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.
Japanese ambassador – Mr. Mizukoshi Hideaki today (Dec. 06) handed over medical equipment to Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital.
The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Minister of Health – Dr. Ramesh Pathirana and State Minister of Health – Dr. Seetha Arambepola.
The event underscored the deep bonds between the two nations and Japan’s collective commitment to bolstering healthcare infrastructure in Sri Lanka.
This significant occasion marks the transfer of crucial medical equipment to Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, strengthening its capabilities to provide quality healthcare services. The equipment handed over includes an Anesthesia Workstation, an Automated Refractometer, three ICU Beds, a Recovery Bed, three Slit lamps, 5 Bedside Monitors, and one Surgical Instrument set.
Ambassador Mizukoshi stated, “Today, I am delighted to witness the handover ceremony for the initial batch of this equipment, underscoring our commitment to advancing healthcare in Sri Lanka.”
The embassy notes that the collaboration between Japan and Sri Lanka in the health sector remains steadfast, with a shared vision of fostering goodwill and cooperation.
This handover represents just the beginning of a larger grant project. As part of our ongoing commitment, additional medical equipment will be installed at Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital in the future. This sustained partnership underscores Japan’s dedication to contributing to the ongoing improvement of healthcare facilities and services in Sri Lanka, the embassy adds.
Sri Lanka has reportedly agreed to hand over the operations of the Mattala Rajapaksha International Airport (MRIA) to a private joint venture between Russian and Indian entities.
Secretary of the Ministry of Ports and Aviation – Mr. K.D.S Ruwanchandra said that a discussion held yesterday (05) in this regard, ended on a positive note and an agreement is to be signed soon.
Accordingly, all operational activities at Mattala International Airport will be managed and executed by the Russian-Indian Private Joint Venture.
Former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Nalaka de Silva has been released from the case filed over the alleged VIP assassination plot in 2019.
The Colombo Fort Magistrate has ordered to release de Silva after the Attorney General informed the court that ‘insufficient evidence’ was found to support the allegations.
The former Director of the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) was arrested by the CID on October 25, 2018, over a suspected plot to assassinate former Presidents Maithripala Sirisena and Gotabaya Rajapaksa.