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Wildlife census only 50 percent reliable

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Sri Lanka is home to nearly 5.2 million toque macaques — roughly one for every four people in the country, according to data from the countrywide wildlife census presented to Parliament yesterday (26.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunaratne, presenting the findings to the House, said the census held on March 15 estimated the toque macaque population at 5,197,517. The survey also revealed that there were 1,747,623 langur monkeys, 4,285,745 peacocks and 2,666,630 giant squirrels.

The census was conducted simultaneously across the country to identify animals that damage food crops and to develop suitable mitigation measures. Karunaratne said about 50% of the information provided by the public during the exercise had been verified. “Accordingly, the committee responsible for recommendations decided to consider 50% of the survey data as reliable,” he noted.

The Deputy Minister dismissed claims that the exercise had cost more than Rs. 70 million. “The official expenditure was Rs. 3.916 million,” he told Parliament, adding that the survey was aimed at developing a scientific policy response to protect farmers from crop losses.

He also said the census had not been conducted in six Grama Niladhari divisions of Delft Island, Jaffna, as the animals under study were not found there.



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Police look for male partner of Chinese woman found stabbed to death at an apartment in Kohuwala

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This photo released to the media by police yesterday shows the suspect

The Mount Lavinia Criminal Investigation Bureau has launched an intensive probe into the death of a Chinese woman at an apartment  in Kohuwala.Police said the incident occurred on March 23 at an apartment, on the second floor of the Kent Residence complex, where the victim was found stabbed to death.

Investigators have identified the main suspect as a Chinese national, believed to be the victim’s former partner.

He has been identified as Wang Huiyin (born June 1, 2000), and reported to be holding passport numbers EE6791329 and ER3805969.

Police said the suspect has visible injuries to the fingers of his left hand, which had been treated with stitches.

Police yesterday released a photograph of the suspect and sought public assistance to trace him.

Anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts is requested to contact the OIC, Mount Lavinia Criminal Investigation Bureau on 071-8596408 or the OIC, Kohuwala Police Station on 071-8591669.

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Chamber delegation completes trade training in India

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Professionals from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in New Delhi

A delegation of 30 professionals from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently completed a specialised residential training programme on international trade facilitation at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in New Delhi.

Hosted by the IIFT—an institution established under India’s Ministry of Commerce and widely regarded as a leading centre of excellence in international trade education and research—the programme also included engagements with several of India’s key trade and diplomatic institutions.

These included the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the authority responsible for formulating and implementing India’s foreign trade policy; the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, the country’s premier diplomatic training institute; the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), the apex body representing exporters; and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), one of India’s most influential industry associations. Together, these engagements provided participants with valuable insights into how policy, diplomacy and industry interact to facilitate trade and economic growth.

Over nine days, participants explored key aspects of global commerce, including the international trading system, trade negotiations, economic intelligence, trade finance, and emerging areas such as AI, cyber risk and digital transformation.

The programme offered insights into the evolving dynamics of international trade and the systems that support it, while highlighting how chambers of commerce can further leverage their role in helping businesses navigate global markets, contribute to policy discourse, and strengthen the broader trade ecosystem.

The programme was designed and overseen by Dr. Rohit Mehtani, Dean of IIFT and a respected expert in international trade diplomacy and negotiations.

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce expressed appreciation to the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka and the IIFT for the opportunity.

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Lanka, Cuba move to boost ties

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Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya held discussions with Cuban Ambassador in Sri Lanka Patricia Lazara Pego Guerra on March 26 at the Prime Minister’s Office

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya held discussions with Cuban Ambassador in Sri Lanka Patricia Lazara Pego Guerra on March 26 at the Prime Minister’s Office, with focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and Cuba.

Both sides reaffirmed longstanding cordial relations and explored avenues to enhance collaboration in key sectors, including education, agriculture and sports.

Discussions centred on expanding cooperation in education through exchange programmes and capacity-building initiatives, aimed at strengthening human resource development in both countries.

Opportunities to broaden ties in agriculture were also examined, with emphasis on knowledge-sharing and the exchange of technical expertise to promote sustainable farming practices.

Strengthening cooperation in sports was also highlighted during the meeting.

Senior officials present included Secretary to the Prime Minister Sagarika Bogahawatta and Director General for Latin America and the Caribbean at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ratnasingam Kohularangan.

The discussions underscored ongoing efforts by both sides to deepen sectoral cooperation while maintaining strong diplomatic relations.

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