News

President leaves tomorrow to visit Singapore & Japan

Published

4 months ago

May 22, 2023

editor

President Ranil Wickremesinghe is set to depart the island tomorrow morning (23) for an official visit to Singapore and Japan.

While in Singapore, he will meet with Mr. K. Shanmugam, the Law and Home Affairs Minister, along with high-ranking diplomats.

The President’s visit to Japan, scheduled from May 24 to 27, will include discussions with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional and international matters.

Additionally, meetings are planned with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, Finance Minister Shun’ichi Suzuki, and Digital Transformation Minister Taro Kono.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe will also address the Nikkei Forum’s 28th Future of Asia conference in Tokyo on May 25 and 26.

This international conference convenes leaders to discuss political, economic, and regional issues in the Asia-Pacific region.

The President will engage with the Japan-Sri Lanka Business Cooperation Council, the Japan-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Association and the Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce in Japan.

It is worth noting that this is President Wickremesinghe’s second visit to Japan during his current tenure, following his attendance at the funeral of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in September 2022.

The visit aims to strengthen cooperation and foster friendly relations between the two countries.

The President will be accompanied by Professor Maithree Wickramasinghe, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Mr Sagala Ratnayake, Senior Advisor to the President on Economic Affairs Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, the President’s Director of International Affairs Mr Dinuk Colombage, and the President’s Private Secretary Ms Sandra Perera.

(President’s Media Division)

News

Lenses available only for one week

Published

51 mins ago

September 22, 2023

editor

The Health Ministry is trying to go ahead with a questionable deal to purchase lenses, trade unions alleged.

Ravi Kumudesh, President of the Health Professionals Association, said that the Health Minister should pay attention to this matter immediately.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry said that the number of lenses available in the warehouses of the Medical Supplies Division is sufficient for another week only.

Its Additional Secretary Dr. Saman Rathnayake said that the tender to purchase lenses will be allowed following the input of the Cabinet sub-committee appointed to look into the issue.

News

President meets UN Secretary General

Published

59 mins ago

September 22, 2023

editor

The official meeting between UN Secretary General António Guterres and President Ranil Wickremesinghe has taken place at the UN headquarters in New York.

President calls on US President

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden and President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in a cordial meeting on Wednesday (20) in New York.

This high-profile meeting took place amidst a dinner hosted by President Biden, gathering all the Heads of State who had participated in the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The encounter began with a warm welcome from President Biden, who extended his hospitality to President Wickremesinghe.

The leaders engaged in a cordial and insightful conversation, touching upon various topics of global importance.

Following their discussions, they joined their fellow Heads of State for a group photograph, symbolising the spirit of international cooperation.

President Wickremesinghe, Professor Maithri Wickramasinghe and Mr. and Mrs. Biden posed for a photograph.

News

Inflation in SL decreased by 62.1% – Siyambalapitiya

Published

10 hours ago

September 21, 2023

editor

Acting Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya announced that over the past year, inflation in Sri Lanka has significantly decreased by 62.1%, thanks to President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s robust economic reform agenda.

Mr. Siyambalapitiya also highlighted that inflation, which stood at 66.7% during the first and second quarters of 2022, has now plummeted to just 4.6% for the same period in 2023.

He made this announcement during a press conference held today (21) at the Presidential Media Center, focusing on the theme of ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country.