China, Sri Lanka to further strengthen economic, trade, investment and cultural ties
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Special Envoy and State Councilor, Shen Yiqin who is in Sri Lanka on an official visit has called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on Monday (Nov.20). The primary focus of the meeting with the Sri Lankan leader was to enhance tourism and trade relations between the two […]
Gulf countries to introduce unified tourist visa
Interior ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council states have unanimously approved the introduction of a unified Gulf tourist visa. During their 40th meeting, held in the Omani capital Muscat, the ministers also gave the green light for the launch of an electronic system linking traffic violations. Jasem Albudaiwi, secretary-general of the GCC, said the unified […]
Sri Lanka aims to reach net zero emissions by 2040 – President
In a significant development, Sri Lanka is making notable strides towards combating climate change and transitioning into a green economy. Speaking at an international forum, President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, outlined the country’s ambitious plans for environmental sustainability and economic growth. The President made these remarks at the first International Climate Change Forum at Temple Trees yesterday […]
New secretary appointed to Agriculture & Plantation Industries Ministry
Mr. B.L.A.J. Dharmakeerthi has been appointed as the new Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries. The appointment was made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, with effect from October 27, 2023. This was communicated in a special gazette notification published by Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake on November 02.
North Korea closes multiple embassies around the world
North Korea is poised to close as many as a dozen embassies including in Spain, Hong Kong, and multiple countries in Africa, according to media reports and analysts, in a move that could see nearly 25 percent of Pyongyang’s missions close worldwide. North Korea’s recent closing of its diplomatic missions was a sign that the […]
Embracing IT no longer a choice but a necessity – President Ranil
Embracing Information Technology (IT) is no longer a choice but a necessity, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said, emphasizing the paramount significance of digital transformation in securing Sri Lanka’s economic prosperity. The Head of State made these remarks while addressing the National ICT Awards NBQSA 2023 held in Colombo on Wednesday (Oct. 25), the President’s Media […]
Sri Lanka approves visa-free entry for visitors from 7 countries
Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has approved visa-free entry for visitors from seven countries including India, China and Russia as a pilot project until 31 March 2024, Tourism Minister Harin Fernando said. In a tweet, he said the Cabinet has approved visa-free entry to visitors from India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand with immediate effect. […]
Cabinet reshuffle: New health and environment ministers appointed
A Cabinet reshuffle took place this morning (23 Oct.), during which the ministerial portfolios of several ministers including Mahinda Amaraweera and Keheliya Rambukwella were changed. Accordingly, Minister Amaraweera, was sworn in as the Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, while former Health Minister Rambukwella was sworn in as the new Minister of Environment. Meanwhile, Dr. […]
Health, petroleum and electricity again gazetted as essential services
A special gazette notification has been published declaring the supply of electricity and all related services, the supply or distribution of petroleum products and fuel, and health services as essential services. Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake issued the communiqué on Tuesday (Oct. 17), on the directives of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The communiqué was published in accordance with the […]
President Ranil meets Indonesian counterpart during China visit
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has underscored the need to enhance the political, economic and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and Indonesia by reinforcing the Indian Ocean’s identity, during an official meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Beijing today (17), the President’s Media Division (PMD) reported. Both leaders are in China to participate in the Belt […]