Indian HC – Namal meet

Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka – Mr. Santhosh Jha has met with National Convener of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) – Namal Rajapaksa.

According to the Indian High Commission in Colombo, they had exchanged views on the multi-faceted issues, ranging from ongoing development projects, investments, economic revival of Sri Lanka and other areas of mutual interest.
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President Xi Jinping hails ‘historical opportunity’ for China-Sri Lanka ties

Chinese leader Xi Jinping said relations between China and Sri Lanka faced a “historical opportunity” to foster ties, in talks with the island nation’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Wednesday.

“China-Sri Lanka relations face a historical opportunity to build on the past and forge ahead,” Xi told Dissanayake during the bilateral meeting in Beijing, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

The two sides should see ties from “a strategic perspective and build a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future.”

Dissanayake’s visit to China comes after he was given a red-carpet welcome to India by President Narendra Modi during his first overseas trip as premier in December.

Dissanayake came to power in September and consolidated his power after his party won a landslide in snap parliamentary polls in November.

China and India are meanwhile competing for influence in the Indian Ocean region.

Xi told Dissanayake that China would “actively support Sri Lanka in focusing on economic development and promote high-quality cooperation” under Beijing’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative (BRI).

China would also strengthen cooperation with Sri Lanka to “jointly address climate change... uphold the unity and strength of the global South, and contribute to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity”, Xi said.

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President Dissanayake gets warm welcome in Beijing

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who embarked on a State visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived at the Beijing International Airport (14) yesterday morning.

The President was accorded a ceremonial welcome by the Chinese military and was received by China’s Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong.

The President is scheduled to participate in several key engagements, including field visits focused on technological and agricultural development, as well as initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation. The visit also includes high-level business meetings and discussions.

Furthermore, several Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and China are expected to be signed during the visit.

The delegation accompanying President Dissanayake includes Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake, China’s Ambassador in Colombo Qi Zhenhong and Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in China Majintha Jayesinghe.
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12-hour water cut for several areas in Colombo

A 12-hour water cut will be imposed in parts of Colombo tomorrow (Jan. 16), the National Water Supply & Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced.

Accordingly, the water supply to Colombo 12, 13, 14 and 15 will be suspended from 6.00 am – 6.00 pm due to an essential maintenance of the main pipeline supplying water to Colombo.
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President AKD links Thai Pongal festival’s values to ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his Thai Pongal message, underlined the festival’s deep cultural and spiritual significance, connecting it to Sri Lanka’s broader goals of environmental and societal renewal.

“The Thai Pongal festival, also known as the “Harvest Festival,” is observed with profound reverence by Tamil and Hindu communities worldwide. This significant occasion is dedicated to expressing gratitude to the Sun, the Earth, rain, and cattle for their indispensable contributions to a bountiful harvest,” the President noted, emphasizing the festival’s agricultural roots and its symbolic celebration of nature’s blessings.

He highlighted the festival’s association with renewal and coexistence, stating, “Beyond its agricultural significance, Thai Pongal embodies the spirit of renewal and symbolizes the values of harmony and coexistence within human society, both internally and externally.”

President Dissanayake also tied the festival’s values to Sri Lanka’s transformative “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, which aims to promote ecological and ethical progress. “At a time when Sri Lanka has embarked on the transformative “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, aimed at fostering ecological and ethical progress, the values symbolized by Thai Pongal align profoundly with the objectives of this initiative,” he added.

Concluding his message, the President called for collective action toward a sustainable and harmonious future. “I invite everyone to come together with a shared sense of purpose and commitment to ensure the prosperity and well-being of our nation, cherishing the joy and happiness that enrich the lives of all Sri Lankans. May this Thai Pongal celebration be a blessing and a guiding light, inspiring hope and optimism for a brighter future.”

The President extended his heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans and Hindu devotees around the world, wishing them a prosperous and joyous Thai Pongal filled with gratitude, harmony, and abundance.

President’s Thai Pongal Day Message

“The Thai Pongal festival, also known as the “Harvest Festival,” is observed with profound reverence by Tamil and Hindu communities worldwide. This significant occasion is dedicated to expressing gratitude to the Sun, the Earth, rain, and cattle for their indispensable contributions to a bountiful harvest. 

This festival is celebrated on the first day of the month of “Thai” according to the Tamil calendar. The festival marks the commencement of the Sun’s northward journey, referred to as “Uttarayana.” Beyond its agricultural significance, Thai Pongal embodies the spirit of renewal and symbolizes the values of harmony and coexistence within human society, both internally and externally.

This celebration signifies not only a pivotal shift in direction but also underscores the importance of harmonious coexistence—both within society and with the environment. At a time when Sri Lanka has embarked on the transformative “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, aimed at fostering ecological and ethical progress, the values symbolized by Thai Pongal align profoundly with the objectives of this initiative, reflecting the inseparable bond between humanity and nature.

Thai Pongal serves as a source of cultural rejuvenation, instilling renewed hope and inspiration in our collective lives. As we embrace the New Year with renewed vigor and aspirations for a “beautiful life,” we are presented with a significant opportunity to collaborate toward building an environmentally conscious and culturally enriched society. 

By prioritizing sustainable development and championing lasting peace and unity, we reaffirm our commitment to leading with integrity, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to fulfilling our responsibilities to the nation and its people.

I invite everyone to come together with a shared sense of purpose and commitment to ensure the prosperity and well-being of our nation, cherishing the joy and happiness that enrich the lives of all Sri Lankans. May this Thai Pongal celebration be a blessing and a guiding light, inspiring hope and optimism for a brighter future.

I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans and Hindu devotees around the world for a prosperous and joyous Thai Pongal, filled with gratitude, harmony, and abundance!”
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Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera elected COPE chairman

NPP Member of Parliament Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera has been unanimously elected as the Chairman of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE).

The Committee on Public Enterprises has convened in Parliament today (Jan. 09) at 02.00 pm.
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2025 Appropriation Bill to be presented to Parliament today

The 2025 Appropriation Bill is scheduled to be presented to the Parliament today (9).

The second reading of the draft bill will take place on February 17, with the debate scheduled from February 18 to February 25. 

The vote on the second reading is scheduled to be held on February 25 evening.

Following this, the Committee Stage Debate, also known as the Third Reading Debate, will take place from February 27 to March 21, with the third reading vote scheduled for the evening of March 21.

Meanwhile, the Local Government Elections (Special Provisions) Bill, which proposes calling for new nominations for the Local Government Elections, will also be presented to Parliament today (09). 

The draft bill, submitted by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, was recently published in the Gazette.

Once this bill is passed, the Election Commission will be authorized to call for fresh nominations for the local government elections.
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Japan in discussion to resume halted projects in Sri Lanka

The Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, Isomata Akio, stated that discussions are underway with the government to resume temporarily halted projects in Sri Lanka. 

He made these remarks when he met with the Speaker of the Parliament (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne at Parliament recently (Jan. 06). 

The Secretary General of Parliament of Sri Lanka, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, was also present on this occasion.

During this meeting, the Japanese Ambassador conveyed his best wishes to the Speaker and the government. 

Recalling the long-standing relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka, the Japanese Ambassador said that he would continue to strengthen those relations and provide the necessary support for the development of Sri Lanka.

Furthermore, the Japanese ambassador also said that he hopes to expedite the construction of the new terminal at the Bandaranaike International Airport. During the meeting the government’s efforts to eradicate corruption and foster national reconciliation were commended.

During the meeting, Speaker recalled the various projects funded by the Japanese government for the people of Sri Lanka and expressed his gratitude to Japan for its support. He also emphasized his desire to revive the Sri Lanka-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Association in the Tenth Parliament, aiming to further strengthen parliamentary ties between the two nations. 

Additionally, he reiterated his commitment to deepening the existing relationship between Sri Lanka and Japan, expressing hope for continued support from Japan in this endeavor.
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President inaugurates ‘Gem Sri Lanka – 2025’ gem and jewellery exhibition

The “Gem Sri Lanka – 2025” gem and jewellery exhibition was inaugurated this morning (08) at the Cinnamon Bentota Beach Hotel, presided over by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Organized annually by the Chinese Fort Gem and Jewellery Traders’ Association (CGJTA), the exhibition will be open to the public from today until January 10.

Following the opening, President Dissanayake toured the exhibition booths and engaged in discussions with industry stakeholders, addressing challenges faced by gem and jewellery manufacturers while fostering a friendly dialogue with them.

He also posed for a group photograph with the organizing committee of “Gem Sri Lanka – 2025.”
This year’s exhibition features 103 booths and has attracted a significant number of both local and international buyers, highlighting the event’s global appeal.

The event was attended by a distinguished gathering, including the Minister of Industry and Enterprise Development, Mr. Sunil Handunnetti, Chairman of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, Mr. Naveen Sooriyarachchi, and Chairman of CGJTA, Mr. Marjan Faleel, alongside several diplomats and other notable guests.

--PMD
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Bus strike called off after talks with police chief

The bus associations have decided to call off their island-wide strike following successful discussions with the Acting IGP.

This decision was reached after a successful discussion held today (08) between the private bus associations and the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Priyantha Weerasooriya, regarding traffic operations linked to the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ national initiative.

As a result, the bus associations have decided to call off their planned island-wide strike.

Earlier, the bus associations had decided yesterday (07) to launch an island-wide strike to protest against the police department’s excessive and unnecessary pressure on passenger transport bus operators.

In this context, representatives from the bus associations held a discussion with the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Priyantha Weerasooriya, at the Police Headquarters this morning (08).

Following the discussion with the Acting IGP, it was decided not to proceed with the strike action, the trade unions said.

Meanwhile, the Police Spokesman announced that a three-month grace period will be given to private bus owners to remove unnecessary additional accessories from buses, as discussed today between the private bus owner’ unions and the Acting IGP.
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