Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath, held talks with Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Andrey Rudenko at the Foreign Ministry, in Colombo, on Thursday (02), with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

The Sri Lanka Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the visiting Russian Deputy Minister noted that Russia regarded Sri Lanka as a long-standing friend.

Rudenko assured that Russia stood ready to support Sri Lanka when required, including in the swift supply of Russian oil to help address the current energy challenges, encouraging Russian investors to explore new opportunities in the country and promoting increased tourist arrivals.

He also expressed Russia’s readiness to provide compensation for Sri Lankan war veterans who had lost their lives in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Minister Herath welcomed Russia’s willingness to assist, emphasising that Sri Lanka valued the support extended by its “old friend”, particularly at a time when the country was facing pressing energy needs.

He noted that the two countries shared nearly seven decades of diplomatic relations and said the present moment provided an opportunity to further strengthen ties, including through long-term trade agreements.

The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in the fields of energy, investment, tourism and diplomacy, with both sides reiterating their commitment to further deepen the longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and Russia.

Police yesterday arrested 157 foreign nationals in connection with an alleged organised online financial scam, conducted from a hotel in the Iranawila area in Chilaw.

The suspects were taken into custody during a raid carried out by the Police while they were staying at the hotel in Iranawila.

Police said the arrested group included 143 nationals from China, 13 from Bangladesh and one from Vietnam.

Investigators suspect the group had been involved in a coordinated online financial scam, targeting victims through digital platforms.

The suspects are being detained for further questioning while investigations are continuing to determine the full extent of the operation and whether additional individuals were involved.Police said further inquiries are underway.

By Norman Palihawadane

The third meeting of the Cabinet-appointed committee tasked with ensuring the continuous functioning of the public service, was held on Wednesday  (01) under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya, via virtual platform.

During the meeting, attention was drawn to the progress in implementing decisions taken at the previous meeting to maintain uninterrupted public services while managing fuel and energy in the face of challenges arising from the conflict situation in the Middle East.

Particular focus was also placed on the implementation and progress of guidelines issued by the Office of the Commissioner General of Essential Services at the ministerial level.

It was revealed that the Ministry of Health and Mass Media had achieved a 42% saving in diesel consumption by 31 March, while programmes on electricity and water management are currently being implemented successfully.

It was further noted that awareness programmes on energy management at school level are scheduled to be conducted on 7 and 9 April, and that universities are operating online where feasible.

The Ministry of Public Administration informed that examinations, including the Grama Niladhari entrance examination, were conducted as planned. It was also stated that several ministries, including Transport, Digital Economy and Justice, are continuing services by deploying essential staff and utilising online systems.

Attention was also drawn to monitoring fuel and energy management in public institutions. It was decided that measures taken by these institutions, along with the amount of energy saved, would be reported at the next committee meeting.

Meanwhile, discussions were held on implementing a rapid public awareness programme on preventing water wastage and promoting the use of alternative water sources, to be jointly carried out by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board and the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme.

The Ministry of Digital Economy has prepared a set of guidelines for carrying out official duties through online systems. It was discussed to implement these with the concurrence of the Ministry of Public Administration and to issue the necessary circular instructions by 20 April 2026.

It was also decided to assess the feasibility of working online on 16 and 17 April and to raise awareness among independent commissions on operating through online methods.

Attention was further drawn to monitoring and decision-making through a dashboard displaying daily energy consumption, available reserves and public service attendance.

The committee is scheduled to meet again on 8 April 2026.

Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government A.H.M.H. Abayarathna, Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government S. Aloka Bandara, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Dr Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Energy Professor T.M. Udayanga Hemapala, Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration Ayesha Jinadasa, Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy T.R.W.S. Dhanapala, Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Senior Professor Kapila C.K. Perera, Secretary to the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Engineer Kumudu Lal Bogahawatta, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage and Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation D.J.A.S.S. Rajakaruna, along with other committee members, were present at the meeting.