News
ComBank supports traditional rice producers in Kokkadichcholai

Farmers in Kokkadichcholai, Batticaloa, have received financial and technical support and equipment to facilitate their traditional trade of rice production, as the latest beneficiaries of Commercial Bank of Ceylon’s Dirishakthi Value Chain Development Programme.
The Bank embarked on this exercise to drive financial inclusion among smallholder farmers in this area in partnership with the Women’s Society in Kokkadichcholai. Its ultimate objective is to increase the production capacity in the area and enhance rural livelihoods. To support this mandate, the Bank also donated 30 paddy-boiling aluminum pans to selected farmers in the community. The livelihood of this community revolves around collecting paddy, preparing traditional rice and supplying local markets and individuals in the Batticaloa town.
The Commercial Bank Batticaloa branch along with the Bank’s Bank on Wheels – Eastern arm, the Bank’s corresponding Agriculture and Micro Finance Unit (AMFU) and the Development Credit Department (DCD) collaborated on this ‘Dirishakthi Value Chain Development Programme’ which culminated in a ceremony that was held in Kokkadichcholai, recently.
After donating the cooking utensils to the Women’s Society, Commercial Bank’s officials elaborated on the services offered by the Bank on Wheels operation and the Bank’s products and services available to the community.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President of the Women’s Society, Mrs P. Sakunthaladevi said: “Through the Bank on Wheels operation, Commercial Bank has been providing basic banking services such as account opening, cash deposits and withdrawals, micro loans, agri leases and other banking related services to our farmers on at least four days of the month. We are grateful to receive these services which have been instrumental in expanding our trade, enhancing productivity, and even improving our lifestyle. Of the 80 members in our Society, nearly 45 have obtained Dirishakthi loans from the Commercial Bank Batticaloa branch. This capital inflow boost has not only increased the income of these families but enhanced the livelihoods and quality of life of our community as a whole.”
The Women’s Society in Kokkadichcholai, soon to be registered as the ‘Padayanadavely Women’s Society,’ was established in 2019 with the support of Commercial Bank’s Bank on Wheels operation as a small association comprising 12 farmer members who were engaged in cultivation, traditional rice making, and animal husbandry.
A similar initiative conducted under the Bank’s Dirishakthi Value Chain Development Programme was the provision of assistance to the dairy value chain of the Mullaitivu Livestock Breeders Cooperative Society. This value chain consisting of farmers, milk collectors, producers, product transporters, and retailers to the end consumer were supported with banking services and access via the Bank on Wheels. Members of this community who had lost their assets including livestock during the conflict also had the opportunity to obtain loans to purchase cattle and develop cattle sheds.
The Bank also donated a set of cooler boxes to support a group of dairy farmers in Mulliyawalai. The coolers help preserve the freshness of the products and are essential in the safe transportation of dairy products. Following these measures, community members reported an increase in milk production and their income.
News
AKD’s fourth state visit

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake a four-day state visit to Vietnam on 03 May, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. Since the presidential election, President Dissanayake has so far visited India, China and the UAE.
News
Sri Lanka-Pakistan bilateral defence dialogue strengthens strategic ties – MoD

The 5th annual Sri Lanka-Pakistan Bilateral Defence Dialogue commenced on Monday (April 28) in Islamabad, Pakistan, marking a continued commitment to strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.
The MoD statement: “The Sri Lankan delegation is led by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha accompanied by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, and Additional Secretary (Defence) of the Ministry of Defence Jayantha Edirisinghe. The Pakistani delegation is headed by Lieutenant General (retd.) Muhammad Ali, Secretary Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
In conjunction with the on-going defence dialogue, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha held a side-line meeting yesterday (April 29) with Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif.
These high-level engagements aim to enhance bilateral cooperation, foster mutual understanding on regional security dynamics and explore opportunities for defence collaboration. Both nations share a longstanding relationship rooted in mutual respect and strategic cooperation. The dialogue reflects the growing importance of partnerships in maintaining stability and promoting peace in the South Asian region.
The three-day dialogue, which concludes today (April 30), is expected to reinforce bilateral defence ties and contribute to broader regional security objectives.
News
FS officers receive training on disarmament

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), conducted a two day seminar on disarmament for Sri Lanka Foreign Service Officers on 25 and 26 April, 2025 at the Ministry. The text of the FM statement: “Over 40 officers, based in Colombo, attended the workshop physically while over 60 officers, attached to Sri Lanka Missions abroad, followed the Seminar virtually.
Director of UNIDIR, Dr. Robin Geiss, Senior Researcher at the UNIDIR Security and Technology Programme, Dr. Dongyoun Cho, and Associate of Political Affairs, Ms. Fanny Sebban of UNIDIR, conducted the Seminar as resource personnel. They shared their expertise and perspectives on the global disarmament landscape and evolving threats to international peace and security, etc.
Director of UNIDIR, Dr. Robin Geiss, called on Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath and discussed closer cooperation between the Ministry and UNIDIR.
The Human Resource Development, Research & Training Division and the United Nations and Human Rights Division of the Ministry organised the Seminar initiated by the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva.”
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