News
Harsha calls for AG’s report on Port City contracts with private parties
Chairman of the parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (COPF), SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva, has called for the opinion of the Attorney General within four weeks concerning the contracts made by ten business companies currently active in the Colombo Port City, parliament sources said on Thursday.
Following an inquiry conducted last week by the COPF, it was revealed that there are ten business companies operating within the Colombo Port City, and concerns have arisen regarding the manner in which these companies entered into contracts. These contracts were found to have been made at various stages: before the completion of the port city, during its completion, and after its completion, according to sources.
Dr. de Silva, as the COPF chairman, emphasized that these agreements were entered into without due regard for the legal provisions governing such contracts. As a result, he recommended seeking the opinion of the Attorney General within the next four weeks, with an obligation to keep the Committee informed of the Attorney General’s findings.He also highlighted the significance of investigating the constructions carried out by these companies within the Port City area.
Additionally, the COPF’s attention was drawn to the permission granted by the Port City Commission for two crypto-currency exchanges to operate within the Colombo Port City. In response, the COPF recommended conducting an inquiry on this matter through the Central Bank and seeking the bank’s opinion.
At the meeting, the orders issued under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act No. 11 of 2021, as published in the Gazette Notice Notification 2339/31, were approved by the COPF.
State Minister Dr. Suren Raghavan, MPs Chandima Weerakkody, Nimal Lanza, Patali Champika Ranawaka, Duminda Dissanayake, and U. K. Sumith Udukumbura were present at the meeting, parliament sources said.
Voting commenced at 7.00am to elect members to 339 local councils in the island.
Voting is being held at 13,579 polling centers and will end at 4.00 p.m.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong warmly welcomed President Anura Kumara Disanayake during an official ceremony held in Hanoi on Monday (05) morning
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was accorded a ceremonial welcome with full military honours upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace of Vietnam. He also took part in the inspection of the Tri-Forces Guard of Honour and the playing of the national anthems of Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The two leaders then introduced members of their respective delegations before proceeding for bilateral discussions during which both nation assessed their progress, explored avenues for future collaboration and signed Memoranda of Understanding.
Vietnam and Sri Lanka have upheld robust and enduring ties since they established diplomatic relations in 1970. and this visit aims to strengthen political trust and foster effective collaboration across multiple sectors between the two nations.
Sri Lanka and Vietnam engage in annual bilateral trade, primarily in exports, totalling around US$200 million. Both nations aspire to elevate this trade to US$1 billion in the near future.
President Dissanayake’s visit highlights Sri Lanka’s deep commitment to its longstanding friendship with Vietnam and demonstrates a mutual resolve to enhance collaboration in traditional sectors while exploring new opportunities in digital transformation, the digital economy, energy transition, artificial intelligence and connectivity.
[PMD]
Latest News
Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology At 3.30 p.m. 05 May 2025, valid for 06 May 2025
The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
Voting commences to elect members for 339 local government authorities
President holds talks with Vietnamese President
Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
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