In a significant diplomatic engagement, Yuan Jiajun, member of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau and Secretary of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, paid a courtesy call on President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday at the Presidential Secretariat.
During the meeting, President Wickremesinghe presented Sri Lanka’s ambitious development plans, with a primary focus on enhancing connectivity with the rest of Asia. Emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation, the President outlined how these plans would foster economic growth and facilitate increased trade and investment opportunities.
Moreover, President Wickremesinghe briefed the Chinese delegation on the commendable progress being made in the country’s debt restructuring efforts. He expressed his confidence that upon successful completion of the restructure, several halted development projects would resume promptly, further bolstering the nation’s economic development.
The Chinese delegation appreciated the President’s steadfast efforts to stabilize Sri Lanka’s economy amid challenging circumstances. They expressed optimism and confidence in the country’s future economic growth trajectory.
Accompanying President Wickremesinghe in the meeting were Chief-of-Staff Sagala Ratnayaka and the Director of International Affairs, both of whom played crucial roles in the discussions and diplomatic engagements.
The body of one of the two fishermen who went missing after a multi-day fishing vessel capsized in the seas off the coast of Paravi Wella in Tangalle, has been recovered.
The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) confirmed that the fisherman’s body was recovered during search operations, which were conducted with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).
The fishing vessel, named “Maxim Putha 1,” was carrying six fishermen when the accident occurred while returning to shore after poaching.
A total of six fishermen were onboard the vessel when it capsized off the coast of Paravi Wella Beach in Tangalle, four of whom were rescued with the help of a dinghy.
Efforts are underway to locate the remaining missing fisherman.
Meanwhile, three other boat accidents were reported yesterday in seas off Galle, Kalutara and Hikkaduwa.
In response to a surge in dengue cases, health authorities will launch a special mosquito control program tomorrow (June 30), covering 16 high-risk districts across the country.
According to the National Dengue Control Unit, the program will be in continue until the 5th of July.
A total of 28,752 dengue cases have been reported islandwide so far this year.
The highest number of cases were recorded from the Western Province.
Sixteen dengue-related deaths have been reported so far this year.
Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi today offered one million rupees from the President’s Fund to ailing veteran singer Ishaq Baig for his treatments.
The Sri Lankan Singers’ Association had launched a campaign “Ishak ta Kotiyak” (Rs. 10 million for Ishak) to raise funds for Ishaq Baig’s treatment and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake instructed to offer Rs. one million from the President’s Fund.
Minister Sunil Senevi visited Baig’s residence today and offered the cheque for one million rupees.
“Ishak ta Kotiyak”
Sri Lankan Singers’ Association President Rohan De Silva said they launched the campaign “Ishak ta Kotiyak” (Rs. 10 million for Ishak) to assist Ishaq Baig for his treatment and other expenses.
“Ishaq requires about Rs. 100,000 for his treatment and medicines monthly. We hope to make an investment with the funds so that Ishak could get at least Rs. 100,000 monthly for his expenses. We have been able to achieve the Rs. 10 million target within five days. However, we will keep the account open till the Esala Poya day while considering the request of well-wishers,” he said.