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Hirdaramani Apparel, Lacoste Foundation, and UNDP collaborate to empower 100 families with increased income and nutrition supply

Hirdaramani Apparel and the Lacoste Foundation have come together through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka’s facility for Private Sector Giving to promote socio-economic recovery and food security and address its multidimensional vulnerabilities.
To signify the partnership, Vinod Hirdaramani – Chairman, Hirdaramani Apparel, and Azusa Kubota – Resident Representative of UNDP in Sri Lanka, engaged in a symbolic exchange of letters. Fadhil Bakeer Markar – Strategic Engagement, Digital, and Innovation Team Leader, UNDP in Sri Lanka, Buddika Hapuarachchi – Team Leader, Climate and Environment, UNDP in Sri Lanka, Damith Chandrasekara – Technical Specialist, Climate Smart Programme, UNDP in Sri Lanka and Imanthi Perera, General Manager – Corporate Communications, Hirdaramani Apparel were also in attendance for the occasion.
Speaking on the partnership, Azusa Kubota – Resident Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka noted, “Towards achieving inclusive growth and building broad-based resilience in communities, UNDP gives utmost importance to working directly with vulnerable communities and families. In order to do so, we must work with multiple partners. Therefore, we deeply appreciate the valuable partnership with Hirdaramani Apparel and Lacoste Foundation to expand on the work spearheaded by the UNDP Private Sector Giving Facility, with a focus on economic empowerment of women for sustainable futures.”
The grants for Integrated Backyard Poultry and Market Development will support over 100 families through the integration of free-range backyard poultry (country birds) farming with commercial fruit and vegetables, helping increase income and nutrition supply for the beneficiaries. The initiative will additionally play a key role in creating market linkages and access to eco-friendly fruits and vegetables on a regular basis for 500+ community members.
Commenting on the partnership, Vinod Hirdaramani – Chairman, Hirdaramani Apparel stated, “Uplifting the lives of communities across our footprint is a commitment that we have always taken to heart. The collaboration between the Lacoste Foundation and Hirdaramani is built on shared values, enabling us to invest in strengthening community livelihoods and enhancing overall quality of life. We are happy to have the support of the UNDP for this endeavour, and we will continue to collaborate with like-minded partners to ensure that every touchpoint across our communities experiences a change for the better through the way we conduct our business.”
The initiative is well-aligned with the core values of the Lacoste Foundation and Hirdaramani Apparel, in aspiring to improve the living conditions of local communities under the focus areas of Education, Environment, and Health. The beneficiaries of the project will be communities residing in two remote villages based in Vavuniya Town and Vavuniya South DS divisions and is in close proximity to Hirdaramani’s manufacturing operations in the area.
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Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi concludes State Visit to Sri Lanka

Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi departed today (06) from Air Force Base Anuradhapura concluding his State visit to Sri Lanka. The Indian Premier embarked on a tour to Sri Lanka at the invitation from President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
This visit underscores the enduring relationship encapsulated by the theme “Friendship of Centuries, Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” further solidifying the bonds between India and Sri Lanka.
This marks Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, which has further enhanced the economic, cultural, and historical relations between the two nations, while also reinforcing their multifaceted partnership. This visit by the Indian Prime Minister reinforces Sri Lanka’s important role in India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision concerning diplomatic relations.
This state visit is anticipated to yield significant results on various collaborative initiatives, fostering a path towards mutual growth and development. The citizens of Sri Lanka will soon be able to witness the fruitful outcomes of these partnerships, and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit will mark a significant milestone in the government’s pursuit of sustainable development focused on the needs of the people.
Accompanying Indian Prime Minister Modi were Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and a delegation of senior officials from the Indian government.
[PMD]
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President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system

The upgraded Maho–Omanthai railway line and the newly installed Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system were officially commissioned by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (06)
The Prime Minister of India is currently visiting Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, reinforcing the longstanding bond encapsulated in the theme “Friendship of Centuries Commitment to a Prosperous Future” between the two nations.
Highlighting one of the key aspects of this visit, the two leaders participated in these inaugural ceremonies. The President and the Prime Minister of India jointly unveiled the commemorative plaque and commissioned the railway line and signalling system.
The upgraded Maho-Omanthai Railway Line project was carried out with funding through the Indian Credit Line, totalling an investment of US$ 91.27 million. The Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system, established as a result of President Disanayake’s recent visit to India, was funded by the Indian Government at a cost of USD 14.89 million.
[PMD]
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Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, currently on a State visit to Sri Lanka, along with President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura this morning (06) and received blessings.
Following his visit to the sacred site, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to the Udamaluwa, where he met with the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthanadhipathi and Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwarakalaviya, Most Venerable Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera, for a cordial discussion.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister shared that relics of the Buddha were discovered in excavations conducted in his home state of Gujarat during the 1960s. He further stated that he would discuss with the President of Sri Lanka the possibility of exhibiting these sacred relics in Sri Lanka.
Responding to a request made by the Atamasthanadhipathi to develop Bodh Gaya as a spiritual city, Prime Minister Modi assured that he would take the necessary steps after discussions with President Disanayake and work towards making it a reality.
The Maha Sangha, led by the Atamasthanadhipathi, chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the Indian Prime Minister.
The Indian Prime Minister also left a commemorative note in the special guest book at the site. In addition, he formally declared open the newly constructed ‘Makara Thorana’ within the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises.
The occasion was also attended by Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya Temple Ven. Ethalawetunawewe Gnanathilaka Thera and other Atamasthana Viharadhipathi Theras, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and others.
[PMD]
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