News
AN-32 propellers, courtesy India
The longstanding ties between the Government of India (GOI) and the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) have been a great source of strength for the intellectual, cultural, religious and linguistic interaction, over the past 2500 years. Extending such legacy of generosity and assistance, shared by both nations, have amply demonstrated that Indian Air Force has provided nearly 300 technical courses for the past 20 years for Officers and Airmen of Sri Lanka Air Force, as proof of this long standing defence cooperation, SLAF headquarters said.
On the culmination of the request made by commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, during the recently concluded Defence Dialogue between India and Sri Lanka, to enhance the operational capabilities of the military forces, GOI expressed its preliminary approval for the donation of two sets of AN-32 propellers from the Indian Air Force. On Tuesday (02 May 2023), it was made to witness the signing of the official documents to handover the two sets of AN-32 propellers to Sri Lanka Air Force by Chief of the Air Staff of Indian Air Force Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and Commander of the Air Force in an Acquisition Ceremony held at the No. 2 Heavy Transport Squadron premises, in the SLAF Base, Katunayake. This assistance will be noteworthy to enhance the operational capabilities of the Sri Lanka Air Force, paving way to sustain the serviceability of the AN-32 aircraft fleet for operational requirements of transportation of passengers, cargo, air maintenance, scheduled services, and overseas operations.
The official plaques were exchanged between the visiting Indian Chief of the Air Staff and Commanding Officer of No 02 Squadron Group Captain Nuwan Welagedara to mark this admirable event of the Squadron’s history. After concluding the formalities, an interactive session was conducted with the graceful presence of Chief of the Air Staff and officers of the SLAF Base, Katunayake, which was followed by lunch. This event was attended by the Director General Aeronautical Engineering Air Vice Marshal Ranjith Senanayake, Base Commander SLAF Base Katunayake, officers and other ranks of the Base.
The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, paid a solemn visit to the Embassy of the Vatican in Colombo today (25) to offer condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
During the visit, Dr. Amarasuriya signed the book of condolence, expressing deep sorrow over the demise of the beloved spiritual leader and extending heartfelt sympathies to the Catholic community both in Sri Lanka and around the world:
The Prime Minister was received by the Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio of the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican Embassy in Colombo and other officials.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake conducted an inspection tour of Kandy city on Thursday (24) night to inspect the progress of the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa” and the related issues that have emerged.
The President held an urgent meeting with relevant officials to address the issues related to sanitation facilities for devotees visiting Kandy to venerate the sacred tooth relic
Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha, Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Nilanga Dela Bandara , Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Governor of the Central Province Prof. Sarath Abeykoon, Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatte and others participated in this meeting.
[PMD]
A Sri Lankan delegation met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on the 22nd of April, 2025 at the US Trade Representative Office in Washington D.C.
The Sri Lankan delegation, on the instructions of President Disanayaka, who is also the Minister of Finance, handed over the originals of communications addressed to US Trade Representative Ambassador Greer
The delegation updated Ambassador Greer on the challenges that Sri Lanka has faced in the past and the steps that are being taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to overcome future challenges and move towards full economic recovery. The delegation also highlighted the prompt and positive commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to work with the US Government in reducing the trade deficit, and lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Ambassador Greer acknowledged the proposals made by the Sri Lankan government and expressed hope that an agreement can be reached soon between the two countries to ensure fair and equitable trade relations.
Later on that day, the Sri Lankan delegation met with the USTR delegation appointed by Ambassador Greer lead by Assistant United States Trade Representative, In-charge of South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch along with Director In-charge of South Asia, Emily Ashby to discuss further the appeal made in writing by Sri Lanka to the US. The two sides agreed to continue the discussions with the objective of finalizing a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries. Both sides expressed the desire to finalize the agreement in the shortest possible time period.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries. The head of USTR is the U.S. Trade Representative, a Cabinet member who serves as the president’s principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on trade issues.
[PMD]
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