News

Chinese Ambassador reveals a whole gamut of cooperation between China and Lanka

Published

5 years ago

2021/10/2

The year 2021 is an extraordinary one in the history of China-Sri Lanka relations, Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of China to Sri Lanka said yesterday issuing a statement marking the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

“In the past year, China has in total provided Sri Lanka 26 million doses of vaccines, numerous medical supplies, and billions of dollars as financial support to fight the epidemic and revitalise its economy. The two countries have made breakthroughs in mega projects such as Port City Colombo and Hambantota Port. The bilateral trade increased 61% year-on-year in the first half of 2021. Meanwhile, we have firmly supported each other in the international fora including human rights and COVID-19 origins-tracing, which has further deepened China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership,” he said.

Given below is his statement in full: “On the auspicious occasion of the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, I would like to wish our country prosperity and progress, our people health and happiness, and best regards to all of our Chinese fellow citizens working, studying and living in Sri Lanka! I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our Sri Lankan friends from all walks of life who have always been following and supporting the development of China and China-Sri Lanka relations!

“This year marks the centenary of the Communist Party of China. Under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, we have realised the first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and have brought about a historic resolution to the problem of absolute poverty in China. In the face of the severe challenges brought by COVID-19, we have made concerted and society-wide efforts, and achieved a major strategic outcome in fighting the pandemic. In the meantime, we are grounding our efforts in the new development stage, applying the new development philosophy, and creating a new pattern of development, as China’s GDP registers an increase of 12.7% and foreign trade grows 27.1% year-on-year in the first half of 2021.

“We have landed out first rover on Mars, broken the deep-sea sediment core retrieval record, successfully sent the astronauts to the newest space station, and won hundreds of medals in the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. That the Five-Starred Red Flags being raised time after time makes all Chinese nationals deeply proud.

“We have taken up the responsibility and leadership as a major country, donating funds and supplies to help the international community fight the COVID-19 pandemic. China will strive to provide a total of two billion doses of vaccines to the world by the end of this year. In addition to donating 100 million US dollars to COVAX, we will donate 100 million doses of vaccines to other developing countries in the course of this year. In addition, China has been working with partner countries and overcame difficulties brought by the pandemic, to promote the high-quality development of the Belt and Road. We also stand with the international community to altogether deal with common challenges, resolutely uphold the international fairness and justice, and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

“This year 2021 is also an extraordinary one in the history of China-Sri Lanka relations. President Xi Jinping and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa have provided new strategic guidance for the further deepening of China-Sri Lanka relations through several phone calls and correspondence. Premier Li Keqiang and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa virtually attended the same international forum together. Chairman of Chinese NPC Li Zhanshu and Speaker of Sri Lankan Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena held a fruitful online meeting, while the two countries’ foreign, defence, commercial chiefs also maintained close communication. The political and strategic mutual trust between China and Sri Lanka has reached a new height.

“In the past year, China has in total provided Sri Lanka 26 million doses of vaccines, numerous medical supplies, and billions of dollars as financial support to fight the epidemic and revitalize its economy. The two countries have made breakthroughs in mega projects such as Port City Colombo and Hambantota Port. The bilateral trade increased 61% year-on-year in the first half of 2021. Meanwhile, we have firmly supported each other in the international fora including human rights and COVID-19 origins-tracing, which has further deepened China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership.

“We are very much proud when looking back, while we are even more confident forging ahead. The year 2022 will witness the historic moment of the CPC’s 20th National Congress, as well as the 65th anniversary of China-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations and the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Rubber-Rice Pact. Let’s work together and continue to contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and bring our bilateral relations to a new level.”

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News

President chairs discussion on 2027 Budget Proposals for the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development

Published

2 hours ago

2026/07/16

Priyan

A pre-Budget discussion to review the progress of projects implemented under the 2026 Budget allocations for the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and to discuss proposals for the 2027 Budget was held under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on Monday (13) afternoon.

The progress of projects implemented by each division of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and the institutions under its purview using the 2026 Budget allocations, as well as proposals for the 2027 Budget, were reviewed separately during the discussion.

The President also focused on the current status of the programme to establish industrial zones in areas including Dambulla, Ingiriya, Valachchenai, Millaniya and Katunayake. Discussions centred on issues that have arisen in allocating land and developing infrastructure, including electricity, water and roads, as well as the urgent measures required to resolve these issues.

President Dissanayake instructed officials to make every effort to complete all projects already initiated under the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development within the stipulated timeframes. He also highlighted the need to clearly identify the Government’s role and limitations in relation to the industrial sector.

Attention was also drawn to the current situation regarding the development of state-owned enterprises, while issues affecting the sugar and salt industries and alternative proposals to address them were also discussed.

The current status of the process to consolidate institutions under the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development was also reviewed. The President pointed out that large institutions had been established at different times to meet various needs, ultimately creating a situation in which such institutions had to be maintained using taxpayers’ money.

He stressed that the consolidation of these institutions should not only improve their efficiency but should also result in a relative reduction in operational expenditure compared with the costs incurred prior to consolidation.

Officials also briefed the President on the proposal to establish the Entrepreneurship and Industry Transformation Authority (EITA) and the programme proposed under the Authority.

Attention was also focused on the challenges faced by exporters and industrialists in carrying out their activities. The President instructed officials to submit proposals on general concessions that could be provided to encourage exporters and industrialists.

The President further pointed out that Sri Lanka could develop distinctive expertise by identifying several key areas within the industrial sector and providing the facilities necessary for their development.

Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti; Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Anil Jayantha Fernando; Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe; Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake; Chief of Presidential Staff Prabath Chandrakeerthi; Senior Additional Secretary to the President Russell Aponsu; Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma; and Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Thilaka Jayasundara, along with officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, participated in the discussion.

[PMD]

News

Prime Minister meets the Amir of the State of Qatar and conveys condolences on the passing of the Father Emir

Published

2 hours ago

2026/07/16

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, visited the State of Qatar to convey condolences on the passing of the Father Emir, at Lusail Palace in Doha on Wednesday (15 July).

Upon her arrival, the Prime Minister was received by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Minister of Interior of the State of Qatar. The Prime Minister subsequently met with His Highness the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya conveyed to the Emir the deepest condolences of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on the passing of the Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani; Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani; Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, Speaker of the Shura Council; senior members of the Royal Family.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

News

Current El Niño Status in Sri Lanka

Published

13 hours ago

2026/07/16

Priyan

At present, El Niño conditions have developed and are classified as being at a weak level. Forecasts indicate a 63% probability of a very strong El Niño event developing during the period from November 2026 to January 2027. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there is approximately a one-third probability that El Niño will remain below a very strong intensity.

Typical Climatic Conditions Associated with El Niño
Based on analyses of past El Niño events that occurred between 1950 and 2025:
• Rainfall during July and August may be below normal, particularly in the dry zone areas.
• From October onward, rainfall is generally expected to be above normal.
• If a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) develops, enhanced rainfall conditions may continue until December.

Sectors Requiring Attention
• Appropriate measures should be taken for water resource management during July and August.
• Increased rainfall expected from October onward may lead to floods and landslides, requiring preparedness and close monitoring. The forecasts are important for sectors such as, Agriculture /Water management /Livestock /Health /Energy /Other climate-sensitive sectors
• Attention should be paid to official information issued by the Department of Meteorology.

Actions by the Department of Meteorology
The Department of Meteorology continuously monitors the evolving situation and issues:
• Weekly and monthly seasonal forecasts and Monthly analyses of rainfall data to monitor meteorological drought conditions.
As weather conditions are influenced not only by El Niño but also by other climatic factors, updated forecasts and advisories are regularly shared with relevant stakeholder organizations (Irrigation/ Water Management Committee /Department of Agriculture/National Building Research Institute/Disaster Management Centre (DMC)/Ministry of Health /Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation…etc). The Department also provides technical support to the committee established through a Cabinet decision to address climate-related impacts. The Department’s monthly rainfall outlook for July to September 2026 is attached

Monthly Rainfall Forecasts for July, August and September 2026
Month Rainfall forecast
July 2026

During July 2026, there is a higher probability of having near normal rainfall across most parts of the Western and Southern Provinces. The remainder of the country is expected to experience below normal rainfall.

August 2026

There is a higher probability of having below normal rainfall across most parts of the country during month of August 2026.

September 2026

There is a possibility of above-normal rainfall across most parts of the Western and Southern Provinces, while near-normal rainfall is expected in the Sabaragamuwa Province. Below-normal rainfall is likely in the remaining areas during September 2026.

Note: These long-range forecasts may change due to strong day-to-day atmospheric variability associated with the movement of weather systems such as atmospheric disturbances, low-pressure areas, and depressions, as well as intra-seasonal oscillations such as the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO). Therefore, in addition to the weekly and monthly forecasts, it is important to pay attention to the Department’s official announcements, weather advisories and warnings, as well as the daily weather forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology.