A high-level discussion on addressing challenges in Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector and related environmental concerns was held on Thursday (22) at the Presidential Secretariat, under the patronage of Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Enhancing China-Sri Lanka Agricultural Productivity.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the discussion has focused on jointly implementing programmes between Sri Lanka and China aimed at resolving key issues in the country’s agriculture sector while improving overall productivity.

The meeting also explored the potential application of Chinese technology and tools to address agricultural challenges and associated environmental issues.

Further attention was given to measures to minimise crop damage caused by wild animals, as well as the assistance that could be extended by China for the cleaning and restoration of the Beira Lake, it added.

Participants at the discussion included Senior Lecturer of the Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management at Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Vishvajith Kandegama; Professor Zhang Guozhu of Guizhou University; Cao Xuan and Wei Ping of the Department of Commerce and Management of Hubei Province, along with several other representatives.

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court yesterday ordered the temporary lifting of the overseas travel ban imposed on former Minister Prasanna Ranatunga.The order was issued when the case filed against him was taken up before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama.

During the proceedings, President’s Counsel Anil Silva, appearing for the suspect, submitted that his client needs to travel to India for religious purposes. Accordingly, he requested the court to issue an order to temporarily relax the existing overseas travel restrictions.

Assistant Director General of the Bribery Commission Sulochana Hettiarachchi, appearing on behalf of the Commission, informed the court that the Director General of the Commission does not consent to this request.

After considering the facts presented by both parties, the Magistrate ordered the temporary removal of the overseas travel ban until the next court date.

In addition to this, the Magistrate imposed an additional personal bail of Rs. 5 million on

Prasanna Ranatunga and an overseas travel ban on his guarantors.

The case was scheduled to be called again on 27 March.

The Bribery Commission filed this case against the former Minister for allegedly causing a loss of Rs. 4,750,828.72 to the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC). The charges involve the unlawful appointment of a private brokerage firm to provide direct medical insurance for employees of four institutions, under the Ministry of Tourism, during his tenure as the Minister.

by A.J.A. Abeynayake ✍️

The US Embassy in Colombo has reminded Sri Lankan travellers to ensure they comply with US visa regulations before travelling to the United States.In a statement, the Embassy noted that a B1/B2 visitor visa permits activities such as attending business meetings and negotiating contracts.

However, it emphasised that engaging in employment or work-related activities requires a different visa category.

The Embassy warned that undertaking unauthorised employment, while in the United States, could result in deportation and may lead to a permanent ban on future entry into the country.