News

Talks to restart stalled development projects in SL

Published

10 months ago

July 31, 2023

editor

Mr Fujimaru Satoshi, Minister of State in the Cabinet Office of Japan, and Mr Yamamoto Kozo, former Minister of State for Regional Revitalization and Regulatory Reform, called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat today (31).

During the meeting, they discussed the stalled development projects in Sri Lanka, which were previously supported by the Japanese Government. The parties agreed to restart these projects once the credit optimization process in Sri Lanka is completed. Additionally, they decided to involve officials from the Japanese Embassy in Sri Lanka in conducting an investigation related to these projects.

The Japanese delegation, including Mr Mizukoshi Hideaki, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, President’s Senior Advisor on National Security and Chief of Staff Mr Sagala Ratnayaka, and President’s Senior Adviser on Economic Affairs Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, among others, attended this event.

(President’s Media Division)

News

Liquor shops closed

Published

2 hours ago

May 20, 2024

editor

All liquor shops across the country will be closed on May 23 and 24 in view of the Wesak festival, the Excise Department has announced

In the Matale city limits the liquor shops will be closed from May 21, 22, 23 and 24th as the State Wesak festival is being held in Matale this year.

News

RW expresses condolences over Iranian President’s death

Published

2 hours ago

May 20, 2024

editor

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that Sri Lanka is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian and other senior Irani officials.

“I express my deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the bereaved families, the government and the people of Iran. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of President Raisi and his entourage,” the President said in a X message.

Sri Lanka is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian and other senior Irani officials. I express my deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the bereaved families, the government and the people of Iran.…
— Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) May 20, 2024

News

Chief prelates call to grant a presidential pardon to Gnanasara Thera on Vesak Day

Published

2 hours ago

May 20, 2024

editor

Chief Prelates of the Malwathu, Asgiri, Ramanna Nikaya, and the Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha have urged President Ranil Wickremesinghe to grant Ven. Gnanasara Thera a presidential pardon on Vesak Poya day.

In a letter to the President, the Chief Prelates noted that Ven. Galaboda Atte Gnanasara Thera was sentenced to four years in prison on March 28, 2024, after being found guilty of causing discord during a media discussion about the Kooragala Rajamaha Vihara in 2016.

They point out that the Thera had also taken steps to alert authorities about extremist activities in society, helping to prevent the spread of some extremist groups in Sri Lanka.

As a result, several potential extremist conflicts in Sri Lankan society were averted, the letter adds.