News

ADB backs Sri Lanka’s growing investment potential in key sectors

Published

7 months ago

November 27, 2024

editor

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has pledged its support for investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, citing increased foreign investor interest fuelled by the government’s systematic financial reforms.

During a discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (Nov. 26), led by ADB’s Regional Head of Private Sector Development, Mr. Takeo Koike and Senior Additional Secretary to the President Mr. G.N.R.D. Aponsu, the ADB delegation highlighted foreign investors’ enthusiasm for Sri Lanka’s expanding prospects across multiple sectors.

The meeting focused on investment prospects in critical areas such as climate change mitigation, agricultural modernization, and the energy sector. Both direct investment and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) opportunities were discussed, underscoring the potential for collaboration in these critical fields and as pathways to further economic growth.

The ADB delegation also emphasized its commitment to working closely with Sri Lanka to attract sustainable investments that align with the country’s development goals.

The discussion was attended by key ADB officials, including Country Director for Sri Lanka, Mr. Takafumi Kadono, Senior Specialist for Private Sector Development, Mr. Santosh Pokharel, Financial Sector Specialist, Ms. Uresha Walpitigama, and Energy Specialist, Mr. Prathaj Haputhanthri.

Representatives from Sri Lanka’s Department of External Resources of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development including Director General Mr. Samantha Bandara, Director Ms. Udeni Udugahapattuwa, and Deputy Director Mr. Ajith Chandra Kumara, also participated in the discussions.

(President’s Media Division)

News

Special traffic plan in Borella today

Published

1 hour ago

July 7, 2025

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Police have announced a special traffic plan that will be implemented in Borella today (July 07) due to an event marking the 50th Golden Jubilee celebration of the Priesthood of His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith.

The event is expected to draw a large number of invited guests, including religious dignitaries, government officials, and members of the clergy.

To ease congestion, heavy vehicles will be restricted from entering the stretch between Kynsey Road junction and Nandadasa Kodagoda junction on Ward Place between 3.00 pm – 9.00 pm within the Borella Police Division.

Police have requested motorists to use alternate routes during this time.

News

Veteran civil servant Bradman Weerakoon bids adieu

Published

2 hours ago

July 7, 2025

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Senior civil servant and distinguished public administrator Bradman Weerakoon has passed away at the age of 94.

Mr. Weerakoon was educated at Holy Cross College, Kalutara, and St. Thomas’ College, Gurutalawa, before entering the University of Peradeniya, where he graduated with honours in Economics and Sociology.

He later earned a Master’s Degree (MA) in Sociology from the University of Michigan, USA, on a Fulbright Scholarship.

He joined the Ceylon Civil Service in 1954 and served in various parts of the country before becoming secretary to the then Prime Minister – Sir John Kotelawala.

Over an extraordinary career, he went on to serve as Secretary to all elected Prime Ministers and Presidents until 2002, working under 07 Prime Ministers and 03 Presidents – an unparalleled contribution to Sri Lanka’s public administration.

News

Train schedules on Northern line revised

Published

2 hours ago

July 7, 2025

editor

The Department of Railways has announced amendments to train schedules on the Northern Line in response to public requests.

Due to high demand, the Intercity Express train, which previously operated only on weekends, will now run daily between Mt. Lavinia and Kankesanthurai starting today (July 07).

In addition, the departure time of the “Yaal Devi” train plying daily from Colombo Fort to Kankesanthurai has been revised from 5.45 am to 6.40 am.

The Department has advised passengers who made advance seat reservations for the “Yaal Devi” train a month ago, to note the new departure time.