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.
New controversy erupts over missing USD 2.5 mn:
Public interest activist Nagananda Kodituwakku has sought citizenship details of Finance Ministry Secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma from the Department of Home Affairs, Australia.
According to a letter dated 28 April, addressed to the relevant department, Solicitor England and Wales Kodituwakku sought the required information in terms of Section 15 of the Freedom of Information Act No 3 of 1982 of Australia. Suriyapperuma is also the Secretary to the Treasury.
The former Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Suriyapperuma (from November 2024 to June 2025) is embroiled in a deepening controversy over the theft of USD 2.5 mn from the Treasury.
The leader of the Vinivida Foundation said that he intended to move court against Suriyapperuma for entering Parliament through the NPP National List in violation of the country’s Constitution (Article 91(1)(d)(xiiii).
Kodituwakku said: “This is clearly an accountability and integrity issue and violation of the Constitution of Sri Lanka and also this act contravenes the law of a member in the Commonwealth.”
USD 2.5 mn paid to a third party was meant to be an instalment of a loan taken from Australia. Suriyapperuma neither responded to an SMS nor answered his hand phone.
Geetha Kumarasinghe (UPFA/Galle District) and Diana Gamage (SJB National List) lost their seats in 2017 and 2024, respectively, over citizenship issues.
Meanwhile, public interest group ‘Free Lawyers’ that exposed the theft of Treasury funds questioned the failure on the part of Dr. Harsha de Silva, Chairman of Committee on Public Finance (CoPF), to pressure President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to temporarily remove Suriyapperuma to facilitate unhindered investigations.
On behalf of ‘Free Lawyers’, Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon yesterday expressed concern over the way the CoPF, under SJBer de Silva’s leadership, handled the issue at hand. Issuing an open letter, Tennakoon, urged the CoPF chief to explain his stand on a spate of vital issues which needed to be addressed without any further delay.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
News
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake handing over a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura to Ven Bhikku Pannakara
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake handing over a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura to Ven Bhikku Pannakara (Sue Tue Nhan) at the conclusion of the 161 km ‘International Peace Walk’ in Colombo yesterday. The Bo-sapling will be taken to the US by the spiritual leader. Pic by Sujata Jayaratne
Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday revealed that a USD 625,000 payment made by Sri Lanka’s Department of Posts to the US Postal Service (USPS) had not been received by the intended party.
The declaration was made at the post-Cabinet media briefing.
According to the Minister, an investigation has been initiated into the incident.
The Minister said that an investigation was underway within the Sri Lanka Postal Department regarding the missing funds paid to the US Postal Service.
He added that the US Postal Service has indicated the non-receipt of a payment amounting to USD 625,000, and that investigations were being conducted by both the Postal Department and the CID to determine how the incident occurred.
Treasury chief’s citizenship details sought from Australia
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake handing over a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura to Ven Bhikku Pannakara
USD 625,000 meant for US Postal Service goes missing
End of the road for Shammi Silva
Mattala Wildlife Unit to boost revenue, tourism and investor confidence
NPP drowning in sea of scams
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
News6 days agoLanka faces crisis of conscience over fate of animals: Call for compassion, law reform, and ethical responsibility
-
News5 days agoWhistleblowers ask Treasury Chief to resign over theft of USD 2.5 mn
-
News5 days agoNo cyber hack: Fintech expert exposes shocking legacy flaws that led to $2.5 million theft
-
News2 days agoBIA drug bust: 25 monks including three masterminds arrested
-
Business3 days agoNestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership
-
News2 days agoBanks alert customers to phishing attacks
-
News3 days agoHackers steal $3.2 Mn from Finance Ministry
-
News6 days agoUSD 2 mn bribe: CID ordered to arrest Shasheendra R, warrant issued against ex-SriLankan CEO’s wife