News
CMC, Environment Ministry take measures to make Colombo green to combat toxic air
Mayor of Colombo Rosy Senanayake, handing over the project report prepared by Colombo MC “Save a Plant for Colombo” “Project to Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera and Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary Ministry of Environment.
By Ifham Nizam
The government has launched a programme to prevent air pollution in the city and other urban centres by planting trees, Minister Amaraweera says.
The Minister yesterday said latest scientific studies showed that the oxygen level in the atmosphere of the city of Colombo was gradually declining.
On Thursday, a meeting was held between Environment Minister and Colombo Mayor Rosy Senanayake on the tree planting programme.
Mayor Senanayake handed over the ‘Save a Tree for Colombo’ programme prepared by the Colombo Municipal Council to Minister Amaraweera and Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe.
The Mayor also requested that a programme be launched to measure the oxygen content in the air in the Colombo city on a daily basis and provide necessary expertise and technical assistance for environmental conservation in the Colombo Municipal Council area.
Minister Amaraweera said that the Ministry of Environment would extend all possible assistance to the CMC to prevent noise pollution and air pollution in the city of Colombo.
According to the US Air Quality Index, the smallest particulate material, PM 2.5, has a value of between 100 and 150, a condition that can have a profound effect on sensitive groups. PM refers to a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air and particles such as soot, dust, dirt, or smoke as being visible to naked eye. It is categorized according to particle size. PM10 carries particles 10 micrometres or smaller and are inhalable, while PM 2.5 carries particles 2.5 micrometres and smaller which is three times smaller than a hair strand.
“In terms of meteorological conditions, northerly winds are blowing from Indian peninsula which has high air pollution thus worsening the situation here,” an official at the Meteorological Department said.
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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