News

3 new diplomatic envoys present credentials to the President

Published

1 month ago

August 23, 2023

editor

In a formal ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat today (23), two newly appointed Ambassadors and a High Commissioner to Sri Lanka presented their credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The appointments of two distinguished Ambassadors for the Republic of Italy and the Federal Republic of Germany, along with the designation of a new High Commissioner for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, assumed their roles as representatives of their respective countries and had the honour of formally introducing themselves to President Wickremesinghe.

The diplomats who formally presented their credentials are :
• Mr. Damiano Francovigh – Ambassador of the Republic of Italy in Colombo.
• Mr. Andrew Patrick – High Commissioner of the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland.
• Dr. Felix Neumann – Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The ceremony was attended by Mr. Sagala Ratnayake, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff, who warmly received the envoys upon their arrival.

After the presentation of their credentials, President Wickremesinghe engaged in a friendly exchange with the newly appointed diplomats, reflecting the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation that underpins diplomatic relations.

Among those present during this significant event were State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Tharaka Balasooriya, Secretary to the President, Mr Saman Ekanayake, and Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Aruni Wijewardena.

News

Landslide warnings extended

Published

5 hours ago

September 30, 2023

editor

The Department of Irrigation says that the water levels in the Kelani River and Attanagalu Oya are rising to levels that requires attention.

Director of the Hydrology and Disaster Management Division of the Irrigation Department S. P. C. Sugeeshwara says that the Gin, Nilwala and Kalu Ganga remain at the flood level.

Many roads in the vicinity of the rivers have been inundated.

S. P. C Sugeeshwara warns that people should refrain from further using the rivers.

The landslide warnings issued to seven districts have also been extended, due to the prevailing weather conditions.

The Met Department predicts that the heavy showers in the South West will continue.

Heavy showers of about 75 mm can be expected in some areas.

News

“SLPP Leadership can change if needed”

Published

8 hours ago

September 30, 2023

editor

Former President Mahinda Rajapaska yesterday said that there should be a change in the leadership of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), if the need arises.

When the former President was asked about the veracity of the news on social media about imminent change of the SLPP leadership, said that he is not aware of any change in the leadership.

The President was speaking to the media after calling on Mahanayake Thera of the Rammanya Maha Nikaya Most Ven. Makulewe Sri Wimala Thera at the Vidyawasa Pirivena in Meerigama yesterday.

Commenting on the impending regulations on social media, the former President said that there are pros and cons in the social media. “I don’t have any issue with the social media,” he said.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa also visited the Sacred Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya and participated in religious activities. The Former President also met Chief incumbent of the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya Ven. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkitha Thera and received his blessings.

Speaking to the media on the occasion, the former President said that he is physically fit despite social media reports to the contrary.

(dailynews.lk)