News
Rahul urges Jaishankar to take up issue of arrested Indian fishers during AKD’s visit
New Delhi:
Leader of the Opposition (LOP) in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urging him to take up the issue of arrest of Indian fisherfolk by Sri Lankan authorities during the visit of island nation’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India.
The Congress MP in his letter highlighted the plight of Indian fisherfolk currently languishing in Sri Lankan jails and the loss of livelihood due to the impounding of fishing vessels by Sri Lankan Authorities.
“As we prepare to host the Sri Lankan President on his first official visit to India, I request the Indian government to kindly take up the persistent issue of the Indian fisherfolk who accidentally cross the International Maritime Boundary (IMBL), and secure their early release,” Gandhi wrote in his letter.
He also urged the Indian government to waive the fines imposed on fisherfolk and secure the release of impounded fishing vessels. He further requested the government to ensure intergovernmental mechanisms, like the Joint Working Group, meet regularly to resolve pending issues with Colombo.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is on a three-day visit to India, from December 15 to 17. This is the first bilateral visit of Dissanayake to India after assuming office in September.
Meanwhile, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was accorded a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Monday, the second day of his state visit to India.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Dissanayake inspected a Guard of Honour by the combined defence services.
On this occasion, President Droupadi Murmu and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake introduced each other to their respective ministers, diplomats, and officers.
Following his arrival to India on Sunday, President Dissanayake also met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
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IGP Deshabandhu Tennakoon informed to be present before the Committee of Inquiry on 19th May
IGP T.M.W. Deshabandhu Tennakoon has been informed to be present before the ‘Committee of Inquiry to inquire and report its findings on IGP T.M.W. Deshabandhu Tennakoon in respect of acts of gross abuse of power’ on the 19th of May 2025.
This Committee met in the Parliament premises on several occasions as of now, and accordingly, for the first time, IGP T.M.W. Deshabandhu Tennakoon has been informed by the Committee, to appear before it, for future investigations.
News
UNESCO Director General candidate Dr. Khaled El Enany meets Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka
Dr. Khaled El Enany – the UNESCO Director General Candidate of the Arab Republic of Egypt met with the Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka Dr. Risvie Salih at the Parliament premises recently (May 05).
During the meeting, both parties reaffirmed the long-standing and cordial bilateral relationship between Egypt and Sri Lanka, emphasizing their shared commitment to further strengthening ties in areas of mutual interest. Dr. El Enany outlined his vision as a candidate for UNESCO leadership, highlighting his dedication to fostering cultural collaboration and understanding among nations. Dr. Risvie Salih also highlighted Sri Lanka’s non-aligned foreign policy and long-standing relationship with Egypt.
The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Sri Lanka, and Chaminda Kularatne, Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of Parliament of Sri Lanka.
Samantha Ranasinghe was sworn in today (May 08) before the Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, as a Member of the Tenth Parliament.
Following the oath and affirmation before the Speaker, he signed the Members’ Roll placed before the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera.
Member of Parliament Samantha Ranasinghe has been thus appointed to fill the vacancy created due to the demise of Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera, who served as a Member of Parliament from the Kegalle District representing the National People’s Power.
IGP Deshabandhu Tennakoon informed to be present before the Committee of Inquiry on 19th May
UNESCO Director General candidate Dr. Khaled El Enany meets Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka
Samantha Ranasinghe sworn in as a Member of Parliament
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