News

Yunnan Province Governor eager to develop cooperation with SL

Published

3 weeks ago

May 17, 2023

editor

Visiting Governor of Yunnan Province in China, Mr. Wang Yubo called on the Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena today (17).

During a luncheon meeting at Temple Trees, they discussed potential collaboration in trade, tourism, agriculture, technology and investments. Governor Wang had said that Yunnan Province, which had a population of 50 million and a GDP of USD 417 billion in 2022, is in a position to help friendly nations like Sri Lanka.

According to a media release issued by the PM’s office, the Yunnan Governor and PM Gunawardena had identified that Agriculture and tourism can be promoted as the pilot projects in Sri Lanka. They also felt that local communities can be directly benefited by the innovative digital economic mechanism, the media release adds.

The Prime Minister had requested the Yunnan Governor to consider assisting in economic empowerment by promoting entrepreneurship, microfinance initiatives, and livelihood development programs. He pointed out that empowering individuals to generate income, reduce poverty, and improve their economic standing.

Mr. Wang was accompanied by a top level delegation of Yunnan Provincial Government as well as officials of the Chinese embassy in Sri Lanka. PM Gunawardena was accompanied by State Minister of Foreign Affairs – Tharaka Balasuriya as well the newly appointed Eastern Province governor – Senthil Thondaman.

During his visit, the governor attended a ceremony at Lanka Hospital earlier today where a team of Chinese medical staff had conducted 120 cataract surgeries free of charge.

Organised by the Yunnan Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Sri Lanka – China Social and Cultural Cooperation (ASLCSCC), the project was implemented by the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan and the Lanka Hospitals Corporation PLC.

In addition, the Governor also held a field study at Port City Colombo. He also plans to visit Kandy, Polonnaruwa and the Eastern Province, where Rs 25 million worth school kits, equipment and food parcels will be distributed.

News

Cabinet green light to ratify Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty

Published

14 hours ago

June 6, 2023

editor

Cabinet approval has been granted to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and to take the necessary steps for legislation to enforce the provisions of the agreement.

The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on Sep. 10, 1996. By the treaty, member states agreed to ban “any nuclear weapons test or other nuclear explosion” anywhere in the world. So far, 186 countries have signed the agreement and 177 countries have ratified the agreement.

Sri Lanka signed the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty on October 24, 1996. Sri Lanka is currently cooperating with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization in the areas of training, capacity development, data and information sharing. Sri Lanka’s ratification of the treaty would recognize Sri Lanka’s diplomatic role as an active proponent of international peace and security in a world free of nuclear weapons.

According to the government, ratifying the agreement will also enable the country to obtain useful data for civil and scientific purposes that will benefit many developing countries including Sri Lanka, such as tsunami warnings, climate change and geographical studies.

News

Overseas travel ban slapped on Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam

Published

14 hours ago

June 6, 2023

editor

The Kilinochchi Magistrate’s Court has issued an overseas travel ban on Ahila Ilankai Thamil Congress (AITC) MP – Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam over the recent incident of verbally abusing police officers during a function, police spokesman – SSP Nihal Thalduwa says.

Yesterday, the magistrate ordered to remand the AITC’s main female organizer in the North – East region, over the incident.

News

Verdict on petition challenging Diana Gamage’s MP seat, postponed

Published

14 hours ago

June 6, 2023

editor

The Court of Appeal has deferred the pronouncement of the verdict on the petition filed seeking an order to annul the Parliamentary seat of State Minister Diana Gamage.

Accordingly, the verdict is expected to be pronounced on the 25th of July.

The petition was called this morning before President of the Court of Appeal Justice Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and Justice A Marikkar.

Court heard arguments pertaining to the petition previously and was expected to announce the verdict today.

The writ petition was filed before the Court of Appeal calling for State Minister Diana Gamage to be stripped of her Parliamentary seat by activist Oshala Herath on the 15th of November 2022.

State Minister Gamage, the Immigration and Emigration Controller, the Minister of Public Security, the General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, the National Election Commission and its members, and the General Secretary of Parliament were cited as respondents in the petition.

(newsradio.lk)