News
A series of events to mark establishment of SL-Japan relations 70 years ago
Four regional programmes have been organiSed in Hambantota, Kegalle, Jaffna and Batticaloa to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Japan. This was announced at a joint press conference addressed by Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris and Japanese Ambassador in Colombo Mizukoshi Hideaki at Sasakawa Centre on Wednesday (20).
the joint press conference was preceded by a stakeholders’ meeting to exchange views on a variety of commemorative events to be organised in the year 2022, and on the Action Plan, entailing an outreach programme to the general public to celebrate this significant milestone in diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Japan. In this context, four (04) regional programmes in Hambantota, Kegalle, Jaffna and Batticaloa will be organised, highlighting Japanese and Sri Lanka socio-cultural affinities. The Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and the National Youth Services Council will take the initiative to organize countrywide Essay (Sinhala, Tamil and English), painting and short video competitions for school students. These activities will demonstrate the historical connections between the two countries, as well as the growing bilateral relationship over the years.
Prof. Peiris, Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage, Ambassador Hideaki and several other senior Government officials including Director-General of the Department of Government Information Mohan Samaranayake, Chairman, Rupavahini Corporation Sonala Gunawardana, Director General, National Youth Services Council Damitha Wickramasinghe, and Chairman, Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital Prof. S.D. Jayaratne participated at the media briefing.
Prof. Peiris, in his remarks, stated that as a time tested friend of Sri Lanka, Japan has always extended assistance which fits the requirements of Sri Lanka. Prof. Peiris mentioned that the two sides have made considerable progress, especially in the last few years in enhancing the bilateral engagement in a number of areas, including political, economic and people-to-people ties and looked forward to working with the Japanese government to further deepen and strengthen the vibrant development partnership and take it to even greater heights in the years to come.
Ambassador Hideaki, at the media briefing, referred to a New Year’s Day message by the Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa, and said that “Japan will always remember that the former President J.R. Jayewardene kindly offered support for Japan’s post-war return to the international community, or that Sri Lanka extended warm assistance to Japan in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011.” The Japanese Ambassador also renewed his commitment to “further strengthen our bonds of friendship, while expediting people-to-people exchange, to explore our greater potentials that remain unleashed.”
Delivering the closing remarks, Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage stated that this is the first time in recorded history, that the Foreign Ministry in collaboration with a Colombo based diplomatic mission is undertaking an outreach programme focused on the local community in rural areas to commemorate such a milestone event. The Foreign Secretary further mentioned that the two countries are united by mutual understanding and shared values over the past seventy years; these fundamental values have formed the bedrock of an increasingly close relationship and both countries will remain engaged in discussions on commemorating this historic anniversary in a manner truly reflective of its significance and the common aspirations of the two peoples.
News
Presidential secretariat launches initiative to install sanitation facilities at fuel stations under “Clean Sri Lanka”
In a landmark move to promote public hygiene and accessibility, the Government on Wednesday (14) launched a national-level initiative to install modern sanitation facilities at fuel stations across the country under the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme.
The official launch was held at the Presidential Secretariat, with the participation of top government officials and key industry stakeholders.
The initiative aims to transform fuel stations into clean, safe and inclusive spaces by providing essential sanitation infrastructure accessible to all segments of the public, particularly women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities.
An MoU was signed between the Presidential Task Force on Clean Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Energy and the island’s four major fuel providers: Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), Lanka IOC PLC (LIOC), Sinopec Energy Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and RM Parks (Pvt) Ltd.
Under the three-year programme, 540 modern public sanitation facilities will be established at selected fuel stations islandwide. The timeline for rollout is as follows:
| Company | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPC | 25 | 50 | 50 |
| LIOC | 25 | 50 | 40 |
| Sinopec | 25 | 50 | 75 |
| RM Parks | 25 | 50 | 75 |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 240 |
By the end of 2025, at least 100 of these facilities are expected to be operational, providing clean and user-friendly amenities to travellers across the country.
Speaking at the event, Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake stated, “This is not just a policy commitment but a promise to build a healthier, cleaner and more dignified Sri Lanka. The Clean Sri Lanka initiative seeks to deliver long-term public services that meet modern hygiene standards.” He also highlighted that this partnership between the public and private sectors sets an example for delivering effective and sustainable services. Plans are in place to encourage further participation from large-scale private sector entities, such as retail chains, to extend the reach and impact of the programme.
The event was attended by Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, Prof. Udayanga Hemapala; Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Russell Aponsu; senior executives from the four fuel providers; and officials from the Clean Sri Lanka Presidential Task Force.
News
Financial assistance from the President’s Fund for next of kin of victims of the Kotmale bus accident disbursed through Divisional Secretariats
On the instructions of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, the funds allocated from the President’s Fund for those who lost their lives in the recent bus accident in the Garandiella area, Kotmale have now been forwarded to the relevant Divisional Secretariats.
Accordingly, a sum of Rs. 1 million will be provided to the next of kin of each individual whose life was lost in the accident, and the funds will be handed over to their respective family members.
These funds have been released to the Divisional Secretariats of the following areas—Tissamaharama, Lunugamvehera, Welimada, Haldummulla, Ella, Kundasale, Bamunakotuwa, Paduwasnuwara West, Polpithigama, Wanathawilluwa, Chilaw, Buttala, Thanamalwila, Wellawaya, Kanthale and Rambewa where the 22 individuals who lost their lives in the accident were residents.
Shasheendra, too, is to be questioned soon
Former Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has filed an anticipatory bail application in the Fort Magistrate’s court in a bid to prevent the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) from taking him into custody in connection with the ongoing investigation into the importation of a stock of allegedly substandard organic fertiliser from China during Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s presidency.
Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali has asked the CIABOCt to present its position regarding the issue at hand to the court on May 19.
The CIABOC has asserted that the transaction caused Sri Lanka a loss of USD 6.9 mn.
The CIABOC arrested former Additional Secretary (Development) to the State Ministry of Agriculture, Mahesh Gammanpila on April 28, 2025, over his role in the deal with China’s Qingdao Seawin Biotech in 2021.
At the time Mahesh Gammanpila served as the Secretary to the State Ministry of Agriculture, Shasheendra Rajapaksa had been its Minister. Gammanpila is the current Chief Secretary of the Uva Provincial Council.
Aluthgamage had been the Cabinet Minister at the time the government finalised the questionable deal with the Chinese company.
CIABOC, on May 5, told court that the investigations were continuing and the ministers who decided on the importation of fertiliser from China, too, would be arrested and produced in court.
According to the CIABOC website, Mahesh Gammanpila has caused approximately USD 6.9 million loss to the government by issuing orders to open the suspended Letters of Credit to import the substandard organic fertiliser consignment from Qingdao Seawin Biotech, China, in 2021.
Although Fort Magistrate granted bail to Gammanpila on May 5, he continued to be in remand as he couldn’t meet the bail conditions. The court has also imposed a travel ban on him. (SF)
NOC issue, fixture clash put Mustafizur’s IPL participation in doubt
Presidential secretariat launches initiative to install sanitation facilities at fuel stations under “Clean Sri Lanka”
Financial assistance from the President’s Fund for next of kin of victims of the Kotmale bus accident disbursed through Divisional Secretariats
-
Features4 days agoSAITM Graduates Overcome Adversity, Excel Despite Challenges
-
News4 days agoDestined to be pope:Brother says Leo XIV always wanted to be a priest
-
Sports4 days agoASBC Asian U22 and Youth Boxing Championships from Monday
-
Opinion4 days agoDrs. Navaratnam’s consultation fee three rupees NOT Rs. 300
-
Foreign News5 days agoMexico sues Google over ‘Gulf of America’ name change
-
Features3 days agoChampioning Geckos, Conservation, and Cross-Disciplinary Research in Sri Lanka
-
Business4 days agoDilmah – HSBC future writers festival attracts 150+ entries
-
Business4 days agoBloom Hills Holdings wins Gold for Edexcel and Cambridge Education