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Japan – SL Economic Cooperation Policy Dialogue held

Published

2 weeks ago

July 4, 2025

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On July 04, during his visit to Sri Lanka, Mr. Ishizuki Hideo, Assistant Minister/ Director-General, International Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, held the Japan – Sri Lanka Economic Cooperation Policy Dialogue with Dr. Harshana Suriyapperum, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka for the first time under the new NPP government.

Mr. Isomata Akio – Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (online), the Embassy of Japan and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also attended the meeting.

In his remarks, DG Ishizuki highlighted that Sri Lanka is a critical partner for maintaining and promoting a Free and Open Indo Pacific and expressed his determination to continue development cooperation with Sri Lanka, supporting its efforts to improve the standard of living of the people and to combat corruption, in particular.

In his remarks, Ambassador Isomata stressed that the eradication of corruption and good governance are a prerequisite for restoring confidence of both public and private entities, including those of Japan, in making investments in Sri Lanka. Japan will continue to work closely with the Government of Sri Lanka for the country’s sustainable development.

During the Dialogue, DG Ishizuki elaborated on the overview of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) and its Country Development Cooperation Policy, which defines the direction of Japan’s ODA policy for Sri Lanka.

Both sides exchanged views on Japan’s future development cooperation with Sri Lanka, including the ongoing yen loan projects to stabilize and reinforce Sri Lanka’s economy as well as overcome its socioeconomic challenges.

News

SJB establishes control of Seethawakapura UC

Published

5 hours ago

July 15, 2025

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The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has established control of the Seethawakapura Urban Council.

At the council’s inaugural meeting held today (July 15), SJB candidate Sunil Jayaratne was elected Chairman through a secret ballot.

Ajith Wijayamuni Zoysa, who ran as an independent, secured the post of Deputy Chairman.

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SL delegation leaving for US this week for tariff talks

Published

5 hours ago

July 15, 2025

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A Sri Lankan government delegation is scheduled to leave for the United States this Friday (July 18) to negotiate a further reduction in the tariffs imposed on Sri Lankan exports to the US, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said.

The Foreign Minister made this statement while speaking to the media following an event held in Colombo today (July 15).

A recent announcement made by the US President on July 09 saw the reduction of reciprocal tariff tariffs to 30% from the initially imposed 44%.

The new 30% tariff is scheduled to take effect on August 1, 2025.

Related News :

Sri Lanka hit with 30% US tariffs

US trade tariffs : GoSL to continue talks

News

Laws against shooting of wild jumbos, to be tightened

Published

11 hours ago

July 15, 2025

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A meeting was held today (July 15) at the Ministry of Environment with officials from the Department of Wildlife Conservation, aimed at tightening laws against the shooting of wild elephants.

The discussion was chaired by the Minister of Environment – Dr. Dammika Patabendi, along with the Deputy Minister of Environment – Anton Jayakody.

Noting that incidents of elephant shoots are regularly reported to the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Minister instructed the Director General of the Department to take the necessary steps to strictly enforce the law against such acts.

The discussion also focused on strengthening the process of punishing offenders by updating laws related to the killing of wild animals. It also emphasized enforcing strict laws against the illegal construction of electric fences on private lands, which often harm elephants.

To help reduce human-elephant conflict, the Ministry and the Department are working together on long-term, positive solutions. Accordingly, elephant fences are being built in districts with frequent elephant encounters.

Furthermore, multi-purpose officers have been recruited for the maintenance of these fences and the involvement of civil defense personnel is also being considered.

The Department of Wildlife Conservation announced that a special media briefing will be held in the coming days to inform the public on these initiatives.