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

Legendary actress Malani Fonseka passes away

Published

16 hours ago

May 24, 2025

editor

Veteran Actress Malini Fonseka, widely revered as the “Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema,” passed away this morning (May 24) at the age of 78 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.

Born on April 30, 1947, in Kelaniya as Wanni Arachchige Malani Senehelatha Fonseka, she later rose to fame in Sri Lankan cinema under the name Malani Fonseka.

Fonseka began her acting career on stage in 1963 and made her cinematic debut in 1968 with the film Punchi Baba.

She won the Most Popular Actress award in 1973 and has received numerous accolades, including the President’s Award, Sarasavi Award, OCIC Award, and Sumathi Award, with several honors for Best Actress.

Plays such as Nidhanaya, Bambaru Awitha, Wekande Walawwa, Aradhana, and Ammawarune are regarded as outstanding works that showcased the acting talents of Malani Fonseka.

Beyond her artistic achievements, she entered politics in 2010 and served as a National List Member of Parliament until 2015.

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

2 days ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 12-hour water cut from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday (May 25) in several areas, including Colombo, due to essential maintenance work at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant.

Due to this, the public is urged to make prior arrangements and store an adequate supply of water to avoid inconvenience during the period of the suspension.

Accordingly, the water cut will affect the following areas:

Colombo 01 to Colombo 15
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Kaduwela
Battaramulla
Kolonnawa
Kotikawatta
Mulleriyawa
IDH (Infectious Diseases Hospital) area
Maharagama
Dehiwala
Mount Lavinia
Ratmalana and Moratuwa

News

Investigations underway to arrest 20 criminals hiding overseas

Published

2 days ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Public Security states that investigations are underway to arrest 20 members of major organized crime gangs currently hiding overseas.

Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that Interpol has already issued red notices for their arrest and that the countries where these criminals are hiding have been identified.

He added that investigations into the group have been expanded in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since the new government came to power, 11 members of organized crime gangs hiding abroad have been brought back to the island and produced before courts.

Meanwhile, operations to arrest members of organized crime gangs involved in various criminal activities, including murder and drug trafficking, within the country are also ongoing.

The Minister added that the Police Special Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are jointly conducting investigations into the allegations against them.