News
Pathfinder Foundation hosts geostrategic dialogue
The inaugural Dialogue between the Pathfinder Foundation and the Asia New Zealand Foundation was held in Colombo.The event explored several key areas of interest for Sri Lanka and New Zealand, and by extension to small states in the Asia Pacific, consequent to a renewed interest in the region by major powers and the consequential multiple challenges that small states face in dealing with the rapidly changing geopolitical situation.
The themes focused upon were: Indo-Pacific Strategic Security Dynamics: space for middle and small-sized states to shape regional order, Domestic policy reform and regionalism for prosperity and integration, New Zealand – Sri Lanka regional foreign policies, Managing bi-lateral ties with global powers in the 21st Century – approaches by New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
The Asia New Zealand Foundation participants comprised Prof. David Capie, Head of the Centre for Strategic Studies, Victoria University, Wellington; Suzannah Jessep, Director, Asia New Zealand Foundation; Dr. Manjeet Pardesi, Victoria University, Wellington, Traci Epps, Independent Trade and Law Specialist.
The Pathfinder Foundation participants included Dr. Dayaratna Silva, Executive Director, Pathfinder Foundation; Dr. Bhagya Senaratne, Department of Strategic Studies, Gen. Sir John Kotelawala University; Subashini Abeysinghe, Research Director, Verité Research; and Dr. Pavithra Jayawardena, Department of International, Colombo University.
Bernard Goonetilleke, Chairman, of the Pathfinder Foundation, made the opening remarks with Prof. David Capie, while the Sessions were alternatively chaired by Ahmed A. Jawad, Director of Pathfinder Foundation, and Prof. David Capie of Wellington University. Michael Appleton, the High Commissioner for New Zealand, graced the occasion as a distinguished invitee.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development to accept 08 used low floorboard buses offered as a grant by the Government of Japan.
News
Payment of the financial subsidy for fertilizer to farmers cultivating paddy lands for the Yala season 2026.
While approval has been granted at the Cabinet meeting held on 18.08.2025 to pay the financial subsidy for fertilizer to farmers cultivating paddy lands for the Maha season 2025/26, the programme is planned to be continued for the Yala season 2026 as well.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation to pay a financial subsidy of Rupees 25,000/- per hectare and for a maximum of 02 hectares per farmer for paddy cultivation and to pay Rupees 15,000/- per hectare for field crops cultivated in paddy lands[maximum of 02 hectares per farmer]
News
Ministerial Committee appointed to submit recommendations on proposed program to mitigate loss of crops to wild animals
The rural agricultural livelihood and food security have been severely impacted due to the damage caused by wild animals such as elephants, wild boars, monkeys, toque macaque, squirrels, and peacocks roaming around human habitats and cultivated lands.
Animal-human conflicts and property destruction have mostly been reported around these areas, and serious social and economic issues have also arisen.
Therefore, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation has prepared a comprehensive program based on the opinions of all stakeholders, including the public, university community, farmers’ organizations, environmentalists, non-governmental organizations which work for environmental issues, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Agrarian Development, and other relevant organizations.
Taking into consideration the report submitted by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation, the Cabinet of Ministers has decided to appoint a ministerial committee with the participation of other relevant ministers, chaired by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation, to submit appropriate recommendations on how the aforementioned program should be implemented by further reviewing the proposals included in the said program and incorporating new proposals.
Cabinet nod to accept Japanese government grant of 08 used low floorboard buses
Payment of the financial subsidy for fertilizer to farmers cultivating paddy lands for the Yala season 2026.
Ministerial Committee appointed to submit recommendations on proposed program to mitigate loss of crops to wild animals
New Zealand elect to bowl first at Eden Gardens
Cabinet approves import of Maize to meet shortfall
Cabinet nod for the removal of Cess tax imposed on imported good
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
Features3 days agoBrilliant Navy officer no more
-
Opinion6 days agoJamming and re-setting the world: What is the role of Donald Trump?
-
Features6 days agoAn innocent bystander or a passive onlooker?
-
Features7 days agoRatmalana Airport: The Truth, The Whole Truth, And Nothing But The Truth
-
Opinion3 days agoSri Lanka – world’s worst facilities for cricket fans
-
Business7 days agoIRCSL transforms Sri Lanka’s insurance industry with first-ever Centralized Insurance Data Repository
-
Business6 days agoAn efficacious strategy to boost exports of Sri Lanka in medium term
-
Features4 days agoOverseas visits to drum up foreign assistance for Sri Lanka