News
SL envoy praises CPEC and Gwadar impact,eyes deeper ties with Pakistan across sectors
Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner Admiral (R) Ravindra C Wijegunaratne, on Tuesday (02) highlighting Pakistan’s pivotal economic developments linked to CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) and the operationalisation of Gwadar Port, expressed his country’s commitment to furthering diplomatic, economic and cultural ties with Pakistan.
The former Navy Chief stressed the importance of long-term policies focusing on youth development, agriculture, and water security for sustained growth in an exclusive chat with APP (Associated Press of Pakistan) reported from Islamabad.
The Sri Lankan envoy emphasized the necessity for Pakistan to formulate long-term policies that prioritise youth development, agricultural sustainability, and enhanced water security to sustain economic growth effectively.
Regarding bilateral ties, the envoy reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening relations with Pakistan across multiple fronts, including trade, tourism, and defence.
He pointed out Sri Lanka’s pivotal role as an international transshipment hub, particularly for mega-container ships like the Triple E-Class, which cannot dock at all ports due to their size. He anticipated that the full operationalisation of Gwadar Port would provide Pakistan with significant revenue opportunities, particularly for transit trade to the Central Asian Republics (CARs).
Reflecting on the historical camaraderie between the two nations, Admiral Wijegunaratne recalled Sri Lanka’s steadfast support for Pakistan during critical junctures, including providing crucial logistical support during the 1971 war. He praised Pakistan’s assistance in combating insurgency in Sri Lanka, highlighting the provision of military hardware that helped in defeating the Tamil Tigers.
Economically, he noted the bilateral trade volume of approximately one billion dollars annually, with prospects to exceed this mark, emphasising Pakistan’s exports to Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka’s potential to expand its exports to Pakistan. He also discussed Sri Lanka’s interest in boosting tourism between the two countries, noting challenges in air connectivity that hinder potential growth in this sector.
On educational and cultural exchanges, Admiral Ravindra highlighted initiatives such as the Allama Iqbal Scholarship, which supports Sri Lankan students studying in Pakistan. He mentioned Sri Lanka’s eagerness to collaborate with Pakistan in religious education and praised Pakistan’s hosting of the Gandhara Culture Symposium, emphasizing the cultural ties that could enhance tourism and mutual understanding.
Looking ahead, Wijegunaratne discussed Sri Lanka’s recovery from economic challenges exacerbated by COVID-19, focusing on revitalising tourism and improving agricultural productivity. He suggested Pakistan to negotiate debt restructuring with international lenders and leverage its diaspora to bolster foreign exchange reserves.
Addressing regional challenges, the Sri Lankan envoy highlighted climate change as a potent threat to South Asia, stressing the need for collective action. He praised Pakistan’s efforts in addressing water security issues and emphasised the importance of environmental sustainability.
In conclusion, Admiral Wijegunaratne expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations, envisioning deeper economic integration and enhanced cooperation in regional and global forums.
He emphasised the mutual benefits of strategic partnerships and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to furthering diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties with Pakistan.
A discussion between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and senior officials of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) was held this afternoon (18) at the Presidential Secretariat.
The meeting focused extensively on new development projects planned by the Urban Development Authority. The President emphasised the need to ensure that the budgetary allocations made for these projects in the current year are utilised effectively within the same financial year.
Detailed discussions were also held on projects planned to be implemented jointly by multiple institutions, including the importance of holding consultations with all relevant agencies to reach final decisions and the need to clearly define responsibilities for each institution in both implementation and maintenance phases of the projects.
Attention was drawn to key initiatives such as the Kelani River flood control project, water management projects in Colombo city and the Beira Lake restoration project. The need for a dedicated programme for low-income housing in areas such as Ratmalana and Moratuwa was also highlighted. During the discussion, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake underscored the importance of introducing a structured management framework for the effective coordination of certain projects.
Deputy Minister of Urban Development, Eranga Gunasekara, Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Senior Professor Kapila C.K. Perera, Chairman of the Urban Development Authority (UDA), M.G. Hemachandra and the Heads representing the Urban Settlement Development Authority (USDA), Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation (SLLDC), National Physical Planning Department (NPPD) and the Condominium Management Authority (CMA) were also present at the meeting.
(PMD)
News
CEAT Kelani Branch Inter-Company Employees’ Union makes donation to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund
The Inter-Company Employees’ Union of the Kelaniya Branch of CEAT Sri Lanka has made a financial donation of Rs. 1,148,000.00, a day’s salary of its members to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund established to support the restoration of livelihoods and the rebuilding of areas affected by cyclone Ditwah.
Secretary of the Inter-Company Employees’ Union of the CEAT Kelani Branch, D.G.S.D. Navaratne, handed over the donation to the Chief of Staff to the President, Prabhath Chandrakeerthi at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (18).
Treasurer of the Inter-Company Employees’ Union of the CEAT Kelani Branch, Y.P.I.C. Karunathilaka, together with members of the Executive Committee, were also present on the occasion.
(PMD)
Latest News
Prime Minister off to the United Kingdom to participate in the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Education Forum
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya departed on an official visit to the United Kingdom to participate in the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Education Forum and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) 2026 Board of Governors Meeting.
During the visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in several high-level academic and diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening cooperation in the fields of education, development studies, research collaboration, and international partnerships.
As part of the visit, the Prime Minister will meet with Ms.Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education of the United Kingdom, at the UK Department for Education, to discuss areas of cooperation in education and related sectors. She is also expected to meet Ms.Yvette Cooper, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, for discussions on matters of bilateral interest and cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.
In addition, the Prime Minister is expected to meet Ms.Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, on the sidelines of the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Education Forum and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) 2026 Board of Governors Meeting.
During the visit, the Prime Minister will attend a public event at the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex and she will also take part in the ceremony marking the 60th Anniversary of the Institute of Development Studies. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to address a session at the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies at the University of Oxford, followed by a question-and-answer session with scholars and students.
The visit is expected to strengthen Sri Lanka’s engagement with academic institutions, international development partners, and Commonwealth member states, particularly in the areas of education, research, policy dialogue, and capacity building.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President meets senior officials of the Urban Development Authority
CEAT Kelani Branch Inter-Company Employees’ Union makes donation to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund
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Prime Minister off to the United Kingdom to participate in the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Education Forum
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