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President AKD returns to SL after addressing World Governments Summit

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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.”

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Health professionals’ strikes conducted regardless of salary hike, unacceptable – President

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President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that the trade union actions by healthcare professionals cannot be justified, considering that the largest salary increase in history granted by a government without any demands or pressure from professional associations has already been implemented.

The President made these remarks during a meeting held today (19) at the Presidential Secretariat with the Public Services United Nurses Union (PSUNU).

President Anura Kumara Disanayake highlighted that despite operating within a constrained economic framework, the government has prioritized increasing the basic salaries of public sector employees in this year’s budget. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of the public service, attract skilled professionals, and ensure the sustainability of the sector.

The President stated that salaries have been increased under six key categories in the budget. These include a minimum increase of Rs. 15,000 in the basic salary, an increment in overtime and holiday allowances, an 80% increase in salary increments, an upward revision of pension benefits in line with the revised total salary, and an increase in the taxable income threshold.

Officials from the PSUNU expressed their appreciation for the salary increments, highlighting that they have been well received by a significant portion of the public sector workforce. They also brought to the President’s attention the existing challenges within the nursing profession and requested prompt solutions to address these issues.

The meeting was attended by the Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Chief Sanganayaka of Western Province, the Chairman of PSUNU Most Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake along with several officials from the PSUNU.

(President’s Media Division)

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German national to contest in Sri Lanka’s LG polls

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Maria Benanza, a German national who recently acquired Sri Lankan citizenship, has deposited her nomination to contest as an independent candidate in the 2025 Local Government elections.

She will be running for a seat in the Galewela Pradeshiya Sabha and has expressed her intention to contest as a means of contributing to positive change in Sri Lanka.

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Beer truck overturns on Colombo-Ratnapura road

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A traffic congestion is reported after a container truck transporting beer bottles, had overturned on the Colombo-Ratnapura road.

The incident had taken place in the Meennana area in Eheliyagoda, reports say.

The container truck had reportedly toppled while taking a bend. A large number of beer bottles have shattered on the road, reports add.

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