News

President invited to attend World Climate Action Summit

Published

2 years ago

May 23, 2023

editor

President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has extended a gracious invitation to President Ranil Wickremesinghe to participate in the World Climate Action Summit, a key event that will inaugurate the Emirates Climate Conference.

The invitation was sent as a letter to President Wickremesinghe, expressing warm greetings and well wishes for the progress and prosperity of Sri Lanka and its people.

The invitation letter sent by the President of the United Arab Emirates were officially handed over to President Wickremesinghe yesterday (22) by the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Sri Lanka Mr. Khaled Nasser AlAmeri.

The World Climate Action Summit leaders’ event is scheduled to take place on December 1 and 2, and will coincide with the UAE’s 52nd National Day celebrations. The summit will mark the launch of the 28th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28 UAE) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at Expo City Dubai from November 30 to December 12, which will be presided over by the United Arab Emirates.

COP28 UAE holds immense significance as it will witness the conclusion of the first Global Stocktake of the Paris Agreement. This milestone assessment will evaluate global progress in addressing climate change and identify areas for further action on a global scale.

The Emirates Climate Conference serves as a prominent international platform for climate dialogues and plays a vital role in steering climate negotiations among UNFCCC member parties. The conference aims to foster equal opportunities for all stakeholders to engage in transformative partnerships and contribute to ground-breaking, equitable solutions. It will emphasize the importance of countries uniting to address the impacts of climate change while promoting sustainable economic and social development worldwide.

President Al Nahyan expressed his deep honour and pleasure in extending this invitation to President Wickremesinghe, emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to tackling climate change and welcoming President Wickremesinghe to the United Arab Emirates.

This invitation not only underscores the UAE’s dedication to climate action but also highlights the significance of international cooperation and participation in addressing the pressing challenges of climate change.

President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nayan, who expressed his gratitude at receiving this invitation for President Ranil Wickremesinghe, commended the government’s commitment on the program for the advancement and prosperity of the people of Sri Lanka.

(President’s Media Division)

News

NPP wins Tangalle Urban Council in first LG election results

Published

12 hours ago

May 6, 2025

editor

The Election Commission has released the first official results from the 2025 Local Government polls, with the National People’s Power (NPP) claiming victory in the Tangalle Urban Council, Hambantota District.

Tangalle Urban Council Results
National People’s Power (NPP): 2,260 votes (9 seats)
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB): 1,397 votes (5 seats)
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP): 795 votes (3 seats)
United National Party (UNP): 265 votes (1 seat)
Sarvajana Balaya (SB): 177 votes (1 seat)

The JVP-led NPP’s strong showing in this southern urban council marks a significant shift in the region traditionally dominated by the SLPP.

Political analysts note this could signal changing voter sentiments amid economic pressures.

Voting concluded at 4:00 p.m. today after a largely peaceful process.

Counting continues for 338 other local bodies, with results expected through the night.

News

LG polls : voting concludes peacefully

Published

15 hours ago

May 6, 2025

editor

Voting of the 2025 Local Government elections concluded at 4.00 pm today (May 06).

The Election Commission has stated that the voting process was peaceful overall, with no incidents of violence reported during the polling period.

Voting ended with varying turnout in various districts as most districts have reported turnout of about 50% or less as at 3.00 pm.

Meanwhile, police say that special security arrangements are continued even after voting is concluded.

Police Media Spokesperson, SSP Buddhika Manatunga, has urged the public to remain calm and peaceful during the post-election period as well.

A total of 75,589 candidates are contesting from various political parties and independent groups at this year’s Local Government election.

News

World Bank group President to visit SL tomorrow

Published

15 hours ago

May 6, 2025

editor

World Bank group President – Ajay Banga will visit Sri Lanka tomorrow (May 07).

It is the first visit by the head of the multilateral lender in 20 years, following an invitation extended by President Anura Kumara Disanayake last year.

“The visit comes at a critical moment, as Sri Lanka continues its path toward economic recovery and seeks to build a more resilient, inclusive, and private sector-led future,” the World Bank says.

Banga will meet President Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and senior government and private sector leaders.

“These discussions will center on how Sri Lanka can overcome current challenges and seize new opportunities as it continues to recover economically and socially,” the World Bank added.

The World Bank Group currently maintains a portfolio of projects in Sri Lanka valued at $2.2 billion, encompassing both public and private sector investments. While recent reports have acknowledged Sri Lanka’s progress, the Bank continues to emphasize the need for poverty reduction and reform continuity to ensure sustained recovery.