News
Party leaders meeting on US tariffs, held (Pics)
A meeting of party leaders, convened by President Anura Kumara Disanayake, was held today (10) at the Presidential Secretariat to discuss the impact of recent US Tariffs on Sri Lanka’s economy and the proposals to discuss this with the US government.
This meeting was convened in response to a request made by several opposition Members of Parliament, who highlighted the importance of engaging in dialogue regarding this issue with the President.
The President briefed the party leaders on the findings of the Committee appointed to conduct an in-depth study on potential issues that may arise due to the new reciprocal tariff system introduced by the US and to submit recommendations to the government.
A thorough discussion was held regarding the main issues highlighted by the Committee and the suggestions presented by opposition parties.
The discussion also addressed possible frameworks for engaging in dialogue with the United States, as well as the necessity for Sri Lanka to diversify its export markets to reduce potential negative impacts.
The proposals discussed in the meeting, along with the Committee’s recommendations, will be compiled and advanced for further deliberation.
The meeting was attended and expressed their views during the meeting by Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, MP Harsha de Silva representing Samagi Jana Balawegaya, MP S. Rasamanickam from Tamil National Alliance, MP Ravi Karunanayake from New Democratic Front, MP D.V. Chanaka from Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, MPs Mano Ganesan and Palani Digambaram from Tamil Progressive Alliance, MP M.L.A.M. Hizbullah from Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, MP Rishad Bathiudeen from All Ceylon Makkal Congress, MP Dilith Jayaweera from Sarvajana Balaya Party, MP Jeevan Thondaman from United National Party, MP Dayasiri Jayasekara from Sri Lanka Freedom Party and MP A. Archuna representing 17 Independent Groups. Additionally, the meeting was attended by MPs Gayantha Karunathilaka, Kavinda Jayawardena, S.M. Marikkar and Kader Masthan.
(President’s Media Division)
News
3 dead in Dunhinda bus accident
News
11th International Day of Yoga celebrated in Colombo (Pics)
The 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) was celebrated with great enthusiasm by the High Commission of India in Colombo and its cultural arm, the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Sri Lanka at the historic Independence Square in Colombo today (June 21).
This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, highlighted the universal relevance of yoga in fostering harmony between humans and nature.
The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santosh Jha, joined the celebrations along with distinguished guests including Minister of Science and Technology – Dr. Chrishantha Abeysena, Minister of Labour and the Deputy Minister of Economic Development – Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka – Dr. Rizvie Salih, Deputy Minister of Defence – Major General K. P. Aruna Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs – Gamagedara Dissanayake Deputy Minister of Sports – Sugath Thilakaratna, and other senior dignitaries.
The event began with a spiritual invocation through prayers by Most Ven. Dr. Maitipe Wimalasara Nayaka Thera and the Maha Sangha, who offered blessings for peace and well-being. A dynamic and refreshing yoga and meditation session followed, conducted by experts from renowned yoga institutions in India and Sri Lanka. The event brought together hundreds of yoga enthusiasts, dignitaries, and students in a shared spirit of wellness and unity. As part of the celebrations, a specially curated Yoga Pendrive and a Sinhala translation of the Hatha Yoga Pradeepika were launched, aiming to make authentic yoga knowledge more accessible. Complementing the main event in Colombo, the Consulates in Hambantota and Jaffna, along with the Assistant High Commission in Kandy, also organized special events – reflecting the enthusiastic and widespread participation in the 11th International Day of Yoga across Sri Lanka.
In a significant prelude to the main event, the Department of Ayurveda, Ministry of Health, Government of Sri Lanka and Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre jointly organized a landmark, island-wide celebration of the International Day of Yoga on 19 June 2025, with simultaneous yoga sessions held in 113 Ayurveda hospitals and four universities across all nine provinces – marking the first time such a nationwide initiative has been undertaken in Sri Lanka in a unified fashion.
It may be recalled that the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution piloted by India in 2014, proclaiming June 21 each year as the International Day of Yoga. The resolution was supported by more than 170 countries, with Sri Lanka being one of its proud co-sponsors.
News
Mathews bows out of Test cricket
3 dead in Dunhinda bus accident
11th International Day of Yoga celebrated in Colombo (Pics)
