The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sharda arrived at the port of Colombo on 10 Jun 26 for an Operational Turnaround.

In keeping with time-honoured naval customs, the Sri Lanka Navy extended a traditional welcome to the visiting ship upon her arrival.

The Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) is under the command of  Commander Kartik Sachdeva.

During the ship’s stay in the island, its crew is scheduled to take part in several programmes organised by the Sri Lanka Navy, aiming to foster camaraderie and professional interaction.

Additionally, the Indian naval personnel will explore several prominent tourist attractions of Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government has implemented a comprehensive programme to assist the fishing community and micro, small, medium, and large-scale entrepreneurs affected by Cyclone Ditwah in rebuilding their livelihoods.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while responding to questions in Parliament on Tuesday (09) regarding the relief measures introduced for those affected by the disaster.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

“The Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources has initiated a special assistance programme for both marine and inland fishermen affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Under this programme, new fishing vessels will be provided to replace those that were completely destroyed, while partially damaged vessels will be repaired. The distribution of fishing nets to eligible fishermen has also commenced.

To support the recovery of businesses damaged by the cyclone, the Government has introduced a concessional loan scheme carrying an annual interest rate of 3 per cent. The programme, with a total allocation of Rs. 10,000 million, is being implemented through 15 banks. As at 28 April 2026, loans amounting to Rs. 3,812 million had been disbursed to 2,800 entrepreneurs. The scheme offers a repayment period of up to three years, including a six-month grace period, with the objective of enabling businesses to resume operations without delay. Applicants are required to obtain recommendations from the Grama Niladhari and the Divisional Secretary certifying that the business was operational before the cyclone and that it was affected by the disaster.

The Prime Minister further stated that, on the instructions of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, licensed banks have granted a moratorium on loan repayments and waived penalty interest until 31 January 2026. The Prime Minister also emphasized that compensation payments to affected entrepreneurs are continuing in accordance with the relevant ministerial circulars and disaster relief guidelines.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

It is essential to establish an institutional framework with legal powers to ensure the effective implementation of national digital policy and guidelines.

Quality human capital should be attracted to this institutional framework for the compilation of policies, implementation of policies, regulation, and empowerment of operations. The continuous participation of the private sector should also be considered in establishing a strong institutional framework.

It has been further identified that attention should also be
drawn to new fields of digital innovation, including support for artificial intelligence and related activities.

Taking into consideration the aforementioned matters, a concept paper has been formulated to prepare a Draft Economic Development Bill for the establishment of a new institutional framework.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the  President in his capacity as the Minister of Digital Economy to instruct legal draftsman to formulate a Draft Economic Development Bill based on the aforementioned concept paper.