Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong expressed Vietnam’s willingness to serve as a bridge for enhancing relations between Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka.
He emphasized that Vietnam is committed to taking the initiative in strengthening economic, social and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in bilateral talks with President Vo Van Thuong during the “Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI) international forum in Beijing today (18).
During the meeting, President Vo Van Thuong underlined this commitment in strengthening ties between the two countries. The discussions between the leaders covered various critical issues impacting both nations.
To bolster the relationship between Sri Lanka and Vietnam, it was agreed to formulate a comprehensive action plan, with the foreign ministers of both countries taking the lead.
Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, the Governor of the Central Bank, provided insights into Sri Lanka’s current economic situation and future prospects. The Vietnamese President also shared Vietnam’s experiences in rebuilding its own economy and the challenges encountered during the process.
The leaders engaged in extensive discussions on establishing economic and trade links between the two nations, as well as Sri Lanka’s agricultural modernization program. This dialogue was underscored as a fresh approach to charting a path forward together.
The event was attended by Foreign Minister Mr Ali Sabry, the President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and President’s Chief of Staff Mr Sagala Ratnayaka and the Sri Lankan delegation.
The Public Security Ministry has denied media reports claiming that the Public Security minister – Ananda Wijepala had met Nissanka Senadhipathi.
The Minister’s media secretary had clarified this in a letter to Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya. Adding that the neither the Minister or a representative had ever met Senadhipathi as claimed, the letter calls for proper investigations into the fake news and legal action against those responsible.
A special transport allowance and a combined allowance will be provided to police personnel assigned to ensure the safety of devotees attending the exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Siri Dalada Vandanawa) in Kandy, the police said.
The measure has been taken over the instructions of the Acting IGP, in consideration of the fact that these police personnel will be on continuous day and night duty for over 10 days, away from their regular stations and incurring additional personal expenses.
The Bill to repeal the Online Safety Act, No. 9 of 2024, and other regulations concerning the Act, has been gazetted.
The Online Safety Bill was passed by a majority vote in Parliament on Jan. 24, 2024.
The Bill that has been gazetted was submitted by opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake.
On Feb. 28, 2025, MP Karunanayake submitted a private member’s Bill to the Parliament Secretary-General, aiming to repeal the controversial Online Safety Act.