Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defense welcomed a significant shipment of specialized Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Equipment under the Chinese Military Grant scheme.
The formal handover ceremony took place at the Army Headquarters, presided over by Qi Zhenhong, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka, and General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence.
The event included the official signing of documents pertaining to the grant of equipment between Ambassador Qi Zhenhong and Kamal Gunaratne.
A video documentary showcasing the enduring bonds of goodwill and understanding between the two countries’ militaries was also presented during the ceremony.
As part of the consignment, Sri Lanka received eighteen REOD 4000 Explosive Ordnance Disposal medium robots, eighteen REOD 400 Explosive Ordnance Disposal robots, ten Anti-Explosive Blankets, and ten Explosion Protection Tanks and Vehicles.
Ambassador Qi Zhenhong symbolically handed over this equipment to Defense Secretary Kamal Gunaratne, who then presented it to the Commander of the Army.
The gathered senior officers and invitees had the opportunity to closely inspect the new equipment, which is expected to significantly enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Sri Lanka.
Among the distinguished attendees were Army Commander Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Major General W.H.K.S. Peiris, the Chief of Staff of the Army, and Colonel Gao Bin, Deputy Defense Advisor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka, along with other senior officers, officers, and personnel.
The Elections Commission today (April 17) announced that the dates for postal voting of the upcoming Local Government elections, have been revised.
Making a special statement, Chairman of the Elections Commission R.M.A.L. Rathnayake said that postal voting will take place on April 24, 25, 28 and 29.
Postal voting was earlier scheduled for April 22, 23, 24, 28 and 29.
Mr. Rathnayake also said that poll cards for all 339 local bodies were handed over to the Postal Department yesterday (April 16) distribution has already commenced.
Noting that distribution of poll cards will take place until April 29, he said that the public are requested to inquire from the relevant post office if they do not receive poll cards by then.
The National Transport Commission (NTC) has received 187 complaints over bus services during the recent New Year period.
NTC Director General Nayomi Jayawardena says that 63 of these complaints, made through the 1955 hotline, were related to bus operators not charging the approved fares.
She added that investigations into these complaints would be conducted once the New Year festivities conclude.
18 candidates contesting the 2025 Local Government (LG) Election have been arrested over election-related complaints during the period from March 03 – April 16.
According to a statement issued by the Police Media Division, 62 political party supporters and 14 vehicles have been taken into police custody during this period.
Meanwhile, 38 criminal complaints related to the LG Election and 138 complaints of election law violations have also been reported.