Three Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy warships; “HE FEI”, “WUZHISHAN” and “QILIANSHAN” arrived at the port of Colombo on a formal visit this morning (26th August 2024). The visiting ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval traditions.
The “HE FEI” is a 144.50-meter-long destroyer, crewed by 267 personnel under the command of Captain Chen Junfeng. The “WUZHISHAN” is a 210-meter-long Landing Platform Dock, manned by 872 crew members and commanded by Captain Fei Zhang. Similarly, the “QILIANSHAN” is a 210-meter-long Landing Platform Dock, with 334 crew members under the command of Captain Xiong Binghon.
Commanding Officers of the trio of Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy warships are scheduled to call on the Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Chinthaka Kumarasinghe at the Western Naval Command Headquarters today. To strengthen the camaraderie between the two navies, crew members of these ships are set to participate in a series of programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy.
In addition crew members of the ships will explore some of the tourist attractions of the country, during their stay in Colombo. Additionally, Sri Lanka Navy personnel will have the opportunity to participate in briefings on the operational functions of the ships as well.
Concluding the formal visit, the trio of Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy warships will depart the island on 29th August, after a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with a Sri Lanka Navy ship off the coast of Colombo.
Seven newly appointed foreign ambassadors to Sri Lanka presented their credentials to President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (May 15) at the Presidential Secretariat.
The new ambassadors represent the State of Israel, the Argentine Republic, the Republic of Zimbabwe, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Tajikistan, the Kingdom of Cambodia, and the Kingdom of Denmark.
The new diplomats who presented their credentials are as follows :
– Mr. Mariano Agustin Caucino has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Argentine Republic, based in New Delhi. – Ms. Stella Nkomo has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Zimbabwe, based in New Delhi. – Mr. Reuven Javier Azar has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the State of Israel, based in New Delhi. – Ms. Nina P. Cringlet has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Republic of the Philippines, based in Dhaka. – Mr. Lukmon Bobokalonzoda has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Tajikistan, based in New Delhi. – Ms. Rath Many has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, based in New Delhi. – Mr. Rasmus Kristensen has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Denmark, based in New Delhi.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, were also present at the occasion. (President’s Media Division)
A special ‘Dansala’ was held at the Maharagama Youth Services Council premises from 7:00 a.m. yesterday (May 13) to mark Vesak Poya Day.
Unlike traditional ‘dansal’ that offer food, this unique initiative provided a host of free beauty care and advisory services for both women and men, including haircuts, head massages, eyebrow shaping, facials, under-eye treatments, and skin analysis.
This event attracted over 5,000 participants who received professional grooming and skincare advice in a Vesak-themed setting.
Present at the event were Deputy Youth Affairs Minister Eranga Gunasekara, NYSC Chairman and Director-General of Youth Affairs Attorney Supun Wijerathna, MP Kaushalya Ariyarathna, Maharagama Mayor Saman Samarakoon, and Colombo Mayoral candidate Vraie Cally Balthazaar, among others.