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Sri Lanka signs agreement for Hajj – 2025

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Sri Lanka signed the agreement for the Hajj pilgrimage – 2025 on 11 January 2025, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The agreement was signed by the Sri Lankan delegation headed by the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs of Sri Lanka, Dr. Sunil Senevi, and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Abdulfattah Bin Sulaiman Mashat.

This agreement demonstrates the commitment of both governments to enhancing the pilgrimage experience for Sri Lankan Muslims. Minister Senevi is visiting Saudi Arabia at the invitation of the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

During the bilateral meeting which preceded the signing of the agreement, Minister Senevi emphasized the focus of the Government of Sri Lanka on improving the Hajj experience for its citizens, and shared plans for streamlining Hajj operations in the future, aiming for a smoother and more efficient pilgrimage process.

Minister Senevi is also scheduled to meet with the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Fawzan Alrabiah and engage with Hajj service providers. The delegation will also visit Madinah, holy Prophet’s city, as well as important cultural sites in Jeddah and Madinah. Further, the Minister engaged in interactions with the Sri Lankan community in Jeddah.

The Sri Lankan delegation includes Deputy Minister of National Integration, Muneer  Mulaffar, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Saudi Arabia, Ameer Ajwad, Director of the  Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs, M.R.M. Nawas, Acting Consul  General of Sri Lanka in Jeddah, Mafusa Lafir and Hajj Coordinator, Dr. M.N.M. Ahsraff.

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SL athletes shine at Taiwan Open: Lekamge claims silver, Yodhasinghe takes bronze 

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Sri Lankan athletes delivered strong performances at the 2025 Taiwan Open Athletics Championship, with Nadeesha Lekamge securing a silver medal in the women’s javelin throw and Chamod Yodhasinghe earning bronze in the men’s 100m sprint.  

Lekamge’s Season-Best Throw Secures Silver  

Nadeesha Lekamge recorded a season’s best throw of 56.62 meters, finishing just behind India’s Annu Rani (56.82m), who took gold. 

Lekamge’s performance highlights her consistent form ahead of upcoming international competitions.  

Yodhasinghe’s Speed Earns Bronze in 100m 

Chamod Yodhasinghe clocked 10.38 seconds in the men’s 100m finals, securing third place behind Australia’s Jiseph Ayoade (10.34s) and Japan’s Bruno Dede (10.36s). 

The Sri Lankan sprinter had earlier impressed in the heats with a 10.29-second run, showcasing his potential on the international stage.  

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Philippines grants 5-year residency visas for Sri Lankans married to Filipinos

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In a major relief for Sri Lankans married to Filipino citizens, the Philippine government has officially begun issuing 5-year Temporary Residence Visas (TRVs), replacing the previous 2-year permits.

The move follows years of advocacy by the Sri Lankan community in the Philippines, who faced difficulties due to frequent renewals and prolonged passport retention by authorities. Many struggled with travel restrictions, especially for business and emergencies.

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Chanaka Talpahewa, prioritized the issue upon assuming office, engaging in high-level discussions with top Philippine officials, including the Vice President, Foreign Secretary, and key ministers. His persistent efforts led to the policy change, easing bureaucratic hurdles for binational families.

The extended visa validity reflects deepening Sri Lanka-Philippines relations, offering stability to Sri Lankan expatriates. Previously, the short-term TRVs caused financial and logistical strain, with families facing repeated paperwork and delays.

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Over 3,000 Sri Lankan troops arrested!

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The Ministry of Defence says that approximately 3,000 members of the Sri Lankan armed forces have been taken into custody for failing to report for duty without formally resigning.

The arrests were made during the period from February 22 to the present, as part of a coordinated operation conducted jointly by the tri-forces and the police.

Among those detained, 2,261 are members of the Sri Lanka Army.

The Ministry stated that the operation aims to enforce military regulations and ensure discipline within the armed forces by taking action against those who have gone absent without leave (AWOL).

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