President Anura Kumara Dissanayake departed for Vietnam a short while ago, commencing his official state visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD). 

At the invitation of the President of Vietnam, Luong Cuong, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is undertaking a state visit to Vietnam from May 4 to 6. 

This visit marks the celebration of 55 years of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Vietnam and is expected to further strengthen the long-standing bilateral ties between the two nations.

During the visit, President Dissanayake will hold official discussions with the President and Prime Minister of Vietnam. He is also scheduled to meet with senior dignitaries, including the General Secretary of the Communist Party.

President Dissanayake will also participate as the chief guest at the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations, scheduled to commence on May 6 in Ho Chi Minh City, where he will deliver the keynote address.

Several Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements are expected to be signed during the visit and discussions will be held with the Vietnamese business community to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with a delegation of senior government officials, are accompanying President Dissanayake on this official visit.

Liquor stores islandwide will be closed on Tuesday, May 06 in view of the Local Government elections.

Excise Chief U.L. Udaya Kumara announced that retail liquor outlets will remain closed during the period between Monday, May 05 closing time to opening time on Wednesday, May 07.

However, this ruling is exempted for in-house guests of all Tourist Board approved hotels and boutique villas.

Police are investigating alleged underworld threats faced by two well known journalists, reports say.

Complaints have been made that senior journalist Chamuditha Samarawickrama, who hosts Hiru Channel programs and runs the YouTube channel ‘Talk with Chamuditha’ is facing threats from the notorious “Dehi Bale’s” group while M. Chamika, who of the “Neth FM Balumgala” programme is facing threats from underworld kingpin – Kanjipani Imran.

Following complaints made to the Ministries of Defence and Public Security, an investigation has been initiated on the instructions of the Acting IGP – SDIG Priyantha Weerasuriya.