News
Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Silva fortifies Sri Lanka-Kenya bonds
Nairobi
– In response to an invitation extended by Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla, Sri Lanka’s Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva is visting Kenya. Upon his arrival at the Defence Headquarters in Nairobi, General Silva was accorded a grand reception by the Kenyan defence forces.
The visit signifies a deepening of ties between Sri Lanka and Kenya, underscoring a joint commitment to enhance defence cooperation and establish strategic partnerships. Accompanied by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in Kenya, Kana Kananathan, General Silva engaged in extensive deliberations with Kenyan defence officials, focusing on areas of mutual concern and shared security objectives.
During bilateral discussions, both military leaders explored avenues for collaboration across various defence domains, encompassing counterterrorism endeavours, maritime security strategies, regional peacekeeping missions, and capacity-building initiatives. Discussions between Sri Lanka and Kenya underscored the pivotal role of defence diplomacy in fostering stability within the region and advancing global peace.
General Shavendra Silva, General Francis Ogola CDF kenya and Ambassdor Kananathan
General Shavendra Silva’s visit underscores Sri Lanka’s dedication to nurturing ties with African nations and underscores the growing importance of defence alliances in addressing contemporary security challenges. As both nations navigate intricate geopolitical terrains, engagements like these serve as catalysts for strengthening mutual understanding and cultivating enduring partnerships.
High Commission Kananathan said: “The warm reception and substantive dialogues observed during General Shavendra Silva’s visit epitomised the shared aspirations of Sri Lanka and Kenya to foster peace, stability, and prosperity within their respective regions and beyond. This diplomatic exchange not only underscores the significance of defence diplomacy but also highlights the enduring camaraderie between the peoples of Sri Lanka and Kenya. The robust relationship between Kenya and Sri Lanka has witnessed remarkable enhancement over the past years, laying a solid foundation for future cooperation and collaboration.”
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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