News

Japan urges urgent debt restructuring for Sri Lanka’s progress

Published

1 year ago

April 1, 2024

nipuni

Japan’s Deputy Head of Mission Kotaro Katsuki on Saturday asserted that without restructuring the external debt, Sri Lanka cannot move forward.

“Therefore the external debt restructuring must be concluded with a sense of urgency,” said Kotaro speaking at the Daily FT-BOI ICCSL webinar titled “The FTA pathway: Exploring Sri Lanka’s Export and FDI Potential.”

Delivering the keynote in the webinar, Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry emphasised that Sri Lanka’s key location and potential for growth must not be neglected, and the country must move towards a more robust system of trade with our regional partners and those on distant shores.

Sabry noted, “We have much to gain from positive FTAs, and we must move towards a system of production that is globally competitive, and not only catering to the domestic market.”

However, Sabry emphasised that negotiations must be strategic, stakeholder driven and focused, and must take into consideration the opportunities and threats.

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by ft.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Special allowance for policemen on duty at ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’

Published

4 hours ago

April 18, 2025

editor

A special transport allowance and a combined allowance will be provided to police personnel assigned to ensure the safety of devotees attending the exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Siri Dalada Vandanawa) in Kandy, the police said.

The measure has been taken over the instructions of the Acting IGP, in consideration of the fact that these police personnel will be on continuous day and night duty for over 10 days, away from their regular stations and incurring additional personal expenses.

News

Ravi K’s Bill to repeal Online Safety Act, gazetted

Published

4 hours ago

April 18, 2025

editor

The Bill to repeal the Online Safety Act, No. 9 of 2024, and other regulations concerning the Act, has been gazetted.

The Online Safety Bill was passed by a majority vote in Parliament on Jan. 24, 2024.

The Bill that has been gazetted was submitted by opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake.

On Feb. 28, 2025, MP Karunanayake submitted a private member’s Bill to the Parliament Secretary-General, aiming to repeal the controversial Online Safety Act.