News

State Banquet Hosted by the President for the Maldivian President and Delegation

Published

3 months ago

2026/05/6

Priyan

A special state banquet hosted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in honour of Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who is on a state visit to Sri Lanka at the invitation of the Sri Lankan President, was held on Monday (04) at the President’s House in Colombo Fort.

Upon arrival President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed were warmly received by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Addressing the gathering, President Dissanayake stated that the long-standing and steadily growing close relationship between Sri Lanka and the Maldives has been further strengthened by the visit of President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed.

He also noted that if the unique appeal of both nations could be jointly promoted, it would bring significant benefits to the people of both countries, particularly in the tourism sector.

The President further emphasised that the strong ties between the people of Sri Lanka and the Maldives, along with their cultural connections, date back centuries. He added that similarities between the two languages reflect this bond, and that the two nations will continue to remain close friends engaged in constant interaction.

President Dissanayake remarked that Sri Lanka considers it an honour to have hosted the signing of the Maldives’ Declaration of Independence in 1965, describing it as a symbol of unity, cooperation and goodwill between the two countries. He added that this is why Maldivians regard Sri Lanka as their second home.

He also stated that the Maldives is regarded as a reliable and valuable partner in efforts towards Sri Lanka’s social and economic development, as well as regional peace and prosperity, highlighting the importance of joint engagement on global issues.

Pointing out that the two countries, as neighbours in the Indian Ocean, share deeply interconnected realities, the President said that challenges such as rising sea levels, climate change and global economic crises affect both nations. He stressed that these can only be addressed through unity and collective purpose, and expressed appreciation for the Maldives’ support during times of difficulty in Sri Lanka.

He further noted that the discussions held between the two leaders would open new avenues for strengthening cooperation between the peoples of both countries. Inviting President Muizzu to work together in safeguarding enduring values such as tolerance, compassion and sustainability, he emphasised the importance of unity in building a brighter future.

Extending his best wishes to President Muizzu and the Maldivian delegation, President Dissanayake expressed confidence that the visit would contribute to the continued progress and prosperity of both nations.

In his address, President Mohamed Muizzu stated that it was a great pleasure to visit Sri Lanka, a long-standing partner in Maldivian history. He described the occasion as not merely a diplomatic engagement, but a celebration of a friendship as deep and gentle as the ocean that connects the two island nations.

He noted that for centuries, the waves between the two shores have carried more than trade and travellers, they have conveyed trust, affection and a shared rhythm of coexistence without rivalry, built on cooperation.

President Muizzu described these enduring human bonds as a golden thread uniting the two nations, characterised by humility, sincerity and permanence.

He emphasised that the friendship between the two countries is founded on mutual respect and has successfully withstood the tests of time. He recalled that Sri Lanka has always extended a steadfast hand of friendship to the Maldives, and expressed the gratitude of the Maldivian people for Sri Lanka’s support in shaping and nurturing the nation’s development.

He further stated that the ocean does not divide Sri Lanka and the Maldives, but unites them, adding that their unity is their greatest strength in ensuring that the Indian Ocean remains a region of peace, stability and opportunity for all.

Addressing climate change as a pressing global challenge, President Muizzu called for joint advocacy for climate justice and for the rights of small nations to survive and thrive. He stressed the importance of collaboration in innovation, resilience and global dialogue, noting that the true meaning of diplomacy lies in the people of both nations.

He also acknowledged Sri Lanka’s achievements in literacy, healthcare and human development as a long-standing inspiration to the Maldives. Looking ahead, he expressed a desire to deepen ties through opportunities in education, training and technology that empower younger generations.

He highlighted that every student nurtured, every life healed and every mind inspired contributes to a more peaceful and prosperous region.

President Muizzu remarked that Maldives–Sri Lanka friendship is not only recorded in official statements, but lives on in the smiles of children growing up familiar with each other’s flags, languages and cuisines. He noted that such bonds are reflected in the warmth exchanged between citizens and the quiet pride shared in each other’s success, adding that these connections cannot be artificially created, they must be experienced and cherished.

Concluding his speech, he stated that although the horizon may be vast, it always unites the sea and the sky, just as the Maldives–Sri Lanka friendship, though far-reaching, is always grounded in shared purpose and mutual respect.

He invited both nations to move forward together with gratitude for the past, confidence in the present and hope for a shared future, expressing his wish that the close friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and Sri Lanka will continue to grow stronger.

During the event, President Muizzu also signed the official commemorative book for visiting heads of state.

Several Sri Lankan dignitaries, including Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya, Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih, and other ministers and officials, were present. Members of the Maldivian delegation, including senior ministers and diplomatic representatives, also attended the occasion.

(President’s Media Division)

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News

New Chairperson and Members appointed to the Finance Commission

Published

12 hours ago

2026/07/22

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Ms N. R. Anees as the new Chairperson and a member of the Finance Commission.

J. M. C. J. Wijetunga and K. Karunaharan have been appointed as the other members of the Commission.

The letters of appointment were presented to the appointees by the Secretary to the President, Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat ton Monday (20) afternoon

The appointments were made to fill the vacancies createdy following the expiry of the terms of office of the previous members of the Finance Commission.

(PMD)

News

True leadership is not about titles or power, but about acting responsibly for the well-being of others – Prime Minister

Published

14 hours ago

2026/07/22

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that true leadership is not about titles or power, but about acting responsibly, with compassion, and working for the well being of the others.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the President’s Guide Award and Prime Minister’s Award Ceremony, organized by the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association, one of the country’s leading voluntary organizations dedicated to empowering girls and young women. The ceremony was held on Sunday (19th July )at Temple Trees in Colombo.

During the event, the Prime Minister presented medals and certificates to the award recipients.

A total of 350 awards were presented at this year’s ceremony, comprising 338 President’s Guide Awards and 12 Prime Minister’s Awards, in recognition of the recipients’ discipline, resilience, integrity, and commitment to serving others.

Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that one of the greatest strengths of the Girl Guides association is its commitment to providing equal opportunities to every child, regardless of their background or abilities. The Prime Minister also emphasized that true leadership is not defined by titles or power, but by acting responsibly, listening with compassion, and working for the well-being of others.

The Prime Minister further noted that while women had limited opportunities in the past, today increasing opportunities are being created for girls and women across all sectors, and young women are making remarkable progress in every field. The Prime Minister further stressed that every girl and young woman deserves equal opportunities to improve themselves, noting that the country needs young women leaders who are ready to step forward to build a better future for Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister also highlighted that, particularly at a time when Sri Lanka is undertaking significant economic and democratic reforms, achieving sustainable national progress requires not only economic growth but also the development of citizens who uphold strong ethical values and social responsibility. In this regard, she commended the invaluable contribution made by the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association.

Guided by its motto, “Be Prepared,” the Girl Guiding Movement in Sri Lanka was first established on 21 March 1917 at Kandy High School by Miss Jenny Calverley Green. Today, the movement operates through seven branches; Butterflies, the Little Friends, the Guides, the Rangers, the Youth, the Differently Abled Guides, and the Community Guiding Units, catering to different age groups and abilities. The President’s Guide Award is the highest honour that can be achieved by a Girl Guide and is awarded only to those who successfully complete the required challenges, written and oral examinations, and the BP Challenge. The Prime Minister’s Award is presented as the highest recognition within the Ranger Guide section.

The event was attended by at the President of the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association Swarnika Pitigala, Chief Commissioner Dr. Kushantha Herath, President’s Guide Commissioner Pushpa Perera, Prime Minister’s Guide Commissioner Aruni Karunaratne, other senior officials of the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association, President’s Guides and Prime Minister’s Guides, as well as a large number of their parents.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

News

Customs asked to resume probe or face legal action

Published

23 hours ago

2026/07/22

Sahan Weerasooriya

Rs. 16 bn BMW revenue fraud:

Public interest litigation activist Nagananda Kodituwakku has said he will initiate appropriate proceedings against Director General of Customs, Wimal S.K. Liyanagama, in terms of the Anti-Corruption Act No 9 of 2023, unless the Customs carries out a revenue fraud inquiry to recover approximately Rs 16 bn in lost government revenue.

General Secretary of Vinivida Foundation, and former Customs officer, Kodituwakku said that though the Department, in response to his request for a meeting to discuss the issue, in writing, assured them that the investigation was underway, they found that the actual situation was not so.

Kodituwakku alleged that the Customs Chief had neglected what he called statutory duties under the Customs Ordinance, by disregarding his request for a meeting.

Kodituwakku said the investigation into the importation of 1,728 brand new BMW vehicles, under the concessionary duty permits issued by the government for the public servants, between 2011 and 2014, had been stalled.

The civil society activist said that investigations had revealed the vehicles hadn’t been imported by the permit holders themselves but others. It also transpired that the value of the imported vehicles, mentioned in the commercial invoices, proforma invoices and the CusDecs, tendered to Customs in the names of the permit holders, were not the actual values for the vehicles in question.

The high-profile case has been handled by the Central Investigation Directorate, at that time headed by Murugesu Thayabaran, a batchmate of Kodituwakku.

The ex-Customs officer said that he had appeared as counsel for Thayabaran in Court of Appeal and was determined to bring the case to a successful conclusion. According to him, the importer, over the years, had been represented by nine President’s Counsel as the case dragged on from the time of P.S.M. Charles, Director General, Customs.

Kodituwakku made available letters he wrote to the Customs and other parties on this issue, to The Island. Pointing out that the Court of Appeal on 7 May, 2024, dismissed the importer’s final appeal regarding the case pertaining to the revenue loss of Rs. 16 bn, Kodituwakku said that although the court had cleared the way for the Customs probe, no action had been taken.

However, the Court of Appeal ruling was given before Liyanagama succeeded Seevali Arukgoda as DG Customs on 6 May, 2026. Liyanagama served as Director General of the Department of Management Services at the Treasury before the new appointment.

Kodituwakku said that he had also brought the Customs case to the attention of the Commission to Investigate Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

Emphasising the failure on the part of the Opposition to raise this issue, both in and outside Parliament, Kodituwakku said that since the exposure of the BMW scam, during Mahinda Rajapaksa’s presidency, there had been four presidents, namely Maithripala Sirisena, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Ranil Wickremesinghe and incumbent Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Unfortunately, successive administrations had allowed the interested parties to drag the case. The lack of interest shown by political parties revealed that they not only protected those responsible but encouraged corrupt practices of allowing third parties to import vehicles in terms of permits issued to legitimate recipients of such permits.

Having campaigned on an anti-corruption platform, during the presidential and parliamentary polls in 2024, the NPP couldn’t, under any circumstances, turn a blind eye to this situation, Kodituwakku said, adding that even the IMF should be concerned of the failure on the part of successive governments to recover the money.

By Shamindra Ferdinando