News
Second edition of ‘SIRIMAVO – Steering the Destiny of a Nation’ now available
The Bandaranaike Museum Committee has published the second limited edition of the Pictorial Biography; ‘SIRIMAVO – Steering the Destiny of a Nation’ in collaboration with the Sarasavi Bookshop. The book is now available for sale, the Museum Committee said in a press release.
“The first edition of this book showcasing rare archival photographs depicting the remarkable public life of Sirimavo Bandaranaike, who made history in July 1960 as the world’s first woman Prime Minister, was released in March 2022 as a limited publication, and was sold out within few months.
“This coffee table book, ‘SIRIMAVO – Steering the Destiny of a Nation’ presents the remarkable story of Sirimavo Bandaranaike, an extraordinary Prime Minister who pioneered new paths in both national and international arenas. Emphasizing photographs, it offers a fresh perspective on her impactful legacy.
“This 441-page book comprises approximately 300 exceedingly rare and historically significant photographs, with the noteworthy aspect that the majority of these images have never been published before.
“The book ‘SIRIMAVO – Steering the Destiny of a Nation’ is published under the auspices of the Bandaranaike Museum Committee and edited by three esteemed professionals in their own fields; Sarath Perera, Nalaka Gunawardena, and W.M.K. Wijayabandara. Distribution is handled by the ‘Sarasavi Bookshop:
“The foreword of the book ‘SIRIMAVO – Steering the Destiny of a Nation’ was penned by Deshmanya M.D.D. Peiris, a distinguished administrative officer who served as the Prime Minister’s Secretary during the second term of Mrs. Bandaranaike. The introduction to the publication was written by Dr. Ranjith Cabral the former director of Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS).
Mrs. Bandaranaike entered active politics following her husband’s assassination and served as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka on three occasions: from 1960 to 1965, 1970 to 1977, and 1994 to 2000. During her first and second tenures, she concurrently held the positions of Minister of Defence and Minister of Foreign Affairs alongside her role as the Prime Minister. She served as the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament on two occasions: from 1965 to 1970 and from 1989 to 1994.”
The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, paid a solemn visit to the Embassy of the Vatican in Colombo today (25) to offer condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
During the visit, Dr. Amarasuriya signed the book of condolence, expressing deep sorrow over the demise of the beloved spiritual leader and extending heartfelt sympathies to the Catholic community both in Sri Lanka and around the world:
The Prime Minister was received by the Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio of the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican Embassy in Colombo and other officials.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake conducted an inspection tour of Kandy city on Thursday (24) night to inspect the progress of the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa” and the related issues that have emerged.
The President held an urgent meeting with relevant officials to address the issues related to sanitation facilities for devotees visiting Kandy to venerate the sacred tooth relic
Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha, Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Nilanga Dela Bandara , Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Governor of the Central Province Prof. Sarath Abeykoon, Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatte and others participated in this meeting.
[PMD]
A Sri Lankan delegation met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on the 22nd of April, 2025 at the US Trade Representative Office in Washington D.C.
The Sri Lankan delegation, on the instructions of President Disanayaka, who is also the Minister of Finance, handed over the originals of communications addressed to US Trade Representative Ambassador Greer
The delegation updated Ambassador Greer on the challenges that Sri Lanka has faced in the past and the steps that are being taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to overcome future challenges and move towards full economic recovery. The delegation also highlighted the prompt and positive commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to work with the US Government in reducing the trade deficit, and lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Ambassador Greer acknowledged the proposals made by the Sri Lankan government and expressed hope that an agreement can be reached soon between the two countries to ensure fair and equitable trade relations.
Later on that day, the Sri Lankan delegation met with the USTR delegation appointed by Ambassador Greer lead by Assistant United States Trade Representative, In-charge of South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch along with Director In-charge of South Asia, Emily Ashby to discuss further the appeal made in writing by Sri Lanka to the US. The two sides agreed to continue the discussions with the objective of finalizing a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries. Both sides expressed the desire to finalize the agreement in the shortest possible time period.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries. The head of USTR is the U.S. Trade Representative, a Cabinet member who serves as the president’s principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on trade issues.
[PMD]
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