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Profood Propack and Agbiz Exhibition in Colombo from Aug 05-07

Published

4 years ago

2022/04/3

Sahan Weerasooriya

Secretary to the Ministry of Industries Gen Daya Ratnayake

Text and Pic by Jude Denzil Pathiraja

Pro Food, Pro Pack & Ag-biz 2022, Sri Lanka’s only comprehensive food, agriculture and packaging exhibition will open its doors to the general public and trade visitors from Aug 5 to 7 for the 19th consecutive year at the BMICH Exhibition Center, Colombo, it was announced on Thursday.

The exhibition is organized by the Sri Lanka Food Processors Association together with Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd (LECS). The exhibition is supported and endorsed by the Ministry of Industries.

Secretary to the Ministry of Industries Gen Daya Ratnayake guest of honour of the Thursday’s event said that the exhibition is expected to provide a unique and comprehensive platform for the discovery and introduction of food processing, engineering and packaging services among a host of other benefits for both visitors and the stall holders.

Outgoing President of the Sri Lanka Food Processors’ Association (SLFPA) Nishan Perera said that more than 200 stalls have been allocated for the local and foreign exhibitor. Pro Food, Pro Pack & Ag-biz 2022 is the biggest event in the country in relation to the food, beverage, packaging and agriculture sector.

SLFPA President elect Delano Dias said that the exhibition has witnessed an evolutionary increase over the decades will be held under the theme “farm to the fork” denoting the entire chain of the food industry. Which includes the revolve around farms, to the processing, packaging, transport and finally, consumption.

The expo could not be held for the past two years due to the global pandemic. The organizers this year have taken a decision to organize the expo under strict health regulations and conditions. No one will be allowed to enter the premises without a mask and temperature check.

The exhibition and consumer fair scheduled to be held within a span of three days, will attract a large audience. The event is a platform to interact with prospective buyers and also understand the new technology that is being used for the sector. Moreover, the event will feature all facets of the food and beverage industry and will include intricate details and the meticulous processes that are required, to make food products available to the consumer. The National Agri Business Council join hands with the organizers to provide an insight to the agri business sector and Industry.

The event is renowned for providing a unique and comprehensive platform for the discovery and introduction of food processing, engineering and packaging services among a host of other benefits for both visitors and the stall holders.

This year’s expo has a separate pavilion from the largest global player in the region, India. Over 40 companies from India will participate at this year’s event. The event is set to attract stakeholders from many South East Asian countries as well. The Ministry of Industries will sponsor the SME and micro sector entities pavilion. The Organizing committee has taken a very good initiative by providing a special pavilion for University students to display their innovation.

A highlight at this year’s event will be the Street Food Fiesta and Cooking Studio. The street food fiesta and cooking studio will take place on all three days of the expo. The event has been earmarked as ‘a must attend’ throughout the entirety of its existence.

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Royal Navy of Oman Ship ‘AL SEEB’ leaves island

Published

9 hours ago

2026/01/26

Priyan

The Royal Navy of Oman Ship ‘AL SEEB’ concluded a logistics replenishment visit to Sri Lanka and departed the Port of Colombo on 24 Jan 26.

In accordance with naval tradition, the Sri Lanka Navy extended a customary farewell to the departing ship.

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Gold tops $5,000 for first time ever, adding to historic rally

Published

18 hours ago

2026/01/26

Priyan

[pic BBC]

The price of gold has risen above $5,000 (£3,659) an ounce for the first time, extending a historic rally that saw the precious metal jump by more than 60% in 2025.

It comes as tensions between the US and NATO over Greenland have added to growing concerns about financial and geopolitical uncertainty.

US President Donald Trump’s trade policies have also worried markets. On Saturday he threatened to impose a 100% tariff on Canada if it strikes a trade deal with China.

Gold and other precious metals are seen as a so-called safe-haven assets that investors buy in times of uncertainty.

Demand for gold has also been driven by a range of other factors including higher-than-usual inflation, the weak US dollar, buying by central banks around the world and as the US Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates again this year.

Wars in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as Washington seizing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, have also helped push up the price of gold.

On Friday, silver topped $100 an ounce for the first time, building on its almost 150% rise last year.

[BBC]

News

Auditor General issue acid test for newly constituted CC, says former COPE Chief

Published

19 hours ago

2026/01/26

Sahan Weerasooriya

Charitha

SJB Working Committee member and ex-SLPP lawmaker Charitha Herath says that all eyes are on the newly constituted Constitutional Council (CC) as to how it will handle the dispute between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and the previous CC, over the appointment of Auditor General (AG).

The former parliamentarian said so in response to The Island query yesterday (25). In terms of the Constitution, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa last week agreed on the appointment of former civil servant Austin Fernando, Professor Wasantha Seneviratne and Ranjith Ariyaratne as non-MP members of the CC.

They replaced former Ministry Secretary Dr. Prathap Ramanujam, former Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Medical Association Dr. Dilkushi Anula Wijesundere and Dr. Dinesha Samararatne of the University of Colombo. Pointing out that they rejected the President’s nominees for the AG’s post on several occasions, Herath emphasised the pivotal importance of the appointment of a person with impeccable credentials.

The other CC members are the Prime Minister, Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickremaratne (Chairman), the Opposition Leader, the President’s nominee Bimal Rathnayake and five persons appointed by the President, upon being nominated as follows: one MP nominated by agreement of the majority of the MPs representing the Government (Aboobucker Athambawa, MP), one MP nominated by agreement of the majority of the Members of Parliament of the political party, or independent group, to which the Leader of the Opposition belongs (Ajith P. Perera, MP), and one MP nominated by agreement of the Members of Parliament other than those representing the Government and those belonging to the political party or independent group to which the Leader of the Opposition belongs, and appointed by the President ( Sivagnanam Shritharan, MP.)

The present CC was established on October 31, 2022 in terms of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution. The Attorney General heads the National Audit Office (NAO). One-time COPE Chief said that it would be the responsibility of the government to ensure the integrity of the NAO.

Chulantha Wickramaratne, who served as AG for a period of six years, retired in April 2025. Following his retirement, President Dissanayake nominated H.T.P. Chandana, an audit officer at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation as the AG. The CC rejected that nomination. Subsequently, President Dissanayake appointed the next senior-most official at the NAO Dharmapala Gammanpila as Acting Auditor General for a period of six months. Then, the President nominated Senior Deputy Auditor General L.S.I. Jayarathne to serve in an acting capacity, but her nomination, too, was also rejected. Many an eyebrow was raised when the President nominated O.R. Rajasinghe, the Internal Audit Director of the Sri Lanka Army for the top post. That nomination too was rejected. As a result, the vital position remains vacant since 07 December, 2025.

Herath said that the government was in a bind over the Auditor General’s appointment and the disgraceful campaign launched against Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe, Jr, PC.

The ex-lawmaker said that JVP/NPP loyalists masquerading as journalists and civil activists had launched the protest against the Attorney General. Herath said that the decision to send Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne, on compulsory leave, too, was a matter of serious concern.

Herath said: “This is the same government that campaigned strongly on non-interference, institutional independence, and respect for the rule of law—principles they used to criticise every previous administration. Now, they appear to be doing exactly what they once opposed, only more openly. If this pattern continues, these undemocratic actions will eventually lead to their own downfall.”

BASL in late December, 2025 urged President Dissanayake and others, including the Opposition Leader, to consult civil society and professional bodies, including them, before the appointment of civil society representatives.

Herath said that the newly constituted CC would face its first acid test when it addressed the Auditor General issue.

by Shamindra Ferdinando