The Sri Lanka High Commission in Malaysia says that they have successfully facilitated the repatriation of 1,608 Sri Lankan illegal migrants.
This operation, conducted in coordination with the Malaysian Government’s Migrant Repatriation Programme over a two-month period from 01 March 2024 to 30 April 2024.
A statement issued by the Sri Lanka High Commission in Malaysia further notes :
Before the start of this repatriation programme, from 01 January to 28 February 2024, the High Commission facilitated the repatriation of 124 illegal migrants who were stranded in Malaysia with various difficulties. This brings the total number of repatriations to 1,732.
The Migrant Repatriation Programme which was initiated by the Malaysian Government, aims to assist illegal immigrants in voluntarily returning to their home countries by providing legal exemptions and financial relief. The High Commission of Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in ensuring that Sri Lankan nationals take full advantage of the programme.
During the repatriation period, the High Commission worked diligently to process applications, provide necessary travel documents, and coordinate with relevant Malaysian authorities to ensure a smooth and efficient return for all participants.
Special attention was given to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, individuals requiring medical assistance, and children under the age of twelve.
The High Commission of Sri Lanka extends its gratitude to the Malaysian Government for their cooperation and support in making this repatriation initiative a success. The High Commission remains committed to supporting Sri Lankan nationals in Malaysia and ensuring their rights and welfare are safeguarded.
Adani Green Energy has decided to withdraw from its proposed wind energy project in Mannar, Sri Lanka. The company has conveyed this decision in a letter addressed to the chairman of Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment.
“It was learnt that another Cabinet appointed negotiations committee and Project Committee would be constituted to renegotiate the project proposal,” the company wrote in a letter, a copy of which was seen by Reuters, addressed to the chairman of Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment.
“This aspect was deliberated at the Board of our company and it was decided that while the company fully respects the sovereign rights of Sri Lanka and its choices, it would respectfully withdraw from the said project,” the letter added.
Adani Green Energy is a part of Indian billionaire Gautam Adani’s Adani Group.
The Attorney General has informed Mt. Lavinia Magistrate’s court that the recent recommendation made by him regarding the suspects involved in the murder of Sri Lankan journalist – Lasantha Wickrematunge will be suspended temporarily.
The AG has informed the Court of this in writing today (Feb. 13).
In a letter sent to the Director of the CID on Jan. 27, the Attorney General had previously provided his legal advice, regarding the release of three individuals.
Coinciding with the President’s three-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to attend the World Governments Summit 2025, Sri Lanka and the UAE reached an agreement on Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments to strengthen economic and investment relations between the two countries.
The agreement was signed by Mohamed Bin Hadi Al Hussaini, UAE’s Minister of State for Financial Affairs, and Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
This bilateral agreement establishes a secure legal framework to expand investment opportunities in global markets while ensuring the protection of foreign investments.
The purpose of this agreement is to facilitate and strengthen foreign investments between the two nations by ensuring investor rights protection, promoting economic cooperation, and establishing comprehensive investment protection mechanisms, dispute resolution frameworks, and policy structures. This agreement will also contribute to strengthening global economic partnerships and creating opportunities for exploring new investment prospects in Sri Lanka.
This agreement underscores the importance of bilateral economic development and financial stability while demonstrating the commitment of both the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka to strengthening economic cooperation. It aims to foster trade and business expansion in Sri Lanka while promoting a transparent and stable investment environment.
Furthermore, this agreement also highlights Sri Lanka’s commitment to enhancing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and fostering a more attractive investment landscape. By enhancing investor confidence, it is expected to generate new business opportunities and contribute to economic progress.
Ultimately, this agreement will reinforce the long-term partnership between the UAE and Sri Lanka, facilitating sustainable investments and advancing trade and financial collaborations between the two countries.