News

Sri Lanka’s prime minister advocates enhanced economic collaboration with China

Published

1 year ago

March 30, 2024

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Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has called for closer economic cooperation with China. He made the comments during an official visit to Shanghai on Friday. China’s national Quality Certification Center and Sri Lanka’s Bureau of Standards signed an MOU to better align trade standards. China is Sri Lanka’s second-largest trading partner and the country’s second-largest source of imports.

Dinesh Gunawardena, Sri Lankan Prime Minister said: “We have to abide by the quality requirements that are needed. Therefore, China’s advanced quality requirements for Sri Lankan exports into China will also need more cooperation and working together for which so many discussions have been held. We hope this area will be able to pursue faster so that Sri Lankan products could come into China on the approved agreements and approved standards.”

Meanwhile, Xie Zhaoxun, Managing Director of China Quality Certification Center said: “Conformity assessment is a globally acknowledged quality management tool and trade facilitator. We firmly anticipate this partnership to further facilitate China-Sri Lanka technical exchange on conformity assessment and economic and trade exchanges.”

Source: CGTV

News

Heat Index expected at ‘Caution’ level

Published

3 hours ago

April 16, 2025

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Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is expected to increase up to ‘Caution level’ tomorrow (April 16) at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts, the Meteorology Department warned.

Effect of the heat index on the human body is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

Accordingly, people at jobsites are urged to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible.

Also, constant checks should be made up on the elderly and the sick.

Adults are advised to not leave children unattended and limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.

The public is also urged to wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

HEAT20250416 Download

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Heavy traffic on Ella-Wellawaya road

Published

4 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

Heavy traffic congestion has been reported along the Ella-Wellawaya road due to continuous rainfall.

According to the police, vehicle queues had stretched up to five kilometres.
Motorists are advised to use alternate routes to avoid the traffic congestion.

News

Govt. needs a plan to face US taxes – RW

Published

8 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

Former President – Ranil Wickremesinghe has emphasized that the Sri Lankan government needs to unveil a plan to face the situation created by the US reciprocal taxes.

Making a special statement, Mr. Wickremesinghe points out that although the taxes have been paused at the moment, it will not be scrapped altogether as it is a part of Trump’s manifesto.

As a direct consequence of these taxes, around 100,000 jobs are at risk, he warned, adding that the consequences would ripple across the broader economy.

“Even if the taxes imposed on Sri Lanka are slashed, we will be compelled to pay taxes of 25% – 30%, resulting in exports still declining” he said.

Noting that Sri Lanka will have to generate funds to start setting its debts by 2028 as per the debt restructuring programme, Mr. Wickremesinghe emphasizes that the Government will have to treat this as an emergency situation and come out with a plan to face the situation.

He emphasizes that firstly, discussions must be held with the US and secondly, it must be planned how to solve this issue domestically.