News
USAID supports Lanka in enhancing investment climate through commercial alternative dispute resolution
The United States, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is supporting Sri Lanka’ s efforts to improve its investment climate by enhancing access to commercial alternative dispute resolution (ADR). This initiative has led to the U.S.-sponsored training and accreditation of 23 international commercial mediators in Sri Lanka, doubling the number of qualified mediators in Sri Lanka capable of offering businesses a faster and less expensive alternative to traditional court litigation for resolving disputes.
Under USAID’s Efficient and Effective Justice (EEJ) project, these 23 mediators have undergone extensive training in key areas such as communication, problem-solving, managing emotions, and overcoming impasses. The training was conducted by the Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC), a renowned independent, not-for-profit organization specializing in ADR and ADR training. Following a four-month mentorship program, these mediators will apply their new skills to facilitate around 100 commercial mediations in Sri Lanka by October 2026.
Commercial mediation, a key form of ADR, provides a quicker resolution for disputes between businesses, or between businesses and government or consumers. This method is not only cost-effective but also aims to preserve business relationships. Additionally, it supports international trade by ensuring that international settlement agreements can be enforced more effectively.
At a ceremony honoring the newly trained commercial mediators, Doug Sonnek, Deputy Chief of Mission for the U.S. Embassy, remarked, “The United States is dedicated to collaborating with Sri Lanka to create a favorable investment climate by embracing international best practices. This partnership not only equips mediators with essential skills to sidestep expensive litigation but also supports their ongoing development, thereby contributing to economic resilience and growth in Sri Lanka.”
USAID provides extensive support for ADR in Sri Lanka. The EEJ project collaborates with local and international experts to provide training in commercial mediation, negotiation, and ADR best practices to lawyers, law students, ADR centers, and companies. Furthermore, EEJ is involved in pilot programs for judicial and court-referred mediation in partnership with the Court of Appeal and Commercial High Courts, aiming to resolve disputes swiftly and reduce delays and backlogs in the justice system. Through these comprehensive initiatives, EEJ enhances the overall efficacy of the judicial process in Sri Lanka.
The Buddha Abhivandana Vesak Festival will be held in Panadura from May 30 to June 2 to mark the 2570th Buddhahood anniversary. This is being organized under the leadership of the Buddhist Shasanarakshaka Bala Mandals of Panadura North and South with the support of government and private institutions.
In conjunction with Vesak week, a special series of sermons will be held for school children to promote good values. On May 30, the Vesak Poya Day, a Shila Bhavana (Meditation) program with the participation of everyone will be held at the Panadura Galgoda Sri Maha Viharaya, as the main focus, and at all other temples in the area. On the same day, an exhibition of sacred relics and a blessing Bodhi Pooja will also be held at the Panadura Ran Koth Viharaya.
On the evening of May 31, two religious processions consisting of Dhamma school children led by the Shasanarakshaka Bala Mandala are scheduled to arrive in Panadura town. One procession will arrive in Panadura from Pallimulla and the other from Pinwatte. Furthermore, a series of Vesak Sadaha Gee programs will be presented in the Panadura city center from May 31st to June 2nd. A special lantern exhibition will also be held at several selected locations, including the Sudarshana Devarama Temple, and prizes will be awarded for the best lanterns selected from the exhibition. The Buddhabhivandana Vesak Zone Organization has made arrangements to hold Vesak lanterns, special light pujas, Vesak pandals, and dhansals throughout the city for the people who will be visiting during these few days.
A consignment of 134 single cabs gifted by the Government of India under the Indo–Sri Lanka Friendship Programme for the use of the Sri Lanka Police was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Monday (25) morning at the Presidential Secretariat.
The Government of India has incurred an expenditure of approximately LKR.300 million for this initiative and the vehicles are scheduled to be distributed among police stations in the Northern Province.
Speaking at the occasion, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha stated that similar assistance would continue to be extended to Sri Lanka in the future.
In appreciation of this gift by the Government of India, Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya presented a commemorative memento to Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha.
Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala, Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Sunil Watagala, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Ravi Seneviratne, General Manager of DIMO Rajeev Pandithage, officials of the Indian High Commission and senior officers of the Sri Lanka Police were also present at the occasion.
(PMD)
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Landslide Early Warnings issued to the Districts of Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kegalle, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura extended till 1600 hrs on Tuesday [26]
The National Building Reasearch Organisation [NBRO] has extended the landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kegalle, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura till 1600 hrs on Tuesday 26th May 2026.
Accordingly,
The LEVEL II [AMBER] landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Dehiowita, Deraniyagala, Ruwanwella and Yatiyanthota in the Kegalle district and Kuruwita, Ratnapura, Ayagama and Eheliyagoda in the Ratnapura district and
The LEVEL I [YELLOW] landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Seethawaka and Padukka in the Colombo district, Attanagalla in the Gampaha district, Palindanuwara, Mathugama, Bulathsinhala, Agalawatta, Ingiriya and Horana in the Kalutara district, Bulathkohupitiya in the Kegalle district, Ambagamuwa in the Nuwara Eliya district and Kiriella, Pelmadulla, Nivithigala, Elapatha and Kalawana in the Ratnapura district have been extended.
Buddha Bhivandana Vesak Zone in Panadura from May 30th
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