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India underscores Lanka being ‘priority one’ partner

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General Manoj Mukund Naravane on arrival at the BIA yesterday (12). The Indian Army Chief was welcomed by Gen. Shavendra Silva (right) -pic courtesy Army Media

Ex-IPKF officer here as Army Chief

Indian High Commission in Colombo says Chief of the Indian Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane’s visit underscores Sri Lanka being ‘priority one’ partner of New Delhi.

General Naravane served with the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) deployed in the then temporarily merged North-East Province in terms of the Indo-Lanka Accord signed in July 1987. India quit the disastrous mission in March 1990.

The IHC stated: “The visit symbolises strong relations and close cooperation shared between the two countries. During the visit, areas of mutual interest and avenues of enhancing existing bilateral defence cooperation will be discussed, with Sri Lanka being ‘Priority One’ partner of India. The interaction will be conducted whilst strictly adhering to COVID-19 guidelines.

General Manoj Mukund Naravane, the Chief of Army Staff of India arrived at Colombo on 12 October 2021 on a four-day official visit at the invitation of General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of Sri Lanka Army. General Silva along with Mrs. Sujeewa Nelson, President, Army Seva Vanitha Unit (ASVU) warmly welcomed Gen Naravane and Mrs. Veena Naravane, President, Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo.

During his official visit to Sri Lanka, Gen. Naravane is scheduled to call on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary, Foreign Secretary and Service Commanders.

He would also witness Exercise Mitra Shakti, one of the largest bilateral military exercises in the region. He would also participate in Gajaba Day celebrations as the Chief Guest. The General is also scheduled to deliver a talk at DSCSC, Batalanda and interact with students and faculty.”



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IMF Executive Board approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka

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The IMF Executive Board approved emergency financing under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI),  providing Sri Lanka with immediate access to SDR 150.5 million (about US$206 million,
equivalent to 26 percent of quota) to help Sri Lanka address the urgent needs arising from the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah and preserve macroeconomic stability.

 

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Navy clears major bridge obstructions in Peradeniya and Lewella

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In response to severe weather impacts, the Sri Lanka Navy conducted a diving and technical assistance operation on Friday (19 Dec 25) to clear major debris obstructing vital infrastructure.

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Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)

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The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has extended the Landslide Early Warning issued to the districts of Badulla,  Kandy,  Kurunegala,  Matale and Nuwara-Eliya till  08:00AM on Sunday (21st December 2025)

The LEVEL III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Medadumbara, Doluwa, Ududumbara and Minipe in the Kandy district,  and Nildandahinna, Hanguranketha, Mathurata and
Walapane have been extended.

LEVEL II AMBER   landslide early warnings have also been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions  and surrounding areas of Soranathota, Hali_Ela, Passara,  Meegahakivula, Badulla, Lunugala and  Kandeketiya in the Badulla district,  Thumpane, Harispattuwa, Udapalatha, Kundasale, Akurana, Poojapitiya, Udunuwara, Pathadumbara, Pasbage Korale, Gangawata Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Yatinuwara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Panvila, Pathahewaheta and Deltota in the Kandy district,  Rideegama in the Kurunegala district,  Ukuwela, Naula, Matale, Ambanganga Korale, Rattota, Pallepola, Wilgamuwa, Yatawatta and Laggala Pallegama in the Matale district,  and Nuwara-Eliya in the Nuwara-Eliya district.

LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of  Uva Paranagama, Welimada, Haputhale, Haldummulla, Ella and
Bandarawela in the Badulla district, Alawwa, Mallawapitiya,
Polgahawela and Mawathagama in the Kurunegala district,  and Kothmale East, Ambagamuwa Korale, Kothmale West, Thalawakele and Norwood in the Nuwara-Eliya district.

 

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