News

New ambassador to China to be sent soon – State Minister (Video)

Published

5 months ago

April 4, 2024

nipuni

State Minister of Foreign Affairs – Tharaka Balasuriya says that the post of Sri Lankan ambassador in China, which had remained vacant for several months, will be filled soon.

Speaking exclusively to ”Sri Lanka Mirror’, he said, “We will certainly be sending an ambassador to China and we have already picked a very experienced officer from the Foreign Service.”

Emphasizing that “China no doubt is a very important country for Sri Lanka,” the State Minister added, “thus we have looked into one of the best officers that is available” to be sent in order “to further strengthen our relationship with China.”

The ambassador position at the Sri Lankan Diplomatic Mission in Beijing has remained vacant for nearly 07 months, ever since the previous ambassador – Dr. Palitha Kohona returned to Sri Lanka last August.

The President’s tour in 2023 October as well as the Prime Minister’s tour last month had taken place in the absence of an ambassador.

Speaking on the delay to appoint a new ambassador, the State Minister said that a time lapse between the exit of one ambassador and the appointment of another usually does take place. There are procedural delays and formalities which take place, he pointed out.

In addition to China, 07 more officers from the Foreign Service are to be appointed as new Heads of Mission in several other countries, Mr. Balasuriya added.

In a recent X message following an orientation programme for the newly appointed Heads of Mission for the year 2024, the State Minister had congratulated the newly appointed delegates.‍

Congratulations to all our newly appointed Heads of Mission designates & wishing each of you success in your endeavours. Looking forward to continuing our efforts & working together to address crucial challenges & maintaining positive diplomatic relations between #lka & the world pic.twitter.com/6QDMg4qr3P
— Tharaka Balasuriya (@TharakaBalasur1) March 25, 2024

According to reports, former ambassador to Austria – Majintha Jayesinghe is to be appointed as the new ambassador to China.

Ambassador Jayesinghe had joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service in 1998 and was Ambassador in the United Arab Emirates, prior to the appointment in Austria. The diplomatic career entailed serving as Consul General in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China and Deputy High Commissioner in Malaysia.

The full interview of State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya with Sri Lanka Mirror Editor – Kelum Shivantha, is as follows :

News

Ex-ASP Sanjeeva Mahanama granted bail in MP shooting case

Published

2 hours ago

September 14, 2024

editor

Former Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sanjeeva Mahanama, arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with the shooting of former MP Uddika Premarathna, has been granted bail.

Mahanama appeared before the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court on September 13.

He is accused of aiding and abetting the shooting, which took place on September 17, 2023, when Premarathna’s vehicle was attacked in front of his residence on Airport Road, Anuradhapura.

News

SC orders to file contempt charges against Immigration Controller General

Published

11 hours ago

September 13, 2024

editor

The Supreme Court has ordered to file contempt of court charges against the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration for failing to obey the court’s interim order to suspend the implementation of the electronic visa system.

The order was delivered today (13) by a three-member judge bench comprising Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Kumuduni Wickramasinghe and Achala Wengappuli.

The court also ordered the petitioning party to draft the charges and present it before the court on September 25.

Earlier today, the Supreme Court had directed the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration to appear before the court in person today (13) with regard to his failure to implement the order issued by the court over the electronic visa matter.

The directive was issued by the Supreme Court after considering motions filed over the non-implementation of the interim order issued by the court regarding the issue.

On August 02, the Supreme Court issued an interim order suspending the contract given to private consortium IVS-GBS and VFS Global to operate the visa issuance.

The court had issued this order after considering several Fundamental Rights (FR) petitions filed by a group including opposition MPs M.A. Sumanthiran, Rauff Hakeem and Patali Champika Ranawaka.

(adaderana.lk)

(This story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

2 more Bills come into effect

Published

11 hours ago

September 13, 2024

editor

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana has endorsed the certificate on the Bills titled Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgements Bill and Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill today (Sep. 13) in accordance with Article 79 of the Constitution.

The said Bills were passed after the second reading debate held in Parliament on 03rd September.

The Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgements Bill is to make provision for the Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement in Sri Lanka of Judgments of Courts of other countries, to repeal the Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Ordinance (Chapter 93) and the Reciprocal Enforcement of Judgments Ordinance (Chapter 94) and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Accordingly, this Bill shall be known as the Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgements Act No. 49 of 2024.

In addition, the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill is to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, No. 15 of 1979. Accordingly, this Bill shall be known as the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Act No. 50 of 2024.