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Solheim at Colombo event

Published

8 months ago

2024/08/21

Erik

Erik Solheim, International Advisory Council Member, Geopolitical Cartographer, is in Colombo to attend the inaugural Central Asia Forum, titled ‘A Gateway to New Horizons,’ scheduled to be held today (21) at the Granbell Hotel, Colombo.

Solheim played a significant role in the failed Norway-led peace process before Eelam War IV erupted in August 2006 due to the audacity of the LTTE to break not only the spirit of the Ceasefire Agreement negotiated by Oslo, but to violate it wholesale on the ground from the time it was signed.

The Foreign Ministry issued the following statement yesterday: “With its strategic location, Central Asia is poised to play an important role in the future of Eurasian connectivity. The event is expected to offer perspectives and insights that will shape the future of Sri Lanka’s engagement with the region.

Comprising two sessions, the event is set to explore the strategic role of Central Asia in Eurasia and beyond with particular emphasis on the emergence of new transport and logistics corridors. As Sri Lanka seeks to strengthen its economic ties with this region, the forum will also delve into the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, with a special focus on building synergies that can drive mutual growth and prosperity.

The Forum is being held following a recent decision to establish a resident diplomatic mission of Sri Lanka in Kazakhstan and the conclusion of Foreign Office consultations with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan. Secretary/Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aruni Wijewardane will provide the opening remarks and the Minister of Foreign Affairs M.U.M. Ali Sabry will deliver an address at the event, highlighting Sri Lanka’s priorities in the region.

This event will bring together policymakers, thought leaders, business persons and experts, including Ambassador Doulat Kuanyshev, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and Expert, Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Secretariat, Erik Solheim, International Advisory Council Member, Geopolitical Cartographer, Darkhan Seitenov, Deputy Head of Mission of the Kazakhstan Embassy in New Delhi, Ravinatha Aryasinha, Executive Director/LKI, Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja, Board Member Geopolitical Cartographer, Duminda Hulangamuwa, Chairman/ Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and Krishan Thilakaratne, Director of LOLC – Central Asia, for insightful exchanges on emerging opportunities in the region.”

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INS Sahyadri sets sail from Colombo

Published

4 hours ago

2025/04/7

Priyan

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.

During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.

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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district

Published

8 hours ago

2025/04/7

Priyan

Color: -Red Warning (Take action) Color: -Amber Advisory (Be prepared) Color: -Green Threat is over

The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.

The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025

The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

ACTION REQUIRED:

The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:

Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.

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“Census of Population and Housing 2024” Report Presented to the President

Published

9 hours ago

2025/04/7

Priyan

The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.

This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.

The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.

The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.