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SriLankan Airlines to undergo restructuring, not sale – Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation
Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva addressing the press briefing titled “Collective Path to a Stable Country” at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) today (03), affirmed that Sri Lankan Airlines will undergo restructuring instead of being sold.
He emphasized that according to existing regulations, only up to 49% of the airline’s shares can be transferred to another entity, but no suitable investor has expressed interest thus far.
The Minister said that there has been minimal global interest in this opportunity, with only six individuals expressing interest, none of whom were deemed suitable. Even if we were to extend this opportunity to a Sri Lankan entrepreneur, their capabilities would need to be demonstrated.
He also said that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is set to discuss the resumption of their projects next week, marking another advantage of debt restructuring. Despite interest from Chinese firms in the airport project, contractual obligations with Japan stipulate that the contracts should be awarded to Japanese companies.
The minister also announced that the management of the financially burdened Mattala Airport will soon be entrusted to a joint venture between Russia and India.
Development at the Kankesanthurai port is progressing with assistance amounting to USD 69 million from India. During a recent visit to Sri Lanka, Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar confirmed plans to initiate a ferry service between Sri Lanka and India in the near future.
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Cabinet approves aditional Rs. 2,500 million to the Paddy Marketing Board to purchase 2026 Yala harvest
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation to provide an additional Rs. 2,500 million to the Paddy Marketing Board on a reimbursable basis from the Rs. 7,500 million additional allocations granted to the Ministry to implement
the expedited paddy purchasing program for the 2026 Yala harvest.
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Cabinet nod to host the 8th Asian Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the 3rd Joint Asian and South-East Asian Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
The 8th Asian Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the 3rd Joint Asian and South-East Asian Regional Conference of the CPA are planned to be held over three days in Colombo during April/May 2027.
Approximately 90 delegates including speakers, Deputy Speakers, Member of Parliamentarians, and Parliamentary officers representing member countries of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, in the Asian and South-East Asian regions, are expected to participate in these conferences.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the Prime Minister of the Parliament of Sri Lanka to host the said conferences considering the opportunities to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and regional cooperation, as well as to enhance international recognition of the Parliament of Sri Lanka within the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
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SAARC Training Workshop on Financial Modeling for Renewable Energy Projects from 5th to 7th October in Colombo
The Energy Centre of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has planned to conduct a training workshop under the theme ‘Financial Modelling for Renewable Energy Projects’ in Colombo from 2026-10-05 to 2026-10-07.
It is expected that two persons from each member country,
including Sri Lanka, will participate in this workshop. The Energy Centre of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) will provide all local hospitality facilities and transport, excluding airfare.
Taking into consideration the resolution furnished by the Minister of Energy regarding this workshop, which is vitally important for the capacity building of public officers and other related parties regarding project evaluation and financial modeling in the renewable energy sector, the Cabinet of
Ministers has decided to grant its consent to hold this workshop and extend Sri Lanka’s hospitality for this event.
Draft of the Appropriation Bill for the Financial Year 2027 su mitted to the Parliament
Cabinet approves aditional Rs. 2,500 million to the Paddy Marketing Board to purchase 2026 Yala harvest
Cabinet nod to host the 8th Asian Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the 3rd Joint Asian and South-East Asian Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
SAARC Training Workshop on Financial Modeling for Renewable Energy Projects from 5th to 7th October in Colombo
National Children’s Week from 25th September to 01st October
Nairobi and Munich to host 2029 and 2031 World Athletics Championships
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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