The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Hossein Amir Abdollahia, arrived in Sri Lanka on Monday night (Feb. 19) for a three-day official visit.
The 20 strong delegation led by the Iranian Foreign Minister, was welcomed at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake by State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya.
Dr. Abdollahia’s visit comes following an invitation extended by his Sri Lankan counterpart – Ali Sabry. Dr. Amir Abdollahia is scheduled to stay in Sri Lanka from February 19 to 21, during which he will pay courtesy calls on President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.
Official discussions between the visiting Iranian Minister and Sri Lankan Minister Ali Sabry will take place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, covering various aspects of bilateral cooperation and regional issues.
The visit underscores the diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and Iran and provides an opportunity for both nations to strengthen and expand their collaboration across different sectors.
A young woman was found in the Dewipahala-Dodam Ella area in Kuruwita, after being brutally attacked and her gold necklace stolen
According to the police, the victim was found collapsed on the roadside with severe neck injuries caused by a sharp weapon. She was rushed to the Ratnapura Hospital but succumbed to her injuries shortly after admission.
The victim has been identified as a 26-year-old.
Arrests are yet to be made and an investigation is underway.
The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has announced that the revised pensions approved under the recent Budget will be implemented starting this month.
Minister – Prof. Chandana Abeyratne has stated that more than 500,000 retired public sector employees will benefit from the increased pension payment.
Former Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development – Rajitha Senaratne has not appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) yesterday (July 02), citing ill health.
He faces charges of causing a financial loss to the government by allegedly awarding a sand mining project at the Kirinda Fisheries Harbour to a Korean company, bypassing government procurement procedures.
The CIABOC’s Special Investigations Chief Inspector had formally summoned Senaratne to provide a statement at 9.00 am yesterday, but one of his lawyers submitted a letter claiming Senaratne was unwell and therefore unable to attend.
Meanwhile, former Minister of Construction and Housing – Wimal Weerawansa was also summoned to give a statement regarding investigations into the sale of certain shops during his tenure.
He too has requested a new date, stating that he is unable to appear on the scheduled day.