News

ADB backs Sri Lanka’s growing investment potential in key sectors

Published

6 months ago

November 27, 2024

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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has pledged its support for investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, citing increased foreign investor interest fuelled by the government’s systematic financial reforms.

During a discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (Nov. 26), led by ADB’s Regional Head of Private Sector Development, Mr. Takeo Koike and Senior Additional Secretary to the President Mr. G.N.R.D. Aponsu, the ADB delegation highlighted foreign investors’ enthusiasm for Sri Lanka’s expanding prospects across multiple sectors.

The meeting focused on investment prospects in critical areas such as climate change mitigation, agricultural modernization, and the energy sector. Both direct investment and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) opportunities were discussed, underscoring the potential for collaboration in these critical fields and as pathways to further economic growth.

The ADB delegation also emphasized its commitment to working closely with Sri Lanka to attract sustainable investments that align with the country’s development goals.

The discussion was attended by key ADB officials, including Country Director for Sri Lanka, Mr. Takafumi Kadono, Senior Specialist for Private Sector Development, Mr. Santosh Pokharel, Financial Sector Specialist, Ms. Uresha Walpitigama, and Energy Specialist, Mr. Prathaj Haputhanthri.

Representatives from Sri Lanka’s Department of External Resources of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development including Director General Mr. Samantha Bandara, Director Ms. Udeni Udugahapattuwa, and Deputy Director Mr. Ajith Chandra Kumara, also participated in the discussions.

(President’s Media Division)

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

9 hours ago

May 31, 2025

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The Medical Research Institute of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the Asian region has also been identified in the country.

Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a specialist in viral diseases at the Medical Research Institute, stated that patients infected with the Omicron subvariants LF.7 and XFG are being reported locally.

Dr. Jayamaha explained that this finding was confirmed through research conducted on biological samples collected from several hospitals across the island.

However, he emphasized that there is no need for undue fear regarding these COVID-19 variants.

Health authorities have also stressed the importance of vulnerable groups—such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—following health guidelines, including wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places.

Dr. Jayamaha reiterated that new COVID-19 variants emerge periodically, and health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, so the public should remain calm.

(newswire.lk)

(This story, originally published by newswire.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Anudi misses out from Miss World Quarter-Finals

Published

9 hours ago

May 31, 2025

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The Miss World organization has announced its quarter-finalists, selecting 40 contestants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara, was not selected in the top 40, despite being recognized for her impressive performances in the Multimedia and Head-to-Head challenges.

The top 40 consisted of 10 contestants each from Asia & Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas.