News
Prime Minister commemorates Lalith Athulathmudali’s legacy at BIMCH
Prime Minister Dinesh Guanwardena delivered the Lalith Athulathmudali oration at BIMCH Colombo, honoring the memory of the late esteemed statesman. The event, commemorating Athulathmudali’s 87th birth anniversary, paid homage to his remarkable contributions to Sri Lanka’s socio-political landscape.
Reflecting on his initial parliamentary days in 1983, Prime Minister Guanwardena recalled Athulathmudali’s unparalleled intellectual prowess and conduct, describing him as a true patriot dedicated to serving the nation. He praised Athulathmudali’s legacy, particularly emphasizing the Mahapola Higher Education Trust Fund, a testament to his commitment to public service and education.
The Prime Minister emphasized Athulathmudali’s pivotal role as a leader in the government formed in 1977. He highlighted the transformative changes introduced during that era, shifting Sri Lanka towards a market economy. Athulathmudali’s tenure as Minister of Trade and Shipping was credited for streamlining institutions, crucial for the government’s pursuit of economic transformation.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister highlighted Colombo’s evolution into a bustling commercial city due to strategic interventions in harbor expansion and port technologies. He underscored Athulathmudali’s spatial development strategy, transforming the city’s suburbs into a metropolitan agglomeration, accommodating an array of small and medium businesses.
Addressing the socio-economic dynamics, the Prime Minister acknowledged the persistent socio-economic dependency on traditional exports, urging radical reforms in land use and agriculture. He echoed President Ranil Wickramasinghe’s emphasis on significant changes in land reform and agriculture to alleviate poverty and foster economic growth.
Moreover, the Prime Minister stressed the need to address historical land alienation that marginalized rural communities, emphasizing their cry for land to ensure food security and boost production.
In closing, the Prime Minister recalled the collaborative spirit of Athulathmudali’s parliamentary sessions, advocating for principled discussions and cooperation between government and opposition for the greater good. He concluded by commemorating Athulathmudali’s unwavering defense of Sri Lanka’s unitary state and democracy, acknowledging his sacrifice for future generations.
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]
Latest News
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]
Latest News
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]
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi concludes State Visit to Sri Lanka
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
-
Business2 days agoDaraz Sri Lanka ushers in the New Year with 4.4 Avurudu Wasi Pro Max – Sri Lanka’s biggest online Avurudu sale
-
News7 days agoBid to include genocide allegation against Sri Lanka in Canada’s school curriculum thwarted
-
Business3 days agoStrengthening SDG integration into provincial planning and development process
-
Business2 days agoNew SL Sovereign Bonds win foreign investor confidence
-
Features17 hours agoStarlink in the Global South
-
Sports4 days agoTo play or not to play is Richmond’s decision
-
Latest News6 days agoIPL 2025: Rookies Ashwani and Rickelton lead Mumbai Indians to first win
-
Sports5 days agoTrinity, St. Anthony’s out to end decade long victory drought