The Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kazakhstan to Sri Lanka, Sergey Viktorov, paid a courtesy call on Deputy Minister of Defence, retired Major General Aruna Jayasekara, and Defence Secretary, retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, at the Ministry of Defence last Wednesday.

The Ministry of Defence said the discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere and focused on further strengthening the longstanding ties between Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan.

The two sides explored ways of enhancing bilateral cooperation in several areas of mutual interest, including defence collaboration, military training and exchange programmes, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) training and assistance, regional security and capacity building.

They also exchanged views on expanding engagement between the two countries and identified opportunities to deepen cooperation through future initiatives.

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting closer collaboration in defence and security-related fields, the Ministry said.Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Kazakhstan, Rustem Jamankulov, also attended the meeting.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Parliament have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen the use of population data and evidence in policymaking, reinforcing a shared commitment to ensuring that the country’s changing population dynamics are reflected in future legislation and national development priorities. The MoU was signed between Secretary-General of Parliament, Kushani Anusha Rohanadeera and UNFPA Sri Lanka Representative Phuntsho Wangyel.

The partnership will help ensure that the laws and policies shaping Sri Lanka’s future are informed by reliable population data and evidence, enabling the country to respond more effectively to population ageing, changing family structures and evolving development needs while advancing gender equality and protecting the health and rights of women and young people.

“The decisions made today will shape the lives of future generations,” said Dr. Aleksandar (Sasha) Bodiroza, UNFPA Regional Director ad interim for Asia and the Pacific. “This partnership is about ensuring that Parliament has the evidence, data and insights needed to build policies that respond to a changing population while protecting people’s rights, expanding opportunities and ensuring that no one is left behind. Demographic change is not something to fear. It is an opportunity to build a stronger, more inclusive future if we prepare for it together.”

The agreement was a key milestone during Dr. Bodiroza’s official visit to Sri Lanka from 28 June to 4 July, focused on strengthening partnerships to support the country’s long-term development priorities.

During his visit, Dr. Bodiroza also met with Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya; Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne; and Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, and Secretary to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, W. M. D. T. Wickremasinghe. Discussions focused on strengthening health systems, advancing gender equality, supporting women and young people and preparing for Sri Lanka’s changing population landscape through evidence-based, rights-centred policies.

Dr. Bodiroza also visited communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah to observe UNFPA’s ongoing interventions to support women and girls in estate communities through reproductive healthcare, protection services and humanitarian assistance. Additional engagements with development partners, civil society organisations and the private sector reinforced the importance of broad partnerships in advancing inclusive development and ensuring that women, girls and young people can fully participate in Sri Lanka’s future.

UNFPA has partnered with Sri Lanka for more than five decades, supporting national efforts to improve maternal health, advance gender equality, strengthen population data systems and expand access to sexual and reproductive health services. The organisation remains committed to working alongside the Government of Sri Lanka, Parliament and national partners to ensure that development policies are informed by evidence and centred on people’s health, rights and aspirations.

It has been reported quoting family sources that veteran singer Mariazelle Goonetilleke has passed away this morning (10)  at the age of 68

She had been  receiving treatment at the Kalubowila Teaching Hospital.