greatly contribute to Sri Lanka’s efforts to modernize and improve the immigration processes.

Deputy Director of ICA Phua Chiew, who leads the ICA team to Sri Lanka, briefed the High Commissioner on the transformation journey of ICA and their planned engagements with the Sri Lankan authorities. He explained that this upcoming visit is a preliminary step to understanding the border control systems and connected measures in Sri Lanka. He also conveyed ICA’s readiness to assist Sri Lanka Immigration in improving their border management capabilities.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen cooperation between the two countries on border control and immigration matters. Prior to this meeting, an introductory meeting between the High Commissioner Senarath Dissanayake and Commissioner of ICA Marvin Sim, was held to discuss the potential collaboration between the two immigration authorities.

Minister and Head of Chancery Ahamed Razee and Minister Counsellor Naduni Hasintha were also in attendance at the meeting.

(High Commission of Sri Lanka – Singapore)

News

NPP wins Tangalle Urban Council in first LG election results

Published

on

By

The Election Commission has released the first official results from the 2025 Local Government polls, with the National People’s Power (NPP) claiming victory in the Tangalle Urban Council, Hambantota District.  

Tangalle Urban Council Results
National People’s Power (NPP): 2,260 votes (9 seats)  
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB): 1,397 votes (5 seats)  
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP): 795 votes (3 seats)  
United National Party (UNP):  265 votes (1 seat)  
Sarvajana Balaya (SB): 177 votes (1 seat)  

The JVP-led NPP’s strong showing in this southern urban council marks a significant shift in the region traditionally dominated by the SLPP. 

Political analysts note this could signal changing voter sentiments amid economic pressures.  

Voting concluded at 4:00 p.m. today after a largely peaceful process. 

Counting continues for 338 other local bodies, with results expected through the night.  

Continue Reading

News

LG polls : voting concludes peacefully

Published

on

By

Voting of the 2025 Local Government elections concluded at 4.00 pm today (May 06).

The Election Commission has stated that the voting process was peaceful overall, with no incidents of violence reported during the polling period.

Voting ended with varying turnout in various districts as most districts have reported turnout of about 50% or less as at 3.00 pm.

Meanwhile, police say that special security arrangements are continued even after voting is concluded.

Police Media Spokesperson, SSP Buddhika Manatunga, has urged the public to remain calm and peaceful during the post-election period as well.

A total of 75,589 candidates are contesting from various political parties and independent groups at this year’s Local Government election.

Continue Reading

News

World Bank group President to visit SL tomorrow

Published

on

By

World Bank group President – Ajay Banga will visit Sri Lanka tomorrow (May 07).

It is the first visit by the head of the multilateral lender in 20 years, following an invitation extended by President Anura Kumara Disanayake last year.

“The visit comes at a critical moment, as Sri Lanka continues its path toward economic recovery and seeks to build a more resilient, inclusive, and private sector-led future,” the World Bank says.

Banga will meet President Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and senior government and private sector leaders.

“These discussions will center on how Sri Lanka can overcome current challenges and seize new opportunities as it continues to recover economically and socially,” the World Bank added.

The World Bank Group currently maintains a portfolio of projects in Sri Lanka valued at $2.2 billion, encompassing both public and private sector investments. While recent reports have acknowledged Sri Lanka’s progress, the Bank continues to emphasize the need for poverty reduction and reform continuity to ensure sustained recovery.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Sri Lanka Mirror. All Rights Reserved