News

Special state banquet in held in honour of visiting Indian PM (Pics)

Published

1 month ago

April 6, 2025

editor

A special State Banquet was hosted yesterday evening (April 05) at the President’s House in Colombo by President Anura Kumara Disanayake in honour of Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who is currently on a State visit to Sri Lanka at the invitation of the President.

The Indian Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by President Disanayake upon his arrival at the President’s House.

The President, expressing his views at the occasion, stated that this visit of Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka will expand opportunities for greater cooperation and closeness between the people of the two countries across many areas of mutual interest.

‘’We are known for our hospitality and extend a warm welcome to all visitors. In particular, I recall that our friends from across the Palk Strait are received with the utmost warmth and affection’’, the President said.

‘’We hope to see the citizens of your nation visiting this wonderful island continually, where they will meet warm-hearted community. We consistently say to our friends, “We eagerly anticipate your return, ready to welcome you back with open arms’’, the President further said.

We sincerely convey our heartfelt wishes for the good health of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and for continued progress and prosperity of Indian citizens, as well as for the strengthening cooperation and friendship between our two nations, President Disanayake added.

The distinguished gathering at the Banquet included Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Cabinet Ministers including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar, Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, His Excellency Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka along with senior diplomats and other dignitaries.

(President’s Media Division)

News

Mahindananda files anticipatory bail petition over bribery case

Published

16 minutes ago

May 14, 2025

editor

Former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has filed a petition before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (May 14), seeking anticipatory bail against his possible arrest by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The application has been filed over his possible arrest over the importation of a shipment of substandard organic fertilizer during the tenure of the previous government.

Following the submission of the petition, Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali issued a notice to the Bribery Commission, directing it to present its position regarding the matter to the court on May 19.

News

Youth Affairs Ministry denies links to NYSCO courses

Published

18 minutes ago

May 14, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has issued an official statement over the ministry’s name being used by courses and programmes of the National Youth Services Cooperative (NYSCO).

The ministry states that NYSCO has been unauthorizedly using its name and the official state emblem to promote their courses and while using them in the relevant certificates as well.

The ministry says that they have also appointed a separate committee to investigate the issue, on the directives of the COPE committee.

The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs further reiterated that it is not affiliated with any of the courses or programmes offered by NYSCO.

The full statement issued in this regard, is as follows :

තරුණ_කටයුතු_සහ_ක්_රීඩා_අමාත්_යාංශය Download

News

Financial assistance for Kotmale bus accident victims to be disbursed through Divisional Secretariats

Published

29 minutes ago

May 14, 2025

editor

On the instructions of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, the funds allocated from the President’s Fund for those who lost their lives in the recent bus accident in the Garandi Ella area, Kotmale have now been forwarded to the relevant Divisional Secretariats.

Accordingly, a sum of Rs. 1 million will be provided for each individual who lost their life in the accident, and the funds will be handed over to their respective family members.

These funds have been released to the Divisional Secretariats of the following areas -Tissamaharama, Lunugamvehera, Welimada, Haldummulla, Ella, Kundasale, Bamunakotuwa, Paduwasnuwara West, Polpithigama, Wanathawilluwa, Chilaw, Buttala, Thanamalwila, Wellawaya, Kanthale and Rambewa where the 22 individuals who lost their lives in the accident were residents.

(President’s Media Division)