News

FTA to be signed as Thai PM to visit SL

Published

1 year ago

January 29, 2024

nipuni

Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand – Srettha Thavisin will undertake a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka from 03 – 04 February 2024 at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The Prime Minister will participate at the ceremony to mark the 76th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka as Guest of Honour.

During the visit, the Thai Prime Minister is scheduled to have official discussions with President Wickremesinghe, and witness the signing of the historic Sri Lanka – Thailand Free Trade Agreement (SLTFTA).

The Free Trade Agreement will be signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand – Phumtham Wechayachai, and Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security of Sri Lanka – Nalin Fernando.

The SLTFTA is expected to boost trade and investment ties between the two countries and promote deeper integration with ASEAN economies. Additionally, the two sides are expected to renew the Air Services Agreement and conclude a Memorandum of Understanding between the Gem and Jewellery Research and Training Institute of Sri Lanka and The Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand.
A Sri Lanka- Thailand Business Forum organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion and Department of Trade Negotiations of the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand and the Department of Commerce and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka will also take place at the Kingsbury Hotel during the visit.

The Thai Prime Minister will be accompanied by a 39 member delegation including Hon. Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Hon. Jakkapong Sangmanee, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and a top-level business delegation.

News

Islandwide operation against child begging

Published

6 hours ago

June 21, 2025

editor

A special operation has been launched by the Bureau for the Investigation of Abuse of Children and Women and the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA).

The operation was conducted across multiple police divisions including Colombo North, Colombo South, Colombo Central, Nugegoda, Gampaha, Panadura, Kelaniya, Negombo, Mount Lavinia, Kalutara, Tangalle, Anuradhapura, Kandy, Kurunegala, Chilaw, Ratnapura, Galle, and Matara.

According to the police media division, the operation has rescued 21 minors found begging or selling goods in unsafe conditions.

They have been placed under protective care, the statement adds.

News

Notice for landowners over uncultivated land

Published

7 hours ago

June 21, 2025

editor

The Department of Agrarian Development has issued a notice to landowners with uncultivated land, requesting them to submit reasons for non-cultivation within the next 02 weeks.

Commissioner General – Rohana Rajapaksha highlighted that over 120,000 acres of land, which should have been cultivated, have been abandoned.

News

All President’s Fund services go online from today

Published

7 hours ago

June 21, 2025

editor

All services provided by the President’s Fund to the public will be available through an online system, from today (June 21).

The acceptance of applications for medical assistance under the President’s Fund through Divisional Secretariats island wide commenced on February 07.

Following the successful implementation of that initiative, preparations have now been completed to expand the digital system to include all other services offered by the Fund.

Accordingly, the public will be able to apply online via any Divisional Secretariat across the country for a wide range of services provided under the President’s Fund. These include assistance for poverty alleviation, provision of educational scholarships, recognition of students demonstrating academic excellence, support for individuals with special needs, relief assistance for children affected by wild elephant conflict, recognition of individuals for their national service or contributions to the country, Emergency and disaster relief.

As a result, citizens across Sri Lanka, especially those outside Colombo can conveniently access the services of the President’s Fund without having to travel long distances.