During the official four-day visit to China, President Ranil Wickremesinghe attended a prominent investment, trade and tourism forum with a strong focus on fostering future business opportunities. President Wickremesinghe extended a warm invitation to Chinese entrepreneurs, encouraging them to view Sri Lanka as a strategic hub for emerging green and digital economic ventures, highlighting the nation’s significant advancements in this domain.
This forum, hosted at the Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing yesterday (16), was graced by the presence of representatives from a multitude of Chinese companies, some of which have already invested in Sri Lanka, while others are exploring investment prospects. Distinguished Sri Lankan business leaders were also present, eager to explore collaborative opportunities.
Addressing the Chinese business community, President Wickremesinghe underscored Sri Lanka’s unique geographic advantage, positioning it as a gateway to Western markets within the broader Asian region. The President expressed the country’s strong desire to engage amicably with global economic powerhouses and reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding Sri Lanka’s economy.
Notable government officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry, Minister of Transport and Mass Media Bandula Gunawardena, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, Governor of the Central Bank Dr.Nandalal Weerasinghe and Chairman of the Board of Investment Dinesh Weerakkodi, were also in attendance, addressing inquiries from the Chinese business community.
Former President Maithripala Sirisena has paid the compensation of Rs. 01 million ordered by the Supreme Court in connection with the controversial presidential pardon granted to Jude Shramantha Jayamaha, who was convicted in the Royal Park murder case.
The matter was taken up today (April 29) before a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justices S. Thurairajah, Yasantha Kodagoda, and Janak de Silva. Sirisena was also present in court during the proceedings.
President’s Counsel Faizer Musthapha, appearing on behalf of the former President, informed the court that the full compensation amount had been paid as directed. Following the confirmation of payment, the Supreme Court bench ordered that Maithripala Sirisena be released from further proceedings related to the case.
(Previous news 2025 April 29 – 10.27.a.m.)
Maithripala appears before SC
Former President Maithripala Sirisena has appeared before the Supreme Court today (April 29).
He has appeared in court for a hearing related to a Fundamental Rights petition on the pardon and release of the individual convicted and sentenced to death in the Royal Park murder case.
Sirisena’s appearance follows an earlier order issued by the Supreme Court, requiring his presence in connection with the matter.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to begin a three-day official visit to Vietnam starting May 03, Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced.
The Cabinet Spokesman also said that several bilateral trade agreements will be signed during the visit.