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Colombo Security Conclave founding documents signed (Pics)

Published

8 months ago

August 31, 2024

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Member States of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) – Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Maldives, & Mauritius signed the Charter & Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the CSC Secretariat yesterday (Aug. 30).

National Security Adviser to the Indian Prime Minister – Mr. Ajit Doval visited Colombo from 29-30 August 2024, for the signing.

Mr. Doval highlighted the significance of the Founding Documents to further bolster CSC’s pivotal role in ensuring regional security and stability.

Emphasising the role of CSC in ensuring sustained engagement across diverse pillars of cooperation, he stressed the importance of collective efforts in addressing traditional, non-traditional, and emerging hybrid challenges in the Indian Ocean Region.

The event concluded with a discussion among heads of delegation on the next steps and the future activities of the Conclave.

During his visit to Colombo, Mr. Doval, KC called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe, and PM Dinesh Gunawardena, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.

He met his counterparts from CSC member countries including National Security Adviser of Sri Lanka – Sagala Ratnayaka and National Security Advisor of Maldives, – Ibrahim Latheef.

While in Colombo, Mr. Doval also interacted with Opposition Leader – MP Sajith Premadasa and , Leader of National People’s Power – MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake as well as political leaders and representatives of various political parties including from the North, East and the upcountry region.

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Heat Index expected at ‘Caution’ level

Published

3 hours ago

April 16, 2025

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Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is expected to increase up to ‘Caution level’ tomorrow (April 16) at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts, the Meteorology Department warned.

Effect of the heat index on the human body is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

Accordingly, people at jobsites are urged to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible.

Also, constant checks should be made up on the elderly and the sick.

Adults are advised to not leave children unattended and limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.

The public is also urged to wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

HEAT20250416 Download

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Heavy traffic on Ella-Wellawaya road

Published

4 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

Heavy traffic congestion has been reported along the Ella-Wellawaya road due to continuous rainfall.

According to the police, vehicle queues had stretched up to five kilometres.
Motorists are advised to use alternate routes to avoid the traffic congestion.

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Govt. needs a plan to face US taxes – RW

Published

7 hours ago

April 16, 2025

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Former President – Ranil Wickremesinghe has emphasized that the Sri Lankan government needs to unveil a plan to face the situation created by the US reciprocal taxes.

Making a special statement, Mr. Wickremesinghe points out that although the taxes have been paused at the moment, it will not be scrapped altogether as it is a part of Trump’s manifesto.

As a direct consequence of these taxes, around 100,000 jobs are at risk, he warned, adding that the consequences would ripple across the broader economy.

“Even if the taxes imposed on Sri Lanka are slashed, we will be compelled to pay taxes of 25% – 30%, resulting in exports still declining” he said.

Noting that Sri Lanka will have to generate funds to start setting its debts by 2028 as per the debt restructuring programme, Mr. Wickremesinghe emphasizes that the Government will have to treat this as an emergency situation and come out with a plan to face the situation.

He emphasizes that firstly, discussions must be held with the US and secondly, it must be planned how to solve this issue domestically.