News

Mitsubishi to end operations in Sri Lanka after six decades!

Published

2 years ago

February 10, 2023

editor

Mitsubishi Corporation, one of the leading business enterprises of Japan, has decided to end its operations in Sri Lanka next month.

Among reasons to close the office are Sri Lanka’s default of external debt, the cancellation of several Japanese project proposals including the light rail project, the bio gas project and adverse international ratings and economic outlook.

Mitsubishi played a significant role in the bilateral relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka while contributing to the business of many Sri Lankan companies.

The decision to end operations in Colombo by March 31 had been a shocking news to the private sector while local and foreign companies have said that Sri Lanka will suffer a major setback due to this decision.

Japan is Sri Lanka’s largest lender and Sri Lanka owed Japan USD 2.46 billion as of September last year.

Sources said that the Sri Lanka office was one of the first offices Mitsubishi opened overseas.

Mitsubishi was a key operating partner in several projects funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Although the Colombo Mitsubishi office has only a staff of 20, the company’s business and projects have provided livelihood to thousands of Sri Lankans.

News

Principal arrested in Mullaitivu for photographing postal ballot

Published

2 hours ago

September 8, 2024

editor

A principal has been arrested in Mullaitivu after allegedly photographing a postal ballot paper after casting his vote.

The incident occurred on Friday at the voting center located within the Mullaitivu Zonal Education Office.

According to reports, the principal, who was serving as an assistant returning officer, cast his vote on the ballot paper and then took a photograph of it. This was noticed by another officer at the location, who promptly filed a complaint.

The principal was taken into custody yesterday evening. The 55-year-old suspect, a resident of Puthukkudiyiruppu, has since been released on bail.

News

Palitha Bandara Fifth in T63 Javelin at Paris Paralympics

Published

4 hours ago

September 8, 2024

editor

Sri Lankan athlete Palitha Bandara finished fifth in the men’s T63 javelin throw at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

He achieved a personal best with a throw of 14.51 meters.

News

President meets ITAK leader amidst party’s conflicting support

Published

8 hours ago

September 8, 2024

editor

President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) senior leader MP Mavai Senathirajah at his residence in Kankasanthurai, Jaffna, during his visit as part of the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” presidential campaign.

Senathirajah expressed confidence in Wickremesinghe’s chances in the upcoming election, noting his potential to ensure development in the Northern region.

This meeting adds complexity to ITAK’s stance, as the party, under MP M.A. Sumanthiran’s leadership, had earlier declared support for Sajith Premadasa, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya candidate.

Meanwhile, ITAK had also announced their decision not to support Tamil common candidate P. Ariyanenthiran.

Senathirajah, however, had previously stated that he was unaware of these decisions.