News

Chinese research ship denied entry to SL?

Published

1 year ago

December 19, 2023

editor

Sri Lanka has denied entry to a Chinese research vessel seeking to conduct explorations within its territorial waters, ‘news1st’ has reported, citing a senior government official who wished to remain anonymous.

Another Chinese state-of-the-art research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3 is expected to conduct research from January to May next year in the Indian Ocean region, including the Sea of Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

The report further says :

According to media reports, China has formally requested permission for the research vessel from Sri Lanka and Maldives.

However, according to a recent report by the Hindustan Times, India has registered its strong objection to the vessel’s planned activities, urging both island nations to deny entry.

It also reported that the vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03 is currently off the coast of Xiamen in South China Sea and will travel via Malacca to these countries after securing permission.

Indian media outlets have openly accused China of using the research mission as a pretext for gathering intelligence under the guise of scientific exploration.

The situation is further complicated by the recent political change in Maldives, where the newly elected President, Mohamed Muizzu has reportedly requested the departure of Indian military personnel stationed in the country.

News

CBSL presents Financial Statements and Operations Report 2024 to President

Published

1 hour ago

April 29, 2025

editor

The Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) – Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, officially handed over the Financial Statements and Operations Report 2024 of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to President Anura Kumara Disanayake at the Presidential Secretariat today (April 29).

A copy of the report was also presented to Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

Several senior officials from the Central Bank were present at the occasion.

(President’s Media Division)

News

30 injured in a bus accident in Beliatta

Published

2 hours ago

April 29, 2025

editor

30 persons have been injured in a head-on collision between a private bus and a SLTB bus near the Hettiarachchi bend in the Beliatta police division today (April 29).

Police said that the injured have been admitted to the Tangalle and Beliatta hospitals.

Further investigations are underway.

News

Millions lost due to Kompanna Veediya flyover construction delay

Published

2 hours ago

April 29, 2025

editor

Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation – Bimal Rathnayake yesterday (April 28) visited construction site of the flyover being built from Baladaksha Mawatha near the Kompanna Veediya Police Station to Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha, in Colombo, to inquire about the cause of its delay.

He pointed out that the government has been compelled to pay over Rs.400 million to contractors as delay charges and a significant daily loss of Rs. 500,000 is being incurred.

The flyover has been planned to be built from Baladaksha Mawatha near the Slave Island Police Station to Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha, in Colombo.

Accordingly, 06 police residential quarters had to be removed, and as a result, the project was delayed for about 02 years.

According to the Transport Ministry, it was informed during the inspection tour that steps will be taken to promptly remove the police residential quarters, which have caused the delay.

Stating that the matter must be resolved immediately, the minister has instructed the relevant officials to ensure that the construction of the flyover is completed by the end of this year under any circumstances.