News

“SL’s infrastructure, HR & other facilities are in place to attract foreign investments”

Published

2 years ago

November 17, 2022

editor

Sri Lanka’s infrastructure facilities, human resources and other required facilities are in place and now what is needed to attract foreign investments is to enact necessary legal reforms President of the Chinese Peoples’ Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, (CPAFFC) – Mr. Lin Songtian said.

Mr. Songtian, who called on Speaker – Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene together with the Chinese Ambassador in Sri Lanka – Mr. Qi Zhenhong in Parliament recently (15) said Hambantota and other economic Zones as well as the Colombo Port City could attract global investors, if necessary, reforms are enacted and investor-friendly atmosphere is quickly established. He also said that China will provide the highest possible support to Sri Lanka for investments.

Appreciating China’s support as a long-term friend of this country, the speaker said that he expects to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries in the future as well. Secretary General of Parliament Mr. Dhammika Dassanayake was also present on the occasion.

Subsequently, Mr. Lin also participated in a special meeting of the Sri Lanka – China Parliamentary Friendship Association.

While addressing the Parliamentary Friendship Association, he said that the country has all the ingredients such as a strategic location in the centre of the Indian Ocean, highways, ports and also skilled youth resources needed for leap forward in industrial and agricultural development.

Chairman of the Association – Namal Rajapaksa said that the two countries are looking forward to further enhancing bilateral relations through parliamentary friendship associations.

Mr. Lin also engaged in a cordial discussion with the members of parliament and later, the delegation engaged in a tour of parliament and witnessed the parliamentary debate from the Speaker’s VIP gallery.

News

Heavy rainfall over 100mm expected today

Published

1 hour ago

April 30, 2025

editor

The Department of Meteorology says that the showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island during the afternoon or night today (April 30).

Showers may occur in Southern and Western provinces and Puttalam district in the morning too.

Heavy showers of about 100 mm are likely at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, Eastern and North-central provinces.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Centraland Uva provinces during the morning.

The Intertropical Convergence Zone, where winds from the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere converge, is affecting the island’s weather.

News

Travel ban for ex- NLB Director

Published

2 hours ago

April 30, 2025

editor

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court issued a travel ban on Thusitha Halloluwa, who had previously served as a Director of the National Lotteries Board (NLB).

Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura issued the ban following a request from the Colombo Fort Police made over an ongoing investigation into allegations of misappropriation involving NLB assets.

Halloluwa, who served from 2017 – 2019, is accused of the fraudulent use of an iPhone, iPad, charger, and an Apple MacBook computer valued at 478,307.03 rupees.

The investigation was initiated based on a complaint filed by the Assistant General Manager of the National Lotteries Board on October 21, 2024.

Colombo Fort Police presented these details to the court, leading to the issuance of the travel ban.

News

New endemic snake species discovered

Published

2 hours ago

April 30, 2025

editor

A new species of snake, endemic to Sri Lanka, has been discovered in the biologically rich Maragala mountain range near Monaragala.

The species belongs to the genus Dendrelaphis, which is part of the colubridae family. With this discovery, the number of Dendrelaphis species found in Sri Lanka rises to eight—six of which are endemic.
The newly identified snake, named Dendrelaphis thasuni (locally referred to as Thasunge Haldanda), honors Dr. Thasun Amarasinghe, a leading expert in reptile and amphibian research, for his two decades of contribution to the field.

These snakes are diurnal by classification but have adapted to a completely nocturnal lifestyle. Their coloration closely matches the foliage of their habitat, and they are known for their remarkable speed and agility.

The discovery was made by a team of Sri Lankan and international researchers, including Anusha Attanagoda, Dr. Anselm de Silva, Dr. Gernot Vogel (Germany), Sitar Udayanga, Champika Bandara, Majintha Madawala, Dr. L. Lee Grismer (USA), and Suranjan Karunaratne.

The Maragala mountain range is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, home to an impressive range of endemic flora and fauna. Of the 67 reptile species identified in the area, 30 are endemic, as are five of the 18 recorded amphibian species. Eighteen species of reptiles and amphibians in the region are currently listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List.

Researchers believe the region harbors many more undiscovered species, underscoring its ecological importance and the need for continued conservation efforts.

(Excerpts : dailynews.lk)