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Sri Lanka Navy Special Boat Squadron honoured with President’s Colours

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Ranil Wickremesinghe the President and Commander – in – Chief of the Armed Forces of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka awarded President’s Colours to the Sri Lanka Navy Special Boat Squadron (SBS) on Friday (01st March 2024). The momentous ceremony was held at the main parade ground of the Special Boat Squadron Headquarters, Trincomalee, in precision with time-honoured naval tradition. The distinguished honour was bestowed upon the Special Boat Squadron, in recognition of its significant role in the success of humanitarian operation and its members’ ongoing efforts to achieve the country’s maritime aspirations by combating an assortment of illegal activities at sea.

The Special Boat Squadron, demonstrating its commitment to the motto “Fortune Favours the Brave”, has been commanded twice in the past by Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, the current Commander of the Navy. Trained in specialized combat techniques across sea, land, and air, its men possess a noble resolve for the motherland, beyond their call of duty. The Special Boat Squadron was established on 08th November 1993 in Karainagar, Jaffna, meeting the need for a special unit to suppress terrorist activities in the shallow waters around the northern islands and lagoons. Established with 02 officers and 38 sailors, it was led by then Lieutenant Commander Ravindra Wijegunaratne.

In the daring missions undertaken by the SBS to defend the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, forty-two (42) personnel have been disabled, and sixty-two (62) brave men have sacrificed their lives.

The bestowment of the prestigious President’s Colour is testament to the squadron’s unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions in humanitarian operation and relentless efforts to safeguard our seas, battling illicit activities to advance country’s maritime ambitions.



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Police look for male partner of Chinese woman found stabbed to death at an apartment in Kohuwala

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This photo released to the media by police yesterday shows the suspect

The Mount Lavinia Criminal Investigation Bureau has launched an intensive probe into the death of a Chinese woman at an apartment  in Kohuwala.Police said the incident occurred on March 23 at an apartment, on the second floor of the Kent Residence complex, where the victim was found stabbed to death.

Investigators have identified the main suspect as a Chinese national, believed to be the victim’s former partner.

He has been identified as Wang Huiyin (born June 1, 2000), and reported to be holding passport numbers EE6791329 and ER3805969.

Police said the suspect has visible injuries to the fingers of his left hand, which had been treated with stitches.

Police yesterday released a photograph of the suspect and sought public assistance to trace him.

Anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts is requested to contact the OIC, Mount Lavinia Criminal Investigation Bureau on 071-8596408 or the OIC, Kohuwala Police Station on 071-8591669.

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Chamber delegation completes trade training in India

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Professionals from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in New Delhi

A delegation of 30 professionals from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently completed a specialised residential training programme on international trade facilitation at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in New Delhi.

Hosted by the IIFT—an institution established under India’s Ministry of Commerce and widely regarded as a leading centre of excellence in international trade education and research—the programme also included engagements with several of India’s key trade and diplomatic institutions.

These included the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the authority responsible for formulating and implementing India’s foreign trade policy; the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, the country’s premier diplomatic training institute; the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), the apex body representing exporters; and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), one of India’s most influential industry associations. Together, these engagements provided participants with valuable insights into how policy, diplomacy and industry interact to facilitate trade and economic growth.

Over nine days, participants explored key aspects of global commerce, including the international trading system, trade negotiations, economic intelligence, trade finance, and emerging areas such as AI, cyber risk and digital transformation.

The programme offered insights into the evolving dynamics of international trade and the systems that support it, while highlighting how chambers of commerce can further leverage their role in helping businesses navigate global markets, contribute to policy discourse, and strengthen the broader trade ecosystem.

The programme was designed and overseen by Dr. Rohit Mehtani, Dean of IIFT and a respected expert in international trade diplomacy and negotiations.

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce expressed appreciation to the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka and the IIFT for the opportunity.

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Lanka, Cuba move to boost ties

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Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya held discussions with Cuban Ambassador in Sri Lanka Patricia Lazara Pego Guerra on March 26 at the Prime Minister’s Office

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya held discussions with Cuban Ambassador in Sri Lanka Patricia Lazara Pego Guerra on March 26 at the Prime Minister’s Office, with focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and Cuba.

Both sides reaffirmed longstanding cordial relations and explored avenues to enhance collaboration in key sectors, including education, agriculture and sports.

Discussions centred on expanding cooperation in education through exchange programmes and capacity-building initiatives, aimed at strengthening human resource development in both countries.

Opportunities to broaden ties in agriculture were also examined, with emphasis on knowledge-sharing and the exchange of technical expertise to promote sustainable farming practices.

Strengthening cooperation in sports was also highlighted during the meeting.

Senior officials present included Secretary to the Prime Minister Sagarika Bogahawatta and Director General for Latin America and the Caribbean at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ratnasingam Kohularangan.

The discussions underscored ongoing efforts by both sides to deepen sectoral cooperation while maintaining strong diplomatic relations.

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