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President invites Japanese business leaders to invest in Sri Lanka

Published

7 months ago

2025/10/1

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has invited the Japanese business community to make use of the emerging economic opportunities in Sri Lanka.

The President made this request on Monda while addressing the Japan–Sri Lanka Business Forum held at the headquarters of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).

The event was attended by nearly 200 senior members of Japan’s business community and was jointly organised by JETRO, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (METI), the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan, the Japan–Sri Lanka Business Cooperation Committee and the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI).

Addressing the forum, Dr Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka on Digital Economy, outlined the Sri Lankan Government’s strategic priorities for the country’s national digitalisation process. He highlighted opportunities for growth in areas such as digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI), with a particular focus on positioning Sri Lanka as a regional hub for data centre development.

In addition, the BOI presented key sectors prioritised for Japanese investment, including manufacturing, information and communication technology, renewable energy and tourism. Sri Lanka’s commitment to facilitating investment needs through robust policy support and streamlined procedures was emphasised.

A dedicated networking session between representatives of Sri Lanka’s business delegation and the Japanese business community was also held, the PMD said.

On the sidelines of the forum, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held discussions with Mr Norihiko Ishiguro, Chairman of JETRO.

Reaffirming JETRO’s commitment, Chairman Ishiguro pledged to act as a bridge between the business communities of the two countries in order to strengthen continuous engagement and develop mutually beneficial partnerships with Sri Lanka, it added.

Representing Sri Lanka at the occasion were Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath; Western Province Governor Hanif Yusuf; Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Japan, Professor Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe; Dr Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy; and Duminda Hulugamuwa, Senior Economic Adviser to the President; together with a group of senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Representing Japan, State Minister of Economy, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Mr. Ogushi Masaki; Chairman of the Japan–Sri Lanka Business Cooperation Committee, Mr Fumihiko Kobayashi; along with senior representatives of the Japan–Sri Lanka Business Council and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce also attended the forum.

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

Published

4 hours ago

2026/04/21

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
at 3.30 p.m. on 20 April 2026, valid for 21 April 2026

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in 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.

Latest News

Advisory for Severe Lightning issued for all provinces of Sri Lanka

Published

10 hours ago

2026/04/20

Priyan

Advisory for Severe Lightning
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 12.00 noon 20 April 2026 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 20 April 2026

Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur most places in the island after 1.00 p.m.

There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

ACTION REQUIRED:

The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:

 Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.

 Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.

 Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.

 Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.

 Beware of fallen trees and power lines.

 For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.

News

Indian Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan meets Prime Minister

Published

11 hours ago

2026/04/20

Priyan

The Vice President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan, who is currently on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka, held a bilateral discussion with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Sunday (19) morning at Temple Trees.

Upon his arrival at Temple Trees, the Indian Vice President was received by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. The Prime Minister also extended her congratulations to C.P. Radhakrishnan on his appointment as the Vice President of India.

During the meeting, the Vice President noted that this is his first official visit to Sri Lanka and expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him during his stay.

The occasion was attended by the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel; Members of Parliament Dr. K. Laxman and Dr. Medha Vishram Kulkarni; Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri; and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, and representing the Government of Sri Lanka the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath; Minister of Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage; Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj; Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri; Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Harshana Suriyapperuma; Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa; and several other officials.