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Japan – UNDP 2 livelihood projects in SL

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Earlier today (24), PM Dinesh Gunawardena, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka – Mr. Mizukoshi Hideaki and UNDP Sri Lanka Resident Representative – Ms. Azusa Kubota, launched the 2 new livelihood projects that address the economic crisis in Sri Lanka at Temple Trees.

The ongoing socio-economic crisis has had serious impacts on the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka. The rising energy costs and evolving climate change impacts have further exacerbated due to the situation. In response, the Government of Japan through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka, will provide approximately LKR 1,175 million (approx. USD 3.8 million) to support vulnerable smallholder farming families in the Dry Zone districts, namely North-Central, North-Western and Eastern Provinces, with a focus on women’s economic empowerment and adoption of green agricultural technologies.

Funded by the Japanese Supplementary Budget (JSB) and working together with the Government of Sri Lanka and relevant stakeholders, the intervention aims to achieve its objectives through two projects; the first focusing on diversifying livelihoods and introduce entrepreneurship programmes, targeting women-led MSMEs. The second aims to strengthen energy and food security, through the revival of the rural agricultural economy by providing access to innovative markets, value and supply chain improvements along with the adoption of modern, green agricultural technologies which will increase productivity and efficiency.

A total of 58,000 women and youth will directly benefit from these projects, while indirectly impacting over 132,000 vulnerable community members from the North-Central, North-Western and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka.

To mark the beginning of these projects and to recognize the Government of Japan’s support to the interventions, a launch event was held today with the participation of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Mr. Mizukoshi Hideaki – Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, Ms. Azusa Kubota – UNDP Sri Lanka Resident Representative, Mr. Tetsuya Yamada – Chief Representative of JICA in Sri Lanka, Agriculture minister Mahinda Amaraweera, Minister of Power and Energy – Kanchana Wijesekera, senior government officials and development partners.

Gracing the occasion, Prime Minister stated, “Government of Sri Lanka appreciates the continuous support extended by the Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme towards country’s efforts to recover from the socioeconomic crisis. We believe this is a significant step towards creating a food and energy secure Sri Lanka, both vital sectors to the fabric of the country’s economy.”

Highlighting Japan’s commitment to the people of Sri Lanka in crisis recovery efforts, Ambassador Mizukoshi, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka stated, “Japan has been working together with the Government of Sri Lanka and relevant UN agencies for economic and social empowerment of women in Sri Lanka, including the formulation of National Action Plan for Women, Peace and Security. These new projects will provide for practical means to uplift lives of vulnerable communities. Especially, we recognize the special needs of women-headed household in conflict-affected areas. It is a great opportunity to create positive synergy with UNDP’s expertise and JICA’s technical assistance for supporting livelihood and vulnerable communities.”

Commenting on the role of UNDP in bringing together stakeholders and facilitating such processes in times of need, Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka stated, “these are times when multiple-solutions through multiple-partnerships are required because we are faced with compounding and complex challenges. I am grateful for the commitments demonstrated by a wide range of actors present today. We must join hands to address the needs of the most vulnerable and affected segments of the society – particularly women-headed households. And investing in them will have visible, long-term benefits for the families and communities” 

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GoSL strongly rejects genocide claims & protests against monument in Canada

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Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath today (May 14) met with the Canadian High Commissioner in Colomno to formally object to Canada’s approval and inauguration of a Tamil Genocide Monument in Brampton, Ontario.

Minister Herath had reiterated the Government of Sri Lanka’s strong objections regarding the unfounded genocide allegations and the approval of constructing such a monument, which complicates and undermines the government’s efforts toward reconciliation and national unity.The MFA statement issued in this regard is as follows : 

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Harak Kata levels bribery allegations against Tiran & Deshabandu

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Notorious underworld figure – Nadun Chinthaka Wickremeratne, alias Harak Kata, has claimed that he is being detained in Tangalle over his refusal to pay a Rs. 300 million bribe allegedly demanded by former Public Security Minister – Tiran Alles and suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon.
He levelled the allegations before reporters today (May 14) while he was being escorted by police from the Colombo Court Complex following a court hearing.

“There are so many things to say… I will reveal them then,” he had said before being taken back into custody.

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Hayeshika granted bail (Update)

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Popular tuition teacher Hayeshika Fernando, widely known as ‘Teacher Amma,’ was granted bail by the Negombo Magistrate’s Court today (May 14) over allegedly assaulting a young man.

Her husband and the manager affiliated to her institute, who were previously arrested over the incident, have also been granted bail.

Hayeshika, who had been missing afterwards, had surrendered to the Negombo Magistrate’s Court today.


(Previous News on 14th May, 2025 at 3:33pm)

Tutor Hayeshika surrenders to court

Popular tutor – Hayeshika Fernando, who had been evading arrest, has surrendered to the Negombo Magistrate’s Court.

President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratne, appearing on behalf of the accused, informed the court that his client had voluntarily surrendered.

Hayeshika’s husband and the manager of the institution she is affiliated with were recently arrested over the alleged assault of a young man.

However, Hayeshika had remained at large until her court appearance today. Three police teams were also appointed to arrest her.

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