News

President expresses regret over suspension of LRT project

Published

11 months ago

May 26, 2023

editor

President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his regret to the Japanese Government for the suspension of the Colombo Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, which was being implemented with Japanese support.
During the official meeting in Tokyo yesterday morning (25) between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the President emphasized the need for future legislation in the Parliament to ensure that bilateral large-scale projects cannot be halted or canceled without the agreement of both parties.

The Prime Minister of Japan warmly received President Ranil Wickremesinghe, and bilateral talks commenced after a friendly conversation between the two leaders.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his gratitude to Japan for its support in helping Sri Lanka recover from its economic crisis, thanking the Japanese Prime Minister for his assistance.
The leaders also discussed new opportunities to enhance cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka.

In another meeting held on the same day (25) in Tokyo, President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki to discuss Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring and the International Monetary Fund’s program. Subsequently, President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with Japanese Foreign Minister Mr. Yoshimasa Hayashi, focusing on strengthening long-term bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Japan, including increased cooperation in economic and cultural fields.

Additionally, President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Prime Minister of Japan Mr. Yasuo Fukuda participated in a breakfast meeting organized by the Japan-Sri Lanka Association in Tokyo on the same day (25).

During the meeting, President Ranil Wickremesinghe briefed the former Prime Minister of Japan on the ongoing economic recovery program in Sri Lanka. The President highlighted the favorable investment climate in Sri Lanka and extended an invitation to Japanese investors to return and invest in the country.

Furthermore, a meeting was held between the former Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Taro Aso, and President Ranil Wickremesinghe, focusing on potential steps to strengthen the existing close and friendly relationship with Sri Lanka.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe also engaged in bilateral talks with Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in Tokyo on the same day (25). The President reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to implementing the Singapore Free Trade Agreement during discussions with the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore.

(President’s Media Division)

News

Do not be afraid to use weapons, Minister Alles tells police

Published

13 hours ago

April 25, 2024

editor

Public Security Minister Tiran Alles told the police today that eliminating criminals from the country is not a sin and not to be afraid to use weapons.

He made these remarks while participating in the passing out parade at Katukurunda STF Training camp.

“Eliminating criminals from the country is not a sin. Don’t be afraid to use the weapon in your hand for the right thing and we stand by you,” the minister said.

“The police officers who had undergone the training know what to do. They know everything that is needed. If this team is not enough, another police motorcycle team will be established. We have a goal. All the police officers know what that goal is. I just want to go for that goal. I have done everything, including salary increases for all of you. I only expect you to go for the goal,” the minister further said.

The passing out parade of a team of 100 police personnel who underwent special training at the Katukurunda STF camp to go after criminals operating in the Western and Southern Provinces was held with the participation of the Minister, IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, STF Commandant Senior DIG Waruna Jayasundara and the Western Province Senior DIG.

These trained 50 motorcycle teams commenced anti-underworld duties yesterday.

The team was given two weeks special training to respond to incidents involving gunmen committing crimes on motorcycles and take necessary action against them.

(dailymirror.lk)

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

News

Public urged to use only Immigration Dept’s webpage for e-visa

Published

14 hours ago

April 25, 2024

editor

The Department of Immigration and Emigration has urged the public to apply for e-visas exclusively through the official Home Page of www.immigration.gov.lk.

In a bid to streamline visa processing and combat fraudulent activities, the Department rolled out a new visa methodology effective from April 17, 2024. This marked the termination of visa applications through the ETA website.

However, concerns have arisen regarding unauthorized websites impersonating the official platform www.srilankaevisa.lk, leading unsuspecting applicants to fall victim to scams, the Department notes.

News

Duminda appointed as SLFP’s Acting Gen. Secretary

Published

14 hours ago

April 25, 2024

editor

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party’s (SLFP) faction led by Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva has appointed MP Duminda Dissanayake as the party’s Acting General Secretary.

He was appointed during the politburo meeting convened by the faction backing Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva this evening (April 25).

On Wednesday (24), the Colombo District Court issued an injunction preventing MP Sarathie Dushmantha Mithrapala from functioning as the General Secretary of SLFP and implementation of the decisions taken by him as the SLFP Acting General Secretary.