News

President AKD to be chief guest at UN Day of Vesak in Ho Chi Minh

Published

2 months ago

May 2, 2025

editor

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka is to be the chief guest at the United Nations Day of Vesak ceremony being held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam at which he will deliver the keynote address, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs says.

President Disanayake is to undertake a State Visit to the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam from May 04 – 06 at the invitation of the President of Viet Nam Luong Cuong. He will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism – Vijitha Herath and senior government officials.

There, he is to hold official discussions with the President and Prime Minister of Viet Nam and also meet with senior dignitaries including the General Secretary of the Communist Party.

The two sides are also expected to conclude several Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements during the state visit, and engagement with the business community is envisaged.

The visit to the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam is expected to further consolidate the strong ties between the two countries, as they mark 55 years of diplomatic relations this year.

News

Special traffic plan in Borella today

Published

21 minutes ago

July 7, 2025

editor

Police have announced a special traffic plan that will be implemented in Borella today (July 07) due to an event marking the 50th Golden Jubilee celebration of the Priesthood of His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith.

The event is expected to draw a large number of invited guests, including religious dignitaries, government officials, and members of the clergy.

To ease congestion, heavy vehicles will be restricted from entering the stretch between Kynsey Road junction and Nandadasa Kodagoda junction on Ward Place between 3.00 pm – 9.00 pm within the Borella Police Division.

Police have requested motorists to use alternate routes during this time.

News

Veteran civil servant Bradman Weerakoon bids adieu

Published

40 minutes ago

July 7, 2025

editor

Senior civil servant and distinguished public administrator Bradman Weerakoon has passed away at the age of 94.

Mr. Weerakoon was educated at Holy Cross College, Kalutara, and St. Thomas’ College, Gurutalawa, before entering the University of Peradeniya, where he graduated with honours in Economics and Sociology.

He later earned a Master’s Degree (MA) in Sociology from the University of Michigan, USA, on a Fulbright Scholarship.

He joined the Ceylon Civil Service in 1954 and served in various parts of the country before becoming secretary to the then Prime Minister – Sir John Kotelawala.

Over an extraordinary career, he went on to serve as Secretary to all elected Prime Ministers and Presidents until 2002, working under 07 Prime Ministers and 03 Presidents – an unparalleled contribution to Sri Lanka’s public administration.

News

Train schedules on Northern line revised

Published

58 minutes ago

July 7, 2025

editor

The Department of Railways has announced amendments to train schedules on the Northern Line in response to public requests.

Due to high demand, the Intercity Express train, which previously operated only on weekends, will now run daily between Mt. Lavinia and Kankesanthurai starting today (July 07).

In addition, the departure time of the “Yaal Devi” train plying daily from Colombo Fort to Kankesanthurai has been revised from 5.45 am to 6.40 am.

The Department has advised passengers who made advance seat reservations for the “Yaal Devi” train a month ago, to note the new departure time.