News

U.S. Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy to visit Sri Lanka

Published

1 year ago

February 17, 2024

editor

The U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy, Elizabeth M. Allen is scheduled to travel to Sri Lanka, India and Jordan this month.

In a statement, the US State Department said these visits underscore the country’s unwavering commitment to reinforcing and expanding partnerships and alliances.

“The trip highlights the core of U.S. foreign policy and public diplomacy initiatives: fostering freedom of expression, economic empowerment, and global collaboration.”

The State Department’s press release mentions that Allen’s visit stretches from 12- 22 February, however, it does not specify a date for her arrival on the island nation.

Upon completing her Jordan visit, the U.S. Under Secretary will travel to Sri Lanka where she plans to foster dialogue on freedom of expression and democratic values with diverse groups of stakeholders, including journalists, civil society members, government officials, and the Embassy’s Youth Forum.

Her engagements with the Sri Lanka Press Institute, U.S. public diplomacy program alumni, and local content creators will emphasize the critical role of preserving diverse voices for a stable and inclusive Sri Lanka, the statement read further.

Additionally, she will meet with representatives from Sri Lanka’s multifaith community to underscore the importance of societal inclusivity.

Following her Sri Lanka tour, Allen will embark on a visit to India.

(adaderana.lk)

News

EC halts New Year relief pack

Published

17 minutes ago

April 4, 2025

editor

The Election Commission (EC) has announced that the government’s decision to provide a subsidized food package for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year has been temporarily suspended.

Accordingly, the Secretary to the President and the Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development have been formally instructed to distribute the seasonal food package only after the Local Government elections are held.

As per this year’s budget proposal, this food package was to be provided to eligible beneficiaries selected from 812,753 new applicants who had submitted requests under the ‘Aswesuma’ program.

The package was designed to offer essential food items worth Rs.5,000 at a subsidized price of Rs.2,500.

The Cabinet recently approved the initiative, and distribution was originally scheduled to take place from April 01 to 13 via Lanka Sathosa and Coop outlets.

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MI-17 choppers & Air Force personnel sent ahead of Indian PM’s arrival

Published

23 minutes ago

April 4, 2025

editor

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka today evening (April 04) for a two-day official visit.

A formal welcome ceremony will be held at the Independence Square tomorrow (April 05), followed by a bilateral discussion between the Sri Lankan President and the visiting Indian Prime Minister.

According to reports, India has flown in 04 MI-17 helicopters as part of PM’s convoy in Sri Lanka along with 40 Indian Air Force personnel.

On a X post yesterday, PM Modi has said :

“My visit to Sri Lanka will take place from the 4th till the 6th. This visit comes after the successful visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India. We will review the multifaceted India-Sri Lanka friendship and discuss newer avenues of cooperation. I look forward to the various meetings there.”

My visit to Sri Lanka will take place from the 4th till the 6th. This visit comes after the successful visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India. We will review the multifaceted India-Sri Lanka friendship and discuss newer avenues of cooperation. I look forward to the…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 3, 2025

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News

One killed in Hikkaduwa shooting

Published

53 minutes ago

April 4, 2025

editor

One person has died in a shooting incident targeting a couple at a shop in the Kumarakanda area of Hikkaduwa yesterday (April 03) night.

Police said the deceased is the owner of the shop.

A gunman who had arrived on a motorcycle and carried out the shooting at around 7pm, police say.

The couple was rushed to the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital with grievous injuries.

The condition of the injured woman is also reported to be serious.

Hikkaduwa Police is conducting further investigations.