News
Opposition boycotts President’s tea party, barring Eran and Welgama
Opposition MPs, except SJB MPs Eran Wickremaratne and Kumara Welgama, boycotted the tea party hosted by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa after delivering his presidential policy statement in Parliament yesterday.
Opposition party members did not attend the party held at the Parliament restaurant as a sign of protest against the President, an opposition MP said. He said that many other opposition MPs proposed to boycott the event while others suggested that they should all dress in black but several leaders argued that they should be present in the House to respect the tradition. “We respected the tradition, not the man. Some of those who proposed did not attend the session,” the opposition MP said.
Around 20 opposition MPs in the opposition ranks were absent, while MP Radhakrishnan was seen wearing a black suit (SI)
Business
Political Stability Paves the Way for a Favorable Investment Environment in the Country – President
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that with the political stability that has prevailed in the country today, an environment suitable for investment has been created.
He further emphasized that there will be no political influence in granting new investment opportunities, such as those based on political affiliations. The President assured that the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka would be granted full autonomy to attract clean investments that are beneficial to the country.
The President made these remarks during a discussion held with senior officials of the BOI at the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday (05).
President Dissanayake emphasized the importance of achieving both political and financial stability in the country. He stated that the Board of Investment bears a significant responsibility in this regard. He further stressed that the BOI must remain committed to fulfilling its assigned duties effectively and assured that the BOI would be granted full independence to attract investors who can bring meaningful benefits to the nation.
Additionally, the President announced that the upcoming budget would prioritize provisions to enhance the BOI’s efficiency. Plans are also underway to establish five new investment zones across the country next year.
Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Chairman of the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka Arjuna Herath, Director General Renuka M. Weerakone, and a group of officials also attended the meeting.
News
Refrain from reporting false information that could harm national harmony – President
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized that he regards the media not as outsiders but as an integral part of the effort to build a better state and improve the lives of all citizens.
He made these remarks during a meeting held on Thursday (05) with the heads of electronic media organizations at the Presidential Secretariat.
The President highlighted that the people expect a good political culture and elected the current government to fulfill that expectation. He invited all media organizations to collaborate in fostering the new political, social, and economic changes that the people desire.
Additionally, President Dissanayake urged media heads to refrain from reporting false information that could harm national harmony. While affirming that the media has the right to question or criticize the government on political and economic matters, he stressed the importance of responsible reporting.
Recalling the country’s history of enduring decades of war, the President declared that racism would never be permitted again. He also assured that he would not compromise or restrict media freedom in any way.
During the meeting, the President elaborated on the government’s stance on several critical issues under public discussion. He outlined programs such as the initiative to eradicate poverty, a pressing issue, and the Clean Sri Lanka program.
The event was attended by members of the Sri Lanka Broadcasters’ Guild., along with senior officials, including heads of electronic media institutions, group directors, chief executive officers, and general managers.
Latest News
All professionals invited to participate in creating a digital economy- President
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized the need for the support of all professionals to digitize the country and actively participate in the process, at a time when the expectations of the political establishment and digital technologists are aligned.
He further assured that he would firmly stand by this vision at any time.
The President shared these remarks while addressing officials of the Ministry of Digital Economic Affairs after assuming duties as the Minister of Digital Economic Affairs on Thursday (05).
Highlighting the benefits of digitalization, the President stated that it has the potential to enhance the efficiency of economic activities and elevate the country’s economy to greater heights.
The President highlighted that the government’s primary objectives are poverty eradication, transforming social attitudes, and advancing digitalization.
The President emphasized that a country’s development cannot be achieved solely by constructing buildings. Reflecting on the past, he recalled the existence of a dedicated construction ministry two decades ago and noted that currently, construction activities are being undertaken by every ministry.
He revealed that during discussions with the Ministry of Education authorities and university chancellors last year, no attention was given to education reforms, with the focus remaining solely on building construction.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also highlighted that despite the Ministry of Labor possessing two large buildings, there has been no reduction in public queues, stressing that digitalization is essential to address such issues effectively.
The Ministry has outlined a plan to generate an income of USD 15 billion within the next five years through the digital economy.
Efforts will also be directed towards increasing the digital workforce to 200,000 and digitizing the entire country within the same timeframe.
Engineer Eranga Weeraratne assumed duties as the Deputy Minister of Digital Economy during this occasion.
The event was attended by Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Senior Advisor to the President on Digital Affairs Hans Wijayasuriya, who is also the Chairman of ICTA, along with a group of officials
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