A special workshop was held today (06) at the Presidential Secretariat to explore the possibility of integrating programmes currently implemented by state institutions that directly contribute to enterprise development with the “Prajashakthi” National Movement.

Discussions focused on identifying development projects undertaken by government institutions for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and incorporating relevant information into a unified data management system.

Attention was also directed towards formulating a strategic framework for the coordinated implementation of these programmes, as well as identifying the nature, scope and eligibility criteria of the initiatives carried out by the respective institutions.

The participating government officials were further briefed on the criteria for selecting beneficiaries for programmes directly related to enterprise development.

In addition, discussions centred on identifying programmes that could be implemented independently or jointly by the relevant state institutions and the “Prajashakthi” National Movement. Particular attention was paid to preventing duplication and overlap in programme selection and implementation.

Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara, Secretary to the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Sampath Manthrinayake, resource persons Kalum Jayaveera and Madhava Muthukudaarachchi, officials of the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, government officials, and representatives of the Prajashakthi Secretariat were among those who attended the workshop.

(PMD)

Wrapping up their goodwill and replenishment visit, the Pakistan Navy ships ‘PNS Taimur’ and ‘PNS Aslat’, along with the submarine ‘PNS/M Hangor’, departed the island on 04 Jun 26. The naval units, which arrived in Sri Lanka on 01 June, were accorded a traditional naval send-off by the Sri Lanka Navy at the Port of Colombo, upon their departure.

During their stay, the Commanding Officers of Pakistan Navy ships and submarine called on the Commander Western Naval Area and the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet at the Western Naval Command Headquarters, where discussions were held on several matters of mutual interest.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Navy personnel had the opportunity to visit the visiting Pakistan Navy ships and submarine. Furthermore, the crews of the visiting vessels explored the rich heritage of Sri Lanka, taking time to tour several culturally significant landmarks across the island.

China and Sri Lanka have intensified joint law enforcement efforts to combat cross-border online gambling and telecom fraud, crimes that authorities warn are increasingly spreading across Asia and beyond.

The Chinese Embassy in Colombo said both countries are working closely to dismantle scam centres and fraud networks that have relocated to Sri Lanka from other parts of Southeast Asia. The Embassy noted that such operations often intertwine with human trafficking and other serious crimes, posing grave risks to public security and social stability.

China’s position on cross-border gambling remains firm: Chinese capital is prohibited from investing in overseas casinos, citizens are barred from operating them, and foreign casinos are forbidden from soliciting Chinese nationals. The Embassy stressed that gambling “almost invariably leads to financial ruin,” with tens of thousands of Chinese citizens suffering losses and harm. Recent amendments to China’s Criminal Law have criminalised cross-border gambling activities.

The Embassy pointed out that Sri Lankan authorities have carried out multiple raids in recent months, dismantling gambling and fraud dens and arresting suspects from several countries. Several Chinese nationals, involved in fraud-related crimes, have been handed over to Chinese authorities, producing what officials described as a strong deterrent effect.

The Chinese Embassy praised the efforts of Sri Lanka’s ministries of Foreign Affairs, Finance, and Public Security, particularly immigration and police officials, for their cooperation.

It warned that without firm and immediate measures, the spread of illegal gambling and fraud could damage Sri Lanka’s international image, undermine social stability, and harm the safety and security of its people.

China has already conducted similar law enforcement cooperation with countries including Spain, the UAE, Myanmar, and Cambodia, leading to arrests and repatriations of overseas fraud suspects. It has also proposed the creation of an international alliance against telecom and online fraud to coordinate global efforts, it said.

Going forward, China pledged to actively implement the Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative, while continuing to deepen law enforcement and security cooperation with Sri Lanka.

The Embassy said these efforts aim to safeguard lives and property, protect financial security, and build a “clean, safe, and beautiful Sri Lanka,” while contributing to a new global framework for combating transnational crime.