News
Chinese Ambassador tells Lanka to stand up for its rights to gain respect and end bullying
Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong says that many nations in the world, including China and Sri Lanka, are still suffering under the yoke of neo-colonialism and hegemonism.
Speaking during a visit to the Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya, AmbassadorQi said China firmly upholds international fair play and justice, advocates the practice of true multilateralism, takes a clear stand against all hegemonism and power politics, and unswervingly opposes any unilateralism, protectionism and bullying. History has revealed that the deeper the cooperation between China and Sri Lanka and the stronger the friendship goes, the safer Sri Lanka’s sovereign independence, stronger its economic and social development, and the more secure its unique civilization will be. Besides, other forces will deal with Sri Lanka in a more equal, respectful and reciprocal manner.
Ambassador Qi visited the Uva Province to distribute dry rations boxes, under the Faxian Charity Project, to 1,500 needy families from all communities.
Ambassador Qi joined the Mahanayake Thera of the Asgiri Chapter, the Most Ven. Warakagoda Gnanarathana, in the distribution of dry rations at the historic Muthiyangana Temple where 500 families, from all communities, received rations gifted by the Chinese Buddhism Association and temples. Dignitaries across the Uva Province also attended the ceremony with the Mahanayake Thera. Distribution ceremonies have also been arranged in the coming two days at the Boralanda Temple in Welimada and the Yudaganawa Temple in Buttala.
Ambassador Qi made a special visit to the remote town of Keppetipola to pay tribute at the Keppetipola Disawe’s statue.
Accompanied by local government officials, Bhikkhus and primary school students, Ambassador Qi laid wreaths at the statue of Keppetipola Disawe, with a ribbon saying Tribute to heroes who fought bravely for independence and freedom against colonization and invasion——by Embassy of China in Sri Lanka.”
Ambassador Qi said China would continually support Sri Lankan people fighting against all challenges, both domestic and external.
Qi said that the relations and Buddhist friendship between China and Sri Lanka has a history of more than two thousand years. The two peoples always learn from each other and help each other. Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 epidemic, especially after Sri Lanka faced the worst economic crisis since independence last year, China shares the difficulties encountered by Sri Lankan brothers and sisters, and the Chinese central government, local authorities, ministries and social organizations have extended a helping hand, providing all kinds of assistance, from vaccines to medicines, from rice to fuel, from school uniforms to school bags, etc., which have been warmly welcomed and widely praised by people of all walks of life in Sri Lanka. “As a good brother, good friend and good partner of Sri Lanka, no matter the past, present or future, no matter what difficulties and challenges you encounter, the Chinese people will always stand with you. We believe that Sri Lanka, with its long and unique civilization and indomitable spirit, with the history of having overcome countless foreign invasions, terrorism, tsunami and other disasters in its history, will certainly be able to overcome the current temporary economic difficulties.”
Ambassador Qi stressed that the people of Sri Lanka are an indomitable people and a heroic people. This year marks the 75th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s independence, and it is meaningful to visit the Uva Province where the first great rebellion against the brutal rule of the British colonialists took place about 200 years ago. We pay tribute to Keppetipola Disawa and others who led this rebellion for independence and freedom against colonization and invasion.
The Prime Minister’s Office strongly condemns the fraudulent cryptocurrency scam advertisements currently being promoted on Facebook and Instagram, falsely featuring Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and other prominent Sri Lankan figures. These deceptive ads, operated by foreign entities, aim to mislead the public and exploit the trust associated with well-known personalities.
It has come to our attention that these scam campaigns, originating from fraudulent accounts based in Lithuania, are actively targeting Facebook users in Sri Lanka.
Similar ads have recently featured Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Minister of Science and Technology MP Chrishantha Abeysena, and well-known journalists Amantha Perera and Sunanda Deshapriya, as well as other Sri Lankan public figures in previous instances.
Public Advisory
We urge citizens to exercise extreme caution when encountering online advertisements promoting cryptocurrency investments, particularly those falsely claiming endorsements from government officials and public figures. No government official or ministry has endorsed any cryptocurrency investment scheme.
Additionally, despite reports and removal requests, variations of these scams continue to appear on social media platforms, highlighting serious concerns about the inability of Facebook to curb fraudulent advertising effectively. We call upon Meta (Facebook’s parent company) to take immediate and stronger action to prevent the spread of these deceptive campaigns and safeguard Sri Lankan users from financial fraud.
How to Protect Yourself:
• Do not engage with or click on suspicious ads claiming endorsements from public figures.
• Report fraudulent advertisements directly on Facebook and Instagram.
• Verify all financial opportunities through legitimate sources before investing.
The Prime Minister’s Office remains committed to protecting the public from online fraud and will continue working with relevant authorities to address this growing issue. We urge media organizations and digital platforms to act responsibly in curbing the spread of misinformation and scams.
For official government updates, please refer to the Prime Minister’s Office’s official website and social media channels.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Business
JICA and JFTC support Sri Lanka’s drive for economic growth through a fair and competitive market
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) have expressed their support for policy reforms and institutional enhancements aimed at ensuring the supply of high-quality goods and services in Sri Lanka while safeguarding both consumers and producers.
This was discussed at a meeting held on Wednesday (12) at the Presidential Secretariat between representatives of these organisations and the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
During the discussion, the representatives emphasized that establishing fairness in trade would protect both consumers and producers while fostering a competitive market in the country. They also emphasized how Japan’s competitive trade policies contributed to its economic progress, explaining that such policies not only help to protect consumer rights but also stimulate innovation.
The secretary to the president noted that this year’s budget has placed special emphasis on the required policy adjustments to promote fair trade while elevating Sri Lanka’s market to a higher level. He also briefed the representatives on these planned reforms.
The meeting was attended by Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Russell Aponsu, JICA representatives Tetsuya Yamada, Arisa Inada, Yuri Horrita, and Namal Ralapanawa; and JFTC representatives Y. Sakuma, Y. Asahina, Y. Fukushima, and M. Takeuchi.
[PMD]
A group of students from Hambantota St. Mary’s National School, Nakulugamuwa Moraketiara Junior College and Nalanda College, Colombo 10, visited the Presidential Secretariat and the President’s House on Wednesday (12) as part of an educational tour.
This initiative provided schoolchildren the opportunity to explore the Presidential Secretariat (formerly the Old Parliament Building) and the President’s House as part of their academic field trip.
Coinciding with the tour, students were also educated about the “Clean Sri Lanka” program, a key government initiative. K.M.N. Kumarasinghe, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, briefed the students on the objectives and implementation of the program, emphasizing its role in enhancing their knowledge, skills and attitudes.
Meanwhile, Media Adviser to the President . Chandana Sooriyabandara highlighted the legacy of the late C.W.W. Kannangara, stating that his vision serves as a guiding light for the future generation of students. He further noted that many developed nations achieved progress through collective citizen efforts, stressing that every individual must fulfill their responsibilities diligently to contribute to national development.
As a symbolic gesture, a valuable plant was gifted to each participating school to be planted within their premises. The presentation was carried out by the President’s Media Director General Prasanna Perera and Anuruddha Lokuhapuarachchi, Director of International Media and Strategic Communications at the President’s Media Division (PMD).
The event was attended by the principals, academic staff, parents and other distinguished guests.
Urgent Warning Against Fraudulent Crypto-Scam Advertisements.
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