News

China seeks permission for another vessel to visit Lanka

Published

11 months ago

November 19, 2023

editor

The Foreign Ministry has received a request from the Chinese embassy for permission for another Chinese research vessel to enter Sri Lankan waters early next year.

The fresh request came less than a month after the arrival of the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6, which received permission to enter Sri Lankan waters despite security concerns raised by India.

A Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson confirmed receiving the request from the Chinese embassy but stressed that “the request is yet to be processed”.

Shin Yan 6 engaged in marine-related research for two days from October 30 in designated areas of Western waters with the participation of local partners, the National Aquatic Research Agency (NARA), and the University of Ruhuna.

The fresh request is for Xiang Yang Hong 03, a vessel that engages in oceanographic surveys and research studies. Built in 2016, its current draught is reported to be 6.1 metres with a length of 99.8 metres and a width of 17.8 metres, according to Marine Traffic, a digital platform that tracks vessel movements.

The requested dates for the visit are reportedly from January 5 to February 20 next year, but the scope of the visit is yet to be finalised with the local partners, according to a source familiar with the developments.

(The Sunday Times)

News

NPP finalizing nomination lists for general election

Published

16 mins ago

October 5, 2024

editor

The National People’s Power (NPP) is finalizing its district-level nomination lists for the upcoming General Election, according to NPP General Secretary Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe.

He revealed that the NPP is preparing a mechanism to avoid internal competition for preferential votes among its candidates, though it will not interfere with the electoral process, ensuring that those elected by the people through preferential votes enter Parliament.

Dr. Abeysinghe highlighted that the NPP is including more female candidates and professionals in both its nomination and national lists.

He also clarified that while many individuals have expressed interest in contesting under the NPP banner, no new political parties or groups will be aligned with the NPP for the election.

News

Defence Ministry recalls civilian firearms

Published

12 hours ago

October 4, 2024

editor

The government has announced the temporary recall of all firearms issued to civilians by the Ministry of Defence.

In an official statement, the Ministry directed all license holders to return their firearms and ammunition to the Commercial Explosives’ Storage Facility in Welisara by November 07.

The Defence Ministry further stated that the firearms will be returned after a review and assessment of the necessity to retain them.

(dailymirror.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Bandula not to contest Gen. election

Published

15 hours ago

October 4, 2024

editor

Former Minister of Transport and Mass Media Dr. Bandula Gunawardene says he has decided not to contest at the upcoming General elections.Speaking to media, he told that he had been in politics for more than 20 years representing the Homagama electorate and that he functioned as a Deputy Minister and as a Cabinet Minister and rendered the maximum possible service to the people in his capacity.He also revealed plans to produce another movie while continuing his further education in the upcoming years.