News
UAE consolidates its position here with high profile Trinco project involving India
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan during talks with Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath has expressed interest in furthering cooperation in a number of spheres including energy, tourism and food sector. According to Foreign Ministry sources creation of more employment opportunities for Sri Lankan professionals and semi – skilled workers in the UAE was also discussed during the discussion. They met on April 22 at the Foreign Ministry here.
UAE Deputy PM Nahyan appreciated the signing of the trilateral MOU for cooperation in development of Trincomalee as an energy hub. Sources quoted him as having said that it would provide the framework for greater cooperation among the three countries.
This visit followed the visit of President Anura Kumara Disanayaka to the UAE from 10-13 February 2025, to attend the World Government Summit 2025.
The discussion with Minister Herath focused on further advancing the long standing close bilateral cooperation between the two countries, investment opportunities available in Sri Lanka for UAE entrepreneurs, economic cooperation and trade.
Foreign Minister Herath invited UAE businessmen, investors, and tourists to consider Sri Lanka as a preferred destination. He stated that investment opportunities are available in Sri Lanka in a variety of sectors including power & energy, refinery, pharmaceuticals, IT sector, textile & fabrics and tourism.
The UAE Deputy Prime Minister has appreciated the stability and progress achieved by Sri Lanka and expressed confidence that Sri Lanka is moving in the right direction for economic stability and future growth.
He noted that the UAE is a close partner of Sri Lanka maintaining cordial bilateral relations which is also evident through the people – to – people contacts.
On the sidelines of the meeting, both Ministers also witnessed the signing of the MoU between the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce & Industry and the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka on the Establishment of the UAE – Sri Lanka Joint Business Council which will pave the way to enhance the cooperation between the business communities of both countries.
The government, under heavy Opposition fire over inclusion of a sex website in the Grade 6 English module, as well as overall education reforms, has decided to put on hold reforms in respect of Grade 6.
Cabinet Spokesman and Media and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced the government decision yesterday (13) at the post-Cabinet media briefing at the Information Department.
According to him, the decision had been taken at the previous day’s Cabinet meeting, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Dr. Jayatissa said that education reforms pertaining to Garde 6 had been put on hold until 2027.
The Minister said that other proposed education reforms would be implemented as planned. The Minister said that action would be taken against those responsible for the inclusion of a link to a sex website following investigations conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department and the National Education Institute.
The SJB and several other political parties, as well as civil society groups, have accused the government of promoting an LGBTQ agenda, through the proposed education reforms.
The Opposition grouping Mahajana Handa, on Monday, made representations to the Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatta Chapter regarding the controversial reforms, while urging their intervention to halt the project.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (13) vowed to go ahead with his government’s agenda, regardless of the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Emphasising the responsibility on the part of all to contribute to the post-Ditwah recovery efforts, President Dissanayake said that he would have complete faith in the public service.
The President said so at the launch of the re-building Sri Lanka project at the BMICH yesterday.
The JVP and NPP leader said that he wouldn’t take advantage of the death and destruction caused by the cyclone or use the situation as an excuse to reverse their agenda or weaken it.
President Dissanayake said that in spite of many calling for amending the then Budget, in view of the cyclone, the government presented the proposals that were agreed before the disaster struck.
The United States has announced that it will provide the Sri Lanka Air Force with 10 US Navy TH-57 helicopters free of charge.
The announcement was made by outgoing US Ambassador Julie Chung, who stated, on social media, that the helicopters would be transferred under the United States’ Excess Defence Articles programme. The aircraft are Bell 206 Sea Ranger helicopters previously operated by the US Navy.
US sources said that the transfer was intended to strengthen Sri Lanka’s disaster response capabilities, following the devastating cyclone that struck the island at the end of 2025 and killed more than 600 people. US officials have framed the move as a humanitarian measure aimed at improving aerial rescue and relief operations.
Fair weather will prevail except for a few showers in the Uva, Eastern, Western and Central provinces and in Galle, Matara and Rathnapura districts
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Govt. bows to pressure, shelves Grade 6 reforms
AKD: Govt. agenda on track despite Ditwah disaster
SL to receive 10 helicopters from US
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