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Colombo hosts first-ever Indian Ocean Summit on World Oceans Day 2025

Published

6 months ago

2025/06/1

The Indian Ocean Divers Association (IODA) is a pioneering not-for-profit organisation dedicated to marine conservation and responsible dive tourism, is proud to announce its first Indian Ocean Summit, scheduled to take place at Cinnamon Grand in Colombo on June 7 at marking World Oceans Day in a truly transformative way.

The event is being held in partnership with the Chamber of Marine Industries, Sri Lanka, and is set to become a landmark occasion for the region’s diving and marine tourism industry, a strong signal of national support for the summit’s goals of sustainable marine development and tourism growth.

Bringing together an extraordinary network of divers, ocean advocates, industry leaders, marine scientists, conservationists, and tourism professionals, the IODA Summit aims to promote sustainable business practices, strengthen cross-border collaboration, and advocate for the preservation of the Indian Ocean’s rich marine biodiversity.

With an inclusive and visionary agenda, the Summit will feature high-level panel discussions. expert presentations, and networking opportunities that address a wide spectrum of issues – from marine ecosystem conservation and sustainable tourism models to innovations in diving and underwater film technology and eco-conscious business development.

“We are thrilled to host our first Indian Ocean Summit in Colombo, a city that sits at the heart of the Indian Ocan and represents the potential of the region’s marine economy,” said a spokesperson for IODA. “This is more than a conference – it’s a rallying call for shared responsibility and action across the Indian Ocean nations.”

The Summit is expected to attract stakeholders from across Sri Lanka, Maldives, India and Southeast Asia, with many renowned names from the global diving and ocean conservation community confirmed to participate.

Hosting this high-profile Summit places Sri Lanka at the center of a regional conversation about ocean sustainability and the future of marine tourism. It provides a strategic platform for showcasing Sri Lanka’s world-class diving sites, expanding its presence in the international dive. tourism market and exploring new partnerships in marine conservation and innovation.

The collaboration between IODA and the Chamber of Marine Industries also signals a growing recognition of the marine sector’s role in Sri Lanka’s economic revival, environmental stewardship, and youth employment opportunities.

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President’s Fund supports renovation of Wijewardane Children’s Home in Panadura

Published

8 mins ago

2025/12/11

Priyan

With the intervention of the President’s Fund, the Wijewardane Children’s Home in Panadura has been completely renovated and was returned for use on Wednesday (10).

Following a request from the Home’s Board of Management, the renovation work was carried out with the technical assistance and labour support of the Sri Lanka Navy. The project included painting of dormitories and other areas, refurbishment of the kitchen and repair of electrical appliances such as non-functional ceiling fans.

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Level III landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale extended

Published

2 hours ago

2025/12/11

Priyan

The Level III landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale by the landslide early warning center of the National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] have been extended until 1600 hrs on Friday [12th December 2025]

Accordingly,
The LEVEL III RED warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Kundasale, Pasbage Korale, Medadumbara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Pathadumbara, Doluwa, Panvila, Gangawata Korale, Ududumbara, Akurana, Yatinuwara, Harispattuwa, Deltota, Thumpane, Poojapitiya, Udapalatha, Udunuwara, Minipe and Pathahewaheta in the Kandy district, Yatiyanthota in the Kegalle district, Rideegama, Mawathagama and Mallawapitiya in the Kurunegala district, and Yatawatta, Ambanganga Korale, Wilgamuwa, Laggala Pallegama, Rattota, Pallepola, Naula, Matale and Ukuwela in the Matale district have been extended.

LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Hali_Ela, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Kandeketiya, Bandarawela, Soranathota, Ella, Haputhale, Lunugala, Welimada, Haldummulla and Passara in the Badulla district, Warakapola, Kegalle, Mawanella, Rambukkana, Bulathkohupitiya, Dehiowita, Ruwanwella, Aranayaka, Galigamuwa and Deraniyagala in the Kegalle district, Alawwa and Polgahawela in the Kurunegala district, Kothmale East, Thalawakele, Walapane, Kothmale West, Nuwara Eliya, Mathurata, Nildandahinna, Hanguranketha, Ambagamuwa Korale and Norwood in the Nuwara Eliya district, and Kolonna, Kahawaththa and Godakawela in the Ratnapura district.

LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Divulapitiya, Attanagalla and Mirigama in the Gampaha district, Narammala in the Kurunegala district, and Balangoda, Kalawana, Ratnapura, Kuruwita, Imbulpe, Ayagama, Openayake, Nivithigala, Kaltota, Eheliyagoda, Elapatha, Kiriella and Pelmadulla in the Ratnapura district.

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Sri Lanka grateful for the support extended by the United States and other friendly nations following the recent disaster – President

Published

3 hours ago

2025/12/11

Priyan

During a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat today (11), Ms. Allison Hooker, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, expressed her confidence in President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s leadership in steering Sri Lanka’s recovery and rebuilding efforts. She affirmed that the United States stands ready to provide any necessary support to assist Sri Lanka’s recovery.

Ms. Hooker also conveyed her condolences to the families of the victims of the disaster and expressed satisfaction at being able to extend assistance during this challenging period.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake conveyed his appreciation for the assistance provided by the President of the United States and the government in dispatching various relief teams to the country during this challenging period. The President also acknowledged the sincere support offered to Sri Lanka by all friendly nations globally, including the United States.

President Dissanayake highlighted that Sri Lanka encountered this disaster while the nation’s economy was on the path to stabilization and economic indicators were showing improvement. He emphasized the need for future focus on enhancing the livelihoods of those affected and on the long-term development of infrastructure facilities.

The President stated that restoring infrastructure, including highways and railways, as well as key income sources such as agriculture, livestock and small to medium-sized enterprises, which have been devastated by floods and landslides, will require time. He also expressed the expectation of support from all friendly nations in this effort.

The Under Secretary of State emphasized that the United States has drawn its attention to restarting discussions regarding US tariffs. Additionally, she expressed support for enhancing tourism between the United States and Sri Lanka, as well as for the growth of trade and maritime operations between the two nations. Furthermore, she highlighted U.S. support for Sri Lanka’s initiatives to combat drug-related issues.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake noted that a significant number of American tourists have visited the country recently and that Sri Lanka anticipates a continued increase in such arrivals. He acknowledged the support of the U.S. government in assisting the Sri Lankan people to overcome the ongoing disaster and improve their quality of life.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma and members of the U.S. diplomatic mission, including U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Ms. Julie Chang.