News

GoSL issues statement on talks held over US tariffs

Published

3 months ago

April 25, 2025

editor

A Sri Lankan delegation met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on the 22nd of April, 2025 at the US Trade Representative Office in Washington D.C.

Sri Lankan delegation on the instructions of President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, who is also the Minister of Finance, handed over the originals of communications addressed to US Trade Representative Ambassador Greer on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka.

The delegation updated Ambassador Greer on the challenges that Sri Lanka has faced in the past and the steps that are been taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to overcome future challenges and move towards full economic recovery. Sri Lankan delegation highlighted the prompt and positive commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to work with the US Government in reducing the trade deficit, and lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers.

Ambassador Greer was appreciative of the proposals that Sri Lanka has made in order to commence negotiations and expressed the hope that an agreement can be reached soon between two countries to ensure fair and equitable trade relations.

Later on that day, the Sri Lankan delegation met with the USTR delegation appointed by Ambassador Greer lead by Assistant United States Trade Representative, In-charge of South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch along with Director In-charge of South Asia, Emily Ashby to discuss further the offer made in writing by Sri Lanka to the US. The two sides agreed to continue the discussions with the objective of finalizing a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries. Both sides expressed the desire to finalize the agreement in the shortest possible time period.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries. The head of USTR is the U.S. Trade Representative, a Cabinet member who serves as the president’s principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on trade issues.

(President’s Media Division)

News

H’tota Bird Park owner remanded (Update)

Published

59 minutes ago

July 17, 2025

editor

The owner of the Hambantota Bird Park has been remanded.

He has been remanded until July 25 by the Hambantota Magistrate’s Court.

He was arrested earlier today (July 17) by a special police team for allegedly concealing illegally imported motorcycles in a warehouse.

(Previous news 2025 July 17 – 11.42 am.)

H’tota Bird Park owner arrested

The owner of the Hambantota Bird Park was arrested in connection with the illegal importation of luxury motorcycles into Sri Lanka.

Police stated that the suspect had been evading authorities for several days. He was arrested today (17) in Colombo and is currently being held at the Maradana Police Station.

The suspect is scheduled to be presented before court today.

Earlier, police seized 21 illegally imported motorcycles – including 8 luxury bikes and 4 tricycle-type motorcycles — from a warehouse at the Hambantota Bird Park.

The raid was carried out by the Central Crimes Investigation Bureau based on information received by the Acting Inspector General of Police.

Previously, the park’s manager and warehouse supervisor were arrested and remanded until July 25 in connection with the case.

The seized motorcycles are valued at over Rs. 200 million.

Police also revealed that the suspects had previously been involved in illegal vehicle imports.

(News1st)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

Related News :

Smuggled Harley Davidsons found in H’tota Bird Park

News

Half-naked Thai tourist in Arugam Bay: Male or female?

Published

1 hour ago

July 17, 2025

editor

A legal controversy is brewing following the sentencing of a Thai tourist in Arugam Bay, after a social media post questioned how the court interpreted gender in a topless incident involving the foreign national.

The 26-year-old Thai tourist was recently handed a suspended five-year prison sentence by the Pottuvil Magistrate’s Court after pleading guilty to charges of indecent behaviour and causing public disturbance.

The individual, identified in court as female, was arrested earlier this week after images emerged on social media showing the tourist walking topless near a hotel.

However, the situation has taken a new turn after a photo of the Thai national’s passport, also shared online, showed the sex listed as “M” (male) and includes the title “Mr.”, raising questions about how the court determined the offence, given that Sri Lankan law does not criminalize shirtless behaviour for men in public.

The post suggests that the ruling could highlight a legal grey area, as Sri Lankan law does not currently recognize gender identities beyond the male-female binary.

(dailymirror.lk)

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

Entertainment

SRK cancels visit to SL

Published

1 hour ago

July 17, 2025

editor

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, who was scheduled to perform at the launch of City of Dreams Sri Lanka later this year, will not attend the event, reports say.

A statement by the organisers notes, “unfortunately due to unforeseen personal reasons beyond his control, Mr. Khan is no longer able to attend.”

“The launch event will continue as a landmark celebration, featuring an extraordinary lineup of local and international talent to be unveiled in the coming days. We are committed to making this moment a defining milestone in Sri Lanka’s journey to becoming a globally recognised destination for world-class entertainment,” the statement adds.