News

70th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Japan – SL

Published

3 years ago

December 22, 2022

editor

On 16th December 2022, the embassy of Japan hosted a reception to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Sri Lanka at the residence of Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki.

The reception was held in the presence of Prime Minister – Dinesh Gunawardene as the Guest of Honor and many other distinguished guests including Speaker – Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Foreign Minister – M.U.M.Ali Sabry, Sports Minister – Mr. Roshan Ranasinghe and other dignitaries.

Ambassador Mizukoshi recalled the high level diplomatic visits, grant aids by the government of Japan, Japanese investments to Sri Lanka by the private sector, recent progress in Japanese language education in Sri Lanka and awarding of the decoration of the Emperor of Japan and the commendation of the Foreign Minister of Japan.

He also looked back on the various major events that had strengthened the relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka such as Tanabata Day in July, Friendship Walk and San Francisco Peace Treaty commemoration in September, the Bon-odori festival in December and expressed his sincere gratitude to the Government of Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan official stakeholders, namely Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital and National Youth Services Council, Japan related companies, organizations and institutes in Sri Lanka and everyone who provided their immense cooperation throughout the year in making a 70th anniversary a great success.

As the guest of honour, PM Dinesh Gunawardene acknowledged the importance of this milestone of deep friendship and bond between the two countries, as well as people of Japan, and Sri Lanka. He also took note of the contributions from the government of Japan, investments from the Japanese private sector and various collaborations between the two countries including state officials, academia, science and technology, areas of research cooperation, defense and cultural, religious and different friends.

At this auspicious occasion, a commemorative postage stamp with an envelope was issued marking the 70th anniversary by the Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Posts, Ministry of Mass Media. The postage stamp and the envelope were designed by Ms. Hasini Dineshika and Ms. Rashmi Dewmini and they were selected from the contest conducted by the National Youth Services Council.

News

CoI on Deshabandu concludes examining evidence by both parties

Published

2 hours ago

July 2, 2025

editor

The examination of evidence by both the Respondent and the Prosecution before the Committee of Inquiry concluded.

The Committee recommends that both parties submit their written submissions to the Committee of Inquiry before 3:30 p.m. on the 8th of July.

Examining evidence before the Committee of Inquiry to inquire and report its findings on IGP T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon in respect of acts of gross abuse of power, concluded yesterday (July 01), with the presentation of evidence by both the Respondent, representing Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon and the Prosecution.

The Committee of Inquiry, chaired by Supreme Court Judge P.P. Surasena and comprising Justice W.M.N.P. Iddawala and E.W.M. Lalith Ekanayake, Chairman, National Police Commission, convened today, during which, testimonies were obtained from two additional witnesses by the Prosecution.

These two witnesses had been overseas on official duty. Thus, in accordance with the prior agreement between the two parties, reached to obtain the evidence post June 26, held before the Committee of Inquiry with the participation of Additional Solicitor General (President’s Counsel) Dileepa Peiris and

Deputy Solicitor General Rajitha Perera, representing the Attorney General’s Department, and R.S. Weerawickrama Attorney-at-Law, appearing on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, it was decided to record the statements of these two witnesses today.Furthermore, both the Prosecution in representation of the Attorney General’s Department and the Respondent Inspector General of Police agreed to submit their respective written submissions to the Committee of Inquiry before 3:30 p.m. on July 08, 2025.

News

Govt to present 2026 Appropriation Bill in October

Published

5 hours ago

July 2, 2025

editor

Cabinet approval has been granted to a proposal presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Minister of Finance , Planning and Economic Development to present the Appropriation Bill for the year 2026 to Parliament in October 2025.

Approval has also been granted to present the Budget speech in November 2025 and to hold the third reading and budget debate during November and December.