News

President of Sri Lanka begins state visit to Vietnam

Published

2 months ago

May 4, 2025

editor

President of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Dissanayaka arrived in Hanoi on May 4 morning, beginning a state visit to Vietnam and participation in the 20th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations (Vesak 2025) from May 4 to 6 at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart Luong Cuong.

Officials welcoming the Sri Lankan President and delegation at Noi Bai International Airport included Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong, Deputy Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Nong Thi Ha, Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam, and Sri Lankan Ambassador to Vietnam Perera Wewala Appuhamillage Udam Poshitha.

Establishing diplomatic ties on July 21, 1970, the two countries boast traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation. Political parties in Sri Lanka attach importance to relations with Vietnam and regards the latter as a model of economic development. Sri Lanka has recognised Vietnam’s full market economy status.

Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the threshold of the visit, Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam stated that the trip is the first to Vietnam by a Sri Lankan head of state in 16 years, since 2009. It is also the first visit to the Southeast Asian nation by President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka since he took office in September 2024.

From Vietnam’s perspective, the visit reaffirms the respect for Sri Lanka as a traditional friend and important partner in South Asia, Tam explained, stressing as the two countries are celebrating the 55th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, this is a good chance for them to reflect on the partnership and establish new directions for the relations in the new situation.

The trip will feature various activities, covering the pillars of politics, economy and culture, with the highlight being high-level talks and meetings as well as the signing of important cooperation documents.

The ambassador expressed her belief that the visit will mark the start of a new phase of bilateral cooperation that is more intensive and extensive, benefiting both countries and contributing to peace, cooperation, development, and prosperity in the region and the world.

Source: VNA

News

Japan grants US$ 2.5 mn. to SL to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms

Published

2 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

The Government of Japan has granted USD 2.5 million to Sri Lanka to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms under a 3-year project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-corruption Mechanism.

Japanese ambassador in Sri Lanka – Mr. Akio Isomata and UNDP resident representative in Sri Lanka – Ms. Azusa Kubota, in the presence of Justice Minister – Harshana Nanayakkara, launched ‘The Project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-Corruption Mechanism’

The three year initiative is supported by the Government of Japan and implemented by the UNDP Sri Lanka, working in close collaboration with the (CIABOC) and the Ministry of Justice.

The project aims to promote transparency, accountability and integrity in governance and business practices through effective and institutionalised preventive mechanisms in the public and investment promotion sectors, strengthen institutions to enhance corruption related investigative processes, improve coordination with stakeholders and ensure quality of prosecutions, empower citizens to effectively mobilise against corruption and enhance social accountability.

The project also seeks to engage and empower youth, children and journalists to actively contribute to the fight against corruption and promote a culture of integrity.

News

3 ex-DMT officials including ex-commissioner, remanded

Published

2 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasingha and two other former officials of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) have been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The arrests were made as part of an investigation into vehicles that were illegally registered with the Department of Motor Traffic without receiving proper clearance from Sri Lanka Customs, CIABOC said in a statement.

According to CIABOC, former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasinghe has been arrested for granting approval to issue a number plate for a jeep.

Additionally, a former Assistant Director of Information Technology at the department and a clerk have also been taken into custody for facilitating the illegal data entry and executing it.

The suspects were produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court and were ordered to be remanded until July 08.

News

Ex-Immigration Controller pleads guilty

Published

5 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Controller of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Illukpitiya, today (July 01) unconditionally pleaded guilty before the Supreme Court in a case related to contempt of court.

The charge stemmed from his failure to comply with a court order related to the e-visa issuance process.

The Supreme Court announced that sentencing will take place on July 24.