Connect with us

News

President AKD returns to SL after addressing World Governments Summit

Published

on

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has returned to the island this morning after concluding his three-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and attending the World Governments Summit 2025.

Addressing the 2025 World Governments Summit yesterday. (Feb. 12), he said that global climate issues are knocking on everyone’s doors, regardless of wealth or status, and emphasized the need for global citizens to unite in addressing transnational challenges.

He made these remarks today (12) while addressing the 2025 World Governments Summit held in the United Arab Emirates.

During his speech, President Disanayake outlined Sri Lanka’s vision for economic growth, innovation and governance reforms. He reiterated the country’s commitment to sustainable development and international cooperation.

Highlighting the summit’s role in shaping future strategies for key global concerns, the President stressed the need for a collective global response and a unified front in tackling global challenges.

He also underscored the importance of social justice and the rule of law in building a structured state and a more responsible world. He emphasized the necessity of implementing agreements and legal frameworks effectively, providing systematic support for low-income and vulnerable communities, and ensuring accountability among officials. In this regard, he highlighted the critical role of a free press and social activists.

President Disanayake pointed out that the global financial landscape is becoming increasingly precarious due to stringent financial conditions, looming large debt repayments, and a fragile international financial system that is ill-prepared for a widespread sovereign debt crisis. He stressed the importance of financial reforms that could create a fairer economic environment for the modern world.

The President emphasized the need for an updated universal declaration of Human Rights 1948 Charter incorporating digital access rights and environmental rights.

Speaking on human-centered future development, President Disanayake highlighted the critical need for robust cyber security measures worldwide. He also pointed out the challenges posed by automation and robotics, particularly the risk of job displacement. To address this, he called for structured initiatives focused on education, skills development, and the identification of new employment opportunities. He urged global leaders to work collectively in this regard.

President Anura Disanayake stated that just as the challenges we all face the “lub-dub” rhythm of our hearts calls upon us to unite and rebuild the world together.Quoting Martin Luther King Jr.’s statement, “We must learn to live together as brothers,” President Disanayake emphasized the collective responsibility of building a better world. He noted that in 2024, the people of Sri Lanka united to build a “beautiful life and a thriving nation.”
In his remarks at this historic summit, President Disanayake made a heartfelt appeal to world leaders and delegates, stating, “Let us come together and rebuild the world.”

News

Harshana Suriyapperuma resigns from Parliament

Published

on

By

Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, who served as the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, has resigned from Parliament. 

He is reportedly tipped to be appointed as the new Secretary to the Ministry of Finance after the retirement of Mahinda Siriwardana at the end of the month.

Meanwhile, the Secretary General of Parliament – Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera has informed the Chairman of the Election Commission in writing that a vacancy has arisen in Parliament due to the resignation of Dr. Suriyapperuma.

Dr. Suriyapperuma, a National List Member of Parliament representing the National People’s Power (NPP) and the Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Stabilization, submitted his letter of resignation to the Secretary General of Parliament.According to the letter submitted by Dr. Suriyapperuma, the resignation is effective from June 20, 2025.

Accordingly, the Secretary General has informed the Chairman of the Election Commission that, in terms of Section 64(5) of the Parliamentary Elections Act No. 1 of 1981, the seat held by Dr. Harsha Suriyapperuma in the Tenth Parliament is now vacant.

Continue Reading

News

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit SL

Published

on

By

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk will undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka from June 23 – 26, 2025. 

This marks the first visit by a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to Sri Lanka since February 2016.
During the visit, the High Commissioner is scheduled to call on the President and the Prime Minister. He will also hold meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, several other Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, senior Government officials, religious leaders, representatives of civil society, members of the diplomatic community, and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka.

As part of the programme, the High Commissioner will travel to Kandy where he will pay respects to The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and call on the Chief Prelates of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters. He will also travel to Jaffna and Trincomalee where he will meet with the Governors of the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

Substantive discussions during the visit will focus on further advancing the promotion and protection of human rights and reconciliation, in line with the Government of Sri Lanka’s ongoing constructive engagement with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Continue Reading

News

3 DMT officials remanded until July 07

Published

on

By

Three officials from the Narahenpita branch of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT), including the Deputy Commissioner, have been remanded until July 07 following allegations of accepting bribes totaling nearly Rs. 04 million.

The suspects were presented before Colombo Chief Magistrate Tanuja Lakmali Jayatunga earlier today (June 20) and court ordered their continued detention as investigations are continuing.Authorities allege that the officials solicited bribes from members of the public seeking vehicle licenses and registration services with these bribes reportedly discovered in their possession during the arrest.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Sri Lanka Mirror. All Rights Reserved