News
Asia Council asks Japan and South Korea to help Sri Lanka
The Asia council’s Forum for Asian Economic Cooperation comprising regional leaders of the continent, has requested Japan and South Korea to help Sri Lanka overcome the ongoing economic crisis.The Forum said in a statement that Sri Lanka is facing an unprecedented economic collapse, with inflation hitting a record high of 60.8% in July and the country is still facing severe food, fuel and medicine shortages amid depleted foreign exchange reserves.The Forum noted that Sri Lanka is known for its excellent human development record, especially education and health sector. It has a very effective demographic. The country has shown strong economic growth till 2019.
Japan and South Korea are Asia’s second and fourth largest economies, and are largely seen as the vanguard of the continent’s prosperity.The Forum for Asian Economic Cooperation of the Asia Council says it is imperative for Japan and South Korea to help Sri Lanka stabilize its economy, carry out rapid reforms and strengthen its democratic institutions.The Forum has further stated that the people of Sri Lanka definitely deserve a better and brighter future.
The National Lotteries board has been established subject to the Finance Act No. 11 of 1963. Having identified the requirement of amending that act which was imposed around 62 years to cater the current requirements of the lottery market, the Cabinet of Mnisters at their meeting held on 14.02.2017 granted approval to draft a new bill for the purpose.
Accordingly, the National Lotteries Board has recognized further amendments to be performed to the fundamental draft bill prepared by the Legal Draftsmen.
Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval for the
resolution furnished by the President in his office as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to direct the Legal Draftsmen to finalize the formulation of the draft bill for the National Lotteries Board as soon as possible including the proposed new amendments as well.
The Werahara office of the Department of Motor Traffic performs issuance of temporary driving licenses in this country based on the driving licenses issued overseas, and measures have been initiated to render the service from a service window of the Department of Motor Traffic established at the Bandaranayake International Airport from 03.08.2025.
The fees charged for issuing temporary driving licenses have been published in Motor Vehicles (Driving License Levy) Regulations No. 3 of 2022 prepared under the provisions of the Motor Traffic (Authority 203) Act.
But, as the fee of Rupees 2,000/- charged for the service is not sufficient, the requirement of amending the regulations has been recognized.
The regulations for introducing the revised fees have been published in the government extraordinary gazette
notification No. 2463/04 dated 17.11.2025. Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development to
submit the regulations to the Parliament for its concurrence.
The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal forwarded by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation to appoint Mrs. P. K. L. S. Panduwawala, the officer
in the special grade of Sri Lanka Surveyors’ Service currently serving as the Additional Surveyor General (Central) to the post of Surveyor General with effect from 02.02.2026.
A new act for National Lotteries Board to be introduced
Motor Vehicles (Driving License Levy) Regulations No. 3 of 2022 to be amended
Mrs. P. K. L. S. Panduwawala appointed to the post of Surveyor General
Implementing the programme to provide concession for pepper, coffee and cardamom plantations affected by the disaster
Cabinet nod to obtain diagnostic reports under public-private partnership
Cabinet approves implementation of National Strategic Action tion Plan to Combat and Prevent Trafficking in Human Beings – 2026- 2030
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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