President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the future of Sri Lanka will be determined by the economic policies implemented over the next five years.
The President delivered this statement while addressing the youth and business community in Mannar during his participation in the “Youth Conference” held yesterday (June 16).
The President initially attended the Mannar District “Youth Conference” yesterday (16) at the Conference Hall in Mannar Town Hall. The conference, themed “Journey for a Bright Future,” included an award ceremony where the President presented certificates and cash prizes to students who excelled in the 2023/2024 G.C.E Advanced Level Examination.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe interacted directly with the youth, addressing their questions and providing positive responses.
He explained that over the past four years, job creation was hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis. However, he assured the audience that the upcoming economic program would create new job opportunities for those previously unable to secure employment.
The President emphasized that it is up to the youth to decide whether they wish to advance their own future and contribute to the country through the government’s program.
Additionally, President Ranil Wickremesinghe convened a meeting with the business community of Mannar district yesterday (16) in Mannar.
The President emphasized that continuing the current government’s economic policies will attract a significant number of investors to the country in the future.
He also underscored that maintaining consistent economic policies over time will lead to success for the country.
The President highlighted that the new economic policy, introduced through the Economic Transformation Law, represents a pivotal step forward for the country. He underscored that this framework equips any government with the capability to drive the nation forward.
The President noted that despite longstanding efforts by the people of Sri Lanka to seek political solutions, there has been a noticeable absence of initiatives aimed at addressing economic challenges. He stressed that sustainable national development hinges on the implementation of robust economic policies.
Highlighting his achievement in revitalizing the country’s economy within a short span of two years, the President assured that further relief measures would be extended to all sectors as the economy continues to strengthen.
Furthermore, the President briefed the youth and business communities on the government’s initiatives aimed at fostering comprehensive development in the Mannar district.
State Minister Kader Mastan, Members of Parliament Selvam Adaikalanathan, Northern Province Governor P.S.M.Charles and other political representatives of the province were also present on this occasion.
Acting High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka – Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, and Minister of Mass Media and Health – Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, jointly inaugurated the first-ever Media Fest organized by the Sri Lanka-India Media Friendship Association (SLIMFA) today at Taj Samudra, Colombo.
Under the theme ‘Navigating the New Media Landscape Together,’ the two-day Media Fest from 25-26 April 2025 will explore contemporary media trends and innovations. Key focus areas include AI in journalism, mobile journalism, media monetisation, data journalism, disinformation and fact-checking, content creation and audio journalism. As the first-of-its-kind in Sri Lanka, it will feature keynotes, panel discussions, breakout sessions and networking opportunities.
The event provides a unique platform for professional development and for fostering collaboration between media professionals from India and Sri Lanka. Experts from India including Ms. Palki Sharma, Managing Editor at Firstpost; Mr. Siddhant Sibal, Assistant Foreign Affairs Editor at WION;Mr. Shailesh Shekhar, Chief Synergy Officer at India Todayand Mr. L.V. Krishnan, CEO of TAM Media Research in collaboration with experts from Sri Lanka will exchange and discuss best practices with the registered participants from the media and business community locally.
SLIMFA, inaugurated in May 2024, under the patronage of the High Commission of India, Colombo is aimed at strengthening media ties between the two countries. Since its inception, the Association has conducted multiple initiatives, including panel discussions and roundtables, focusing on key media-related topics. It is a significant initiative to further bolster the people-to-people connection between the two civilisational twins.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake last night (April 24) conducted an inspection tour of Kandy city to inspect the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa” and the related issues that have emerged.
The President held an urgent meeting with relevant officials to address issues related to the provision of facilities and sanitation for devotees visiting the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa”.
Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha, Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Nilanga Dela Bandara, Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Governor of the Central Province Prof. Sarath Abeykoon, Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatte and others participated in this meeting.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid a visit to the Vatican Embassy this afternoon (24) to extend his condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
Upon his arrival, the President was warmly received by Most Reverend Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican to Sri Lanka.
Following a brief discussion with Archbishop Udaigwe, President Disanayake signed the book of condolence, conveying, on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka, heartfelt sympathies to the global Christian community on the demise of His Holiness Pope Francis.