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Lankan Ambassador to Thailand takes up regional security issues with Thai authorities
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Thailand, Wijayanthi Edirisinghe recently met Thai National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-General Chatchai Bangchuad and discussed strengthening collaboration on regional security challenges, according to a statement from the Sri Lanka Embassy in Bangkok.
The meeting centred on enhancing bilateral cooperation to address mutual security concerns, including national defence, combatting human trafficking, and tackling transboundary security threats that pose significant risks to the region. Both sides stressed the importance of bolstering interaction between their respective security apparatuses to reinforce these efforts.
Ambassador Edirisinghe highlighted the need to deepen defence cooperation and advocated for knowledge-sharing initiatives on national security policy development. She also emphasised the value of capacity-building programmes and expertise exchanges to support Sri Lanka in formulating robust security policies and frameworks.
In response, Secretary-General Chatchai Bangchuad reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to enhancing ties with Sri Lanka and pledged support in critical areas. He particularly underscored Thailand’s readiness to assist in combating human trafficking, with a focus on rescue operations linked to cybercrime centres in Myanmar, which are emerging as a growing regional threat.
The NSC, operating under Thailand’s Office of the Prime Minister, plays a pivotal role in coordinating the country’s security and defence strategies. Ambassador Edirisinghe lauded the NSC’s contributions to advancing national security and expressed Sri Lanka’s keen interest in learning from Thailand’s policy development and implementation experience.
This high-level dialogue signifies another step forward in the historic partnership between Sri Lanka and Thailand through common Buddhist bonds. Both nations reiterated their shared commitment to regional stability and security, vowing to work together to address pressing challenges and promote peace and prosperity in the region.
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi arrived in the island a short while ago on a three-day state visit.
The Indian Prime Minister was received at the Katunayake International Airport by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath.
PM Modi is accompanied by Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar, Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Indian Foreign Secretary and several senior officials of the Government of India.
The General Manager of Railways has announced that the following special train services will operate during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period.
1. From Colombo Fort to Badulla – departing Colombo Fort at 1930 hrs on 11th, 12th, 19th and 20th April
2. From Badulla to Colombo Fort – departing Badulla at 1750 hrs on 11th, 12th, 19th and 20th April
3. From Galle to Anuradhapura – departing Galle at 0400 hrs on 12th and 13th April
4. From Anuradhapura to Galle – departing Anuradhapura at 1500 hrs on 12th and 13th April
5. From Colombo Fort to Galle – departing Colombo Fort at 120 hrs on 10th, 11th, 15th and 20th April
6. From Galle to Colombo Fort – departing Galle at 0610 hrs on 11th, 12th, 16th and 21st April
7. From Colombo Fort to Galle – departing Colombo Fort at 1330 hrs on 12th and 13th April
8. From Colombo Fort to Kankasanthurai [Intercity Express] – departing Colombo Fort at 0530 hrs on 11th and 18th April
9. From Kankasanthurai to Colombo Fort [Intercity Express] – departing Kankasanthurai at 1350 hrs on 11th and 18th April
10. From Beliatta to Colombo Fort – departing Beliatta at 0825 hrs on 12th, 13th, 18th, 19th and 20th April
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya visited Hamburg, Germany, focusing on strengthening vocational education and economic partnerships between the two nations. During her visit, she participated in the 102nd East Asia Friendship Dinner, met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and engaged in high-level discussions on investment, education, and economic reforms.
As a Guest of Honour at the German Asia-Pacific Business Association (OAV) annual gathering, Prime Minister Amarasuriya addressed an audience of business leaders and dignitaries, emphasizing Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and its potential as a growing investment destination. She highlighted the contributions of over 160 German companies in Sri Lanka and invited further collaboration in trade and business.
In her capacity as the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, the Prime Minister delivered a keynote speech at the ’German-Asian Forum on Vocational Education & Training.’ She acknowledged Germany’s decades-long support in Sri Lanka’s vocational education sector and stressed the importance of modernizing vocational training to align with industry demands. Additionally, she visited ITECH vocational school and German research hubs such as NXP Semiconductors and DESY, discussing collaboration in IT and technology-driven industries.
During her discussions with President Steinmeier, Prime Minister Amarasuriya reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to economic stability, social protection, and national unity. She also attended a business roundtable, where she engaged with German companies and government representatives on economic expansion, digitalization, and sustainable development initiatives.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Germany, Varuni Muthukumarana, and senior embassy officials.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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