News

Japan to continue providing financial & technical assistance to SL

Published

6 months ago

January 7, 2025

editor

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will continue its financial and technical assistance to Sri Lanka without interruption, stated Mr. HARA Shohei, Senior Vice President of JICA.

This assurance was revealed during a meeting held today (07) at the Presidential Secretariat between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and Mr. HARA Shohei.

During the discussion, attention was drawn to the on-going development work at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, which is being carried out under Japanese aid.

It was highlighted that all projects initiated in Sri Lanka under JICA support are planned to be expedited and completed efficiently.

Mr. HARA Shohei also reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to extending financial support to Sri Lanka in the future, similar to the assistance provided during the country’s debt restructuring process
He emphasized that JICA is ready to provide financial and technical assistance for the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme and other initiatives.

Additionally, JICA expressed interest in supporting Sri Lanka in reforming its transport system and enhancing urban cleanliness through financial and logistical aid.

Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Akio Isomata, First Secretary, Head of Economic Cooperation Mr.Kenji Ohashi, Chief Representative, JICA Sri Lanka Mr.Tetsuya Yamada, Senior Representative, JICA Sri Lanka Ms. Yuri Ide, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma and Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake also participated in the discussions.

(President’s Media Division)

News

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

Published

2 hours 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

2 hours 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.