News
Sri Lanka seeks Saudi investment in key development projects
Sri Lanka has called on Saudi Arabia to invest in the Dedicated Pharmaceutical Zone in Hambantota, IT Parks, the Fabric Park in Batticaloa, Colombo Port City, and Hambantota Port.
Speaking at the National Day celebrations of Saudi Arabia, in Colombo on Wednesday (25), Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath, expressed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s ongoing support for Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
“Reflecting on the strong bilateral relations, he said I am pleased to note that the Government of Saudi Arabia has extended its support to Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process. I would also like to express our gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s loan disbursements for projects funded by the Saudi Fund for Development since 1981. These include 13 projects in areas such as water, energy, health, roads, and education, all provided on concessionary terms. Projects like the Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Road Development, the Wayamba University Township Development, the Epilepsy Hospital and Health Centres Project, and the Left Bank Development Project in Kalu Ganga have all made invaluable contributions to improving the lives of people of Sri Lanka,” he said.
Herath also highlighted the fact that there are approximately 200,000 Sri Lankan migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. He noted that the two countries have recently signed an Agreement on Skill Verification, enabling skilled and semi-skilled workers from Sri Lanka to secure employment opportunities in Saudi Arabia.
The Foreign Minister also announced that Sri Lanka will offer visa-free access to citizens of 35 countries, including Saudi Arabia, from 1 October 2024.
“The visa-free facility will allow a six-month stay for tourism purposes. The Minister invited the Saudi Arabian friends to visit Sri Lanka and experience its ancient history, rich culture, and natural beauty.”
The second day of the “Vesak Bhakti Gee Saraniya”, held in parallel with the “Buddha Rashmi Vesak Kalapaya” jointly organized by the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, the Presidential Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s Office, commenced on Tuesday (13) at 6:30 p.m. under the patronage of Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat premises.
The evening featured musical performances by renowned vocalist Ilyas Beg and the Sri Lanka Air Force Bhakti Gee Troup, accompanied by the Air Force Band. A Vesak lantern exhibition was also held at the venue. The event was attended by the Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, along with several senior officials of the Presidential Secretariat.
This Bhakthi Gee programme will continue today [May 14] and tomorrow at the same location. Additionally, a short-eats dansala is being held near the Presidential Secretariat for the benefit of the public visiting Colombo for Vesak, and will continue until May 16.
Meanwhile, a ‘Buth Dansala’ organized jointly by the Presidential Secretariat and the Sri Lanka Army was inaugurated yesterday near the Presidential Secretariat, with the participation of senior military officers. A large number of devotees from across the country attended the event.
In line with the ‘Buddha Rashmi’ and ‘Bauddhaloka Vesak Kalapya’, several Vesak programmes have been organized in the vicinity with the support of the Presidential Secretariat. These include the illumination of nearby government buildings and roads with decorative lights, and the display of Vesak lanterns, with the active participation of the Presidential Secretariat staff.
[PMD]
The French Navy Ship ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ which arrived in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit (09 May 25), departed the island on Tuesday (13 May).
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 ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ visited some tourist attractions in the country. In addition, the Commanding Officer and a group of
crew members of the ship called on senior officers of the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) to discuss key hydrographic matters of bilateral importance.
News
“Clean Sri Lanka” joins hands to Improve facilities and sanitation at Kotmale Regional Hospital
Following the bus accident in the Garandiella area of Kotmale, a large number of injured individuals were admitted to the Kotmale Regional Hospital for treatment. In response, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme has collaborated to improve the facilities and sanitation of the hospital.
Accordingly, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme actively worked to clean the hospital ward complex and the hospital premises, aiming to create a comfortable environment for the patients’ treatment and to enhance other facilities.
A notable aspect was the voluntary participation of the local community in this effort. The “Clean Sri Lanka” secretariat appreciates the dedication shown by the doctors and hospital staff of the Kotmale Regional Hospital, who provided emergency treatment to those injured in this unexpected incident despite having access to limited resources.
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