News
Direct flights to resume between BIA and Manila
The Philippine Ambassador to Sri Lanka Leo Tito L. Ausan has assured comprehensive support for Sri Lanka’s future naval and aviation activities.The ambassador gave this assurance during a meeting with Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation – Nimal Siripala de Silva, yesterday (20) at the latter’s office. During the discussion, the ambassador said that a significant number of Filipino tourists would be visiting Sri Lanka this year. He also mentioned that steps would be taken to resume direct flights from Manila to Katunayake, which have been suspended for a long time.
The minister instructed the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority Sagara Kotakadeniya, to take necessary steps to obtain approval for resuming direct flights between the two destinations after the agreements are signed.
The ambassador also stated that the Philippines, a leader in the global maritime sector, has agreed to establish a training school with modern technology to train Sri Lankan seafarers. Minister de Silva in reply said that a joint program would be set up in collaboration with the Mahapola Maritime Academy of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). The minister also expressed his gratitude for the support extended by the Philippines government to Sri Lanka on various occasions in the past.The Sri Lankan Consul General in the Philippines – Hugh Sriyal Dissanayake, and the Philippine Deputy Consul General – Ms. Maria Tanya also attended the discussions.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to instruct the Legal Draftsman to prepare a draft bill to amend the State Mortgage and Investment Bank Law No. 13 of 1975
By Cabinet decision dated 2025-12-01, policy approval was granted to amend the definition of the term “animal” in the Animals Act No. 29 of 1958 by including, pigs, goats, and sheep, in addition to cattle and buffaloes, within the interpretation section of the act.
In accordance with the said approval, the Legal Draftsman has drafted an Amended Bill in all three languages, and the clearance of the Attorney General has also been obtained.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the
resolution furnished by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation to publish the draft Amendment Bill in the Government Gazette and thereafter to submit the same to the Parliament for its concurrence.
News
Cabinet approves establishment of a ‘Trust’ to carry out the management of the Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre
The Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre, comprising 11 floors, has been constructed with the assistance of the Government of India with the objective of serving as a hub for cultural activities in Sri Lanka and expanding bilateral cooperation for the promotion, preservation, and fostering the cultural heritage of Jaffna.
In accordance with the approval granted at the Cabinet meeting held on 2022-02-21, a Joint Management Committee has been appointed to make decisions relating to the affairs of the said cultural centre, in terms of the Memorandum of Understanding signed for the operation of the Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre.
According to the provisions of the aforementioned MOU, upon completion of the construction of the project, the cultural centre should be transferred to the Jaffna Municipal Council through the Government of Sri Lanka.
Following such transfer, the relevant parties have reached an agreement to establish a ‘trust’ for carrying out the management activities of the centre. The Attorney General’s clearance has been received for the draft trust deed prepared for that purpose.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs to establish the trust to continue the management activities of the Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre
Eshan Malinga keeps getting them in the second half
State Mortgage and Investment Bank Law No. 13 of 1975 to be amended
Animals Act No. 29 of 1958 amended
Cabinet approves establishment of a ‘Trust’ to carry out the management of the Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre
Prime Minister Keir Starmer under pressure as ministers quit, 80 MPs urge him to resign
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