News

SL signs agreement with Huawei

Published

2 years ago

October 17, 2023

editor

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is on an official four-day visit to China, led the delegation to Huawei’s research and development centre in Beijing today where an agreement was signed formalizing Huawei’s support for the digitization of Sri Lankan schools.

Mr. Simon Ling, Deputy Chairman of Huawei in China, announced his company’s readiness to support an annual study program aimed at nurturing software and hardware engineers in Sri Lanka. He mentioned that Huawei has already initiated collaborations with several Sri Lankan universities, not only in academic assistance but also in providing technology and infrastructure.

President Wickremesinghe highlighted his visit’s purpose, which is to discuss Sri Lanka’s future.

He emphasized the crucial role of both the Chinese Government and Huawei in supporting Sri Lanka’s digital education system and green energy production. President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed the need for Sri Lanka to build a competitive digital and green economy to face the challenges of the future. He noted that the foundational work for this transformation is already underway.

The discussions extended to the importance of empowering Sri Lankan citizens with digital technology, which is closely linked to the nation’s economic growth. The Sri Lankan delegation was also briefed on Huawei’s international services and their latest technological advancements.

Additionally, an agreement was signed during this visit, formalizing Huawei’s support for the digitization of Sri Lankan schools.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Ali Sabry, Minister of Transport and Mass Media Dr Bandula Gunawardena, Senior Presidential Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Mr Sagala Ratnayaka were also present on this occasion.

Also, the Sri Lankan delegation led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe held discussions with the heads of a number of leading entrepreneurial organizations including the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

(President’s Media Division)

News

Public demands swift change – Justice Minister

Published

6 seconds ago

May 9, 2025

editor

Minister of Justice and National Integration – Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara has stated that the recent local government (LG) election results clearly delivered a public message : the need to swiftly implement real change instead of mere flaunts.

He stated that the government has understood the message of the public.

According to him, of the 267 LG bodies contested by the NPP, they secured a clear majority in 120, while 32 councils are tied where establishing power still remains possible.

Noting that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) previously held power in 126 local bodies, with 28 tied, the minister points out that the NPP has achieved the largest victory in history.

News

5 dead in Bell 212 crash (Update)

Published

5 minutes ago

May 9, 2025

editor

Five military personnel have been confirmed dead in the crash of a Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Bell 212 helicopter into the Maduru Oya Reservoir earlier this morning (May 09.
According to the SLAF Spokesperson Group Captain Eranda Geeganage, the deceased include three members of the Sri Lanka Army’s Special Forces and two Air Force personnel.

The aircraft was carrying a total of 12 individuals, including six Army Special Forces members, two Air Force Regiment Special Forces personnel, two other Air Force members, and two pilots.

(Video : Accident 1st)

මාදුරුඔය පීරා බෙල් 212 සොයන මෙහෙයුම… #Accident1st #bell212 #Helicopter #crashe #MaduruOya
Posted by Accident 1st on Thursday, May 8, 2025

(Previous news 2025 May 09 – 9.57.a.m.)

SLAF helicopter crashes into Maduru Oya during training session

A Bell 212 helicopter belonging to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has reportedly crashed today (May 09) into the Maduru Oya Reservoir.

The incident occurred during a training exercise held as part of the Sri Lanka Army Special Forces passing-out ceremony in Maduru Oya.

The aircraft was carrying ten Special Forces soldiers and two pilots at the time of the incident.

News

American Cardinal elected as new Pope: Pope Leo XIV

Published

2 hours ago

May 9, 2025

editor

Following a 02-day papal conclave, American Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the new Pope yesterday (May 08) evening, Vatican time.

At 69, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the 267th Pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.

He becomes the first American to ascend to the papacy in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.

Pope Leo XIV now assumes spiritual leadership of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

The election follows the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City, a day after participating in Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.