News

Programme to plant 3mn. jackfruit trees launched (Pics)

Published

2 years ago

April 2, 2023

editor

The first phase of the program to plant three million jackfruit trees across the country, under the theme ‘Guwan Hamuda Herali Perali’, was launched today (01) at the Anuradhapura Air Force Base under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

This program has been implemented in conjunction with the government’s food security program with the aim of creating a local and foreign jackfruit market and to promote jackfruit among the Sri Lankan people.

Under this program, seventy five thousand jackfruit trees are expected to be planted within this year.

The book ‘Guwan Hamuda Herali Perali’ written about the jackfruit plantation was also presented to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

In addition to jackfruit cultivation, this book also contains information on related products.

Minister of State for Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary of the Ministry of Defence General Kamal Gunaratne (Rtd) and several others attended the event.

News

Sri Lanka grants clearance for FAO ship

Published

2 hours ago

June 23, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka has officially granted clearance for a research vessel operated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to conduct scientific research in Sri Lankan territorial waters, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism said.

The vessel is scheduled to carry out its mission from August 15 – August 20, 2025.

Dr. Fridtjof Nansen is a research vessel that conducts surveys, collecting vital data on fish stocks, biodiversity, and oceanographic conditions. It sought to carry out research activities in Sri Lankan waters, but the government had earlier denied access for it in the absence of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for foreign research vessels.

This posed the possibility of a cancellation, which could have deprived Sri Lanka of over USD 01 million worth of support while affecting future Green Climate Fund initiatives. It was also reported that the next possible deployment would not occur until after 2030.

A year-long moratorium on foreign research vessels expired in December 2024 followed by a cabinet decision in late January to appoint a special committee to amend the SOP for granting diplomatic clearance to foreign research vessels in Sri Lanka.

Related Articles :

JVP-NPP should learn difference between “marine research” & “surveillance”

Vijitha heads committee formed to revise SOP on foreign vessels

Sri Lanka to draft national policy on foreign research vessel visits

News

Anuradhapura Prison chief granted bail

Published

2 hours ago

June 23, 2025

editor

The Superintendent of the Anuradhapura Prison – Mohan Karunaratne who was in remand custody, has been granted bail.

The Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court granted bail under two sureties of Rs. 500,000 each and imposed an overseas travel ban on him.

Karunaratne was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on June 08 over the alleged unauthorized release of an inmate convicted of multiple counts of fraud and corruption under a presidential amnesty.The case is to be taken up again on Aug. 04.

News

SL calls to de-escalate situation in Middle East

Published

3 hours ago

June 23, 2025

editor

The Government of Sri Lanka has expressed grave concern about the latest developments in the Middle East.

A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism states, “We continue to call upon all parties to take concrete steps to de-escalate the situation.”

“All concerned parties should return to dialogue and engage in intense diplomatic efforts to establish and maintain peace with a view to ensuring stability in the Middle East region,” the statement adds.