News

SL – Vietnam signs MoU

Published

1 year ago

February 22, 2024

nipuni

Sri Lanka and Vietnam have signed a MoU over a Agriculture technical exchange programme.

The MoU was signed by visiting Vietnam Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Minh Hoan Le and his Sri Lankan counterpart – Mahinda Amaraweera on the sidelines of the 37th Session of FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific.

Meanwhile, Minister Minh Hoan Le had met with the Sri Lankan Prime Minister – Dinesh Gunawardena at Temple Trees yesterday (20) where they discussed close bilateral ties and ways and means of enhancing cooperation in many spheres, especially on rural development and social empowerment.

Vietnam Minister thanked Sri Lanka for the support extended during the Vietnamese liberation movement. He said Sri Lanka was one of the first countries to recognize Vietnam immediately after its independence and unification.

The Prime Minister congratulated Vietnam for the success of rapid economic development after gaining independence after a valiant freedom struggle. He praised the innovative methods adopted by Vietnam to successfully attract foreign investments and requested to share its experience with Sri Lanka for modernization of agriculture.

Minister Minh Hoan Le acceded to the Prime Minister’s request and added that Vietnam considers Sri Lanka as a special friend and his country cold share expertise in digital agriculture and smart agriculture.

He said both countries with rich background of Buddhism and socialism have a similar approach to people-oriented development. Hence both countries emphasize on rural upliftment trough agriculture development, he said.

The high-level Vietnam delegation included Ambassador Ho Thi Thanh Truc, Director Generals, Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Le Trung Quan, Nguyen Nhu Cuong, Huynh Tan Dat and Le Duc Thinh.

Minister Douglas Devananda, State Minister Anupa Pasqual, MP Yadamini Gunawardena, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Anura Dissanayake, Chairman of national Science Foundation Prof Ranjith Senarathne and Director General of Foreign Ministry, Shashikala Premawardane also took part in the discussion.

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

11 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 12-hour water cut from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday (May 25) in several areas, including Colombo, due to essential maintenance work at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant.

Due to this, the public is urged to make prior arrangements and store an adequate supply of water to avoid inconvenience during the period of the suspension.

Accordingly, the water cut will affect the following areas:

Colombo 01 to Colombo 15
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Kaduwela
Battaramulla
Kolonnawa
Kotikawatta
Mulleriyawa
IDH (Infectious Diseases Hospital) area
Maharagama
Dehiwala
Mount Lavinia
Ratmalana and Moratuwa

News

Investigations underway to arrest 20 criminals hiding overseas

Published

11 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Public Security states that investigations are underway to arrest 20 members of major organized crime gangs currently hiding overseas.

Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that Interpol has already issued red notices for their arrest and that the countries where these criminals are hiding have been identified.

He added that investigations into the group have been expanded in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since the new government came to power, 11 members of organized crime gangs hiding abroad have been brought back to the island and produced before courts.

Meanwhile, operations to arrest members of organized crime gangs involved in various criminal activities, including murder and drug trafficking, within the country are also ongoing.

The Minister added that the Police Special Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are jointly conducting investigations into the allegations against them.

News

Ex-Minister Duminda Dissanayake arrested

Published

11 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

Former Minister and Anuradhapura District Organiser of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) – Duminda Dissanayake, has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the discovery of a gold-colored T-56 assault rifle at a luxury apartment complex in Havelock Town, Wellawatte.

The firearm, found earlier this week, led to the arrest of 03 suspects, based on information revealed during interrogations conducted in connection with the incident.