News

Japan expresses commitment to supporting new govt’s anti-corruption program

Published

9 months ago

September 27, 2024

editor

The Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Mizukoshi Hideaki, affirmed that the Japanese government is committed to fully supporting efforts to combat corruption and irregularities, a key priority of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration.

He expressed readiness to continue close collaboration with Sri Lanka.
Ambassador Mizukoshi made these remarks during a meeting with the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (Sep. 26).

He further announced that work on 11 stalled projects funded by the Japanese government will resume promptly.

Accordingly, these projects include the Kandy City Water Management Project, Phase II of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Development Project, the Terrestrial Television Broadcast Digitization Project, the National Transmission and Distribution Network Development Project, Phase II of the Anuradhapura North Water Supply Project, the Rural Infrastructure Development Project, the Kalu Ganga Water Supply Project, and improvements to health and medical services.

The Japanese Ambassador, Mr. Mizukoshi, stated that the agreement encompasses the swift completion of the first phase of the Habarana-Veyangoda transmission line project and the Anuradhapura North water supply project, both of which are nearing completion with Japanese assistance. He also highlighted the payments related to the recently finished Kelani Ganga new bridge construction project.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Head of the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka Nayoki Kamoshida, First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan Ohashi Kenji and Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage.

(PMD)

News

Navy rescues Indian fishermen from capsized boat off Talaimannar (Pics)

Published

1 hour ago

June 28, 2025

editor

The Sri Lanka Navy has rescued 04 Indian fishermen aboard an Indian fishing boat capsized in the Sri Lankan waters off Talaimannar on June 25.

Upon receiving the distress alert, a team of the Special Boat Squadron stationed at SLNS Thammanna, under the North Central Naval Command swiftly launched a search and rescue operation. During the rescue mission, the naval personnel located the overturned Indian boat, capsized after being caught in rough seas north of Sand Dune VII, and safely rescued all four fishermen.

The rescued individuals, identified as residents of Rameswaram, India, were brought ashore by the Navy and provided with necessary assistance.

The fisherman in good health condition were subsequently handed over to the Talaimannar Police for onward action. The Sri Lanka Navy remains vigilant in assisting distressed maritime and fishing communities within Sri Lankan waters, reaffirming its commitment to maritime safety and humanitarian efforts.

(Pics : navy.lk)

News

Validity of re-entry visa extended for Lankans working in Israel

Published

1 hour ago

June 28, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism has issued a special notice for Sri Lankans working in Israel.

A statement issued by the ministry states :

Due to the unstable situation in the Middle East region, the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) of Israel has decided to extend the validity period of the re-entry visa of those who have come to Sri Lanka possessing a re-entry visa with the hope of returning to their respective employments in Israel until 2025.07.31.

Accordingly, as international flights to Israel have started presently, those who came to Sri Lanka on re-entry visa have the possibility to return to work in Israel until 31.07.2025 even after the expiry of the re-entry visa.

All relevant institutions have been informed in this regard.