News
Ambassador Julie wants more reforms here
US Ambassador Julie Chung says much more needs to be done in Sri Lanka to strenghten good governance and anti-corruption initiatives to achieve economic recovery.
“The job isn’t over yet. More needs to be done to improve good governance and anti-corruption efforts, and these improvements will help to create new opportunities for both Sri Lankan and American businesses, help the country recover from this crisis, and boost economic growth,” she said speaking at the AmCham Ball in Colombo.
She went on to say that the United States, and AmCham, believed that a vibrant and prosperous economy was built by including and drawing on the diverse skills of all members of society, adding that they have done their part to help empower the aspiring businesswomen of Sri Lanka. Guaranteeing equal opportunities to women in the workforce is not only a social justice issue, but also an economic one. Research has shown that when more women participate in the labour force, economies grow faster and are more resilient to shocks.
This is because women bring new perspectives and skills to the table that lead to innovation and new opportunities.
I have travelled all throughout Sri Lanka, meeting such inspiring women who work hard to overcome the challenges to maintain and improve their livelihoods. Whether its young women, starting a tech company at Yarl IT Hub (in Jaffna), or mothers working rice paddies in the Northcentral Province, to feed their families, and fellow Sri Lankans.
Despite the current challenges and brain drain concerns, many are determined to stay here and help build up their country. They have not given up. It’s in this spirit of resilience and optimism that I am so grateful to AmCham for its efforts to ensure economic opportunities exist for all Sri Lankans.
The second phase of bidding for the sale of 27 luxury and decommissioned vehicles owned by the Presidential Secretariat has commenced.
These vehicles, manufactured between 1991 and 2016, include a range of high-end and utility models: two BMW cars, two Ford Everest SUVs, one Hyundai Terracan SUV, two Land Rover SUVs, one Mitsubishi Montero, three Nissan petrol cars, two Nissan-type motor cars, one Porsche Cayenne, five SsangYong Rexton SUVs, one Land Cruiser Sahara SUV, six V08 vehicles and one Mitsubishi Rosa air-conditioned bus.
Tender documents are available from the Finance Division, located on the second floor of the Sema Building at the Presidential Secretariat, on working days between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. until 14th May. Interested parties may also inspect the vehicles at the Salusala premises, No. 93, Jawatta Road, up to the same date.
This auction follows the successful first phase of the programme, during which 14 luxury vehicles, six decommissioned vehicles and various spare parts were sold. That phase included the auction of 15 vehicles, including nine Defender Jeeps. The initiative reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to reducing public expenditure and ensuring fiscal discipline.
It is important to note that the vehicles on offer were not allocated to the permanent staff of the Presidential Secretariat. They were utilised by advisors and other individuals appointed under Article 41(1) of the Constitution during the tenure of the previous President.
The official notice regarding this auction is attached herewith. Click Here
[PMD]
The French Navy Ship ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit today. (09 May 25)
The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.
The 80.65m long ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ is a Hydrographic Vessel commanded by Commander BERTHEAU Dimitri and she is manned by 58 crew members.
Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer and a group of crew members of the ship are scheduled to call on senior officers of the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) to discuss key hydrographic matters of bilateral importance.
During the stay in the island, crew members of the ship will explore some tourist attractions within the country and the ship is scheduled to set sail from Colombo on 13 May.
It has been reported that two Sri Lanka Air Force helicopter gunners and four Special Forces personnel have been pronounced dead after a SLAF Bell 212 helicopter crashed into the Maduru Oya Reservoir this (09) morning.
There were a total of 12 armed forces personnel on board the ill-fated aircraft.
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