Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong had called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Temple Trees in Colombo yesterday (May 02) to discuss ways and means of early implementation of the agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) reached between the two countries during the Prime Minister’s official visit to China in March 2024.

The Prime Minister said the implementation of the MOUs would begin a new chapter in the long-term friendship and economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and China. 

Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake had signed the agreements on behalf of Sri Lanka, and the secretaries of nine Ministries signed on behalf of China in the presence of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang.
During the talks with Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, the Prime Minister stated that in addition to implementation of the MoUs, Sri Lanka would also welcome direct private investments from China as well as investments in agriculture, renewable energy, IT, education and water supply sectors to provide long term solutions to economic issues.

Ambassador Qi Shenhong said he was pleased to see the resilience of Sri Lanka to overcome difficulties and assured China’s continuous support to Sri Lanka’s current efforts at debt restructuring and meeting economic challenges.

Prime Minister’s Secretary Mr. Anura Dissanayake and Chinese Economic Counsellor were also present at this meeting.

(Prime Minister’s Media)

Laugfs Gas has also reduced its LP gas prices with effect from midnight today (May 03) following the price reduction by Litro Gas.

Accordingly, the price of a 12.5kg cylinder has been reduced by Rs.275 to Rs. 3,840 while the the price of a 5kg cylinder has been reduced by Rs.110 to Rs.1,542.

Sri Lankan actress Damitha Abeyratne has filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), alleging that her human rights were violated during an unlawful arrest.

On April 04, she and her husband were arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), over their involvement in an alleged financial scam of Rs. 03 million, promising employment in South Korea. 

They were later granted bail on April 24, following an order issued by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court.