News
Indonesia expresses interest in conducting collaborative research with Palmyrah Research Institute here
During a recent visit to Jaffna, the Indonesian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Dewi Gustina Tobing, held a meeting with the Manager of the Palmyrah Research Institute (PRI), Sri Vijenindran.
During an extensive discussion between the Indonesian Ambassador and the Manager of PRI, they explored the possible collaboration in research, product development, and sharing of expertise between PRI and the Palma Research Centre of the Ministry of Agriculture of Indonesia and other Indonesian stakeholders, such as smallholder associations, university research centres, and other government institutions.
Similar to Sri Lanka, Indonesia’s palmyrah tree is also a species of Borassus flabellifer, also known as Lontar or Siwalan. Palmyrah grows widely in Indonesia, especially in the eastern region of Indonesia where it grows well naturally in dry areas. The palmyrah trees have also become a symbol of the region in Jeneponto and East Nusa Tenggara. A number of uses of palmyrah can be seen in the daily life of the community in the two areas. Several studies on palmyrah as a potential raw material for bioethanol have been conducted, making palmyrah’s economic value higher.
PRI is the only research centre related to palmyrah and its products in South Asia. Together with the Palmyrah Development Board of Sri Lanka, PRI has been able to develop up to 50 types of products derived from the palm tree. Until September 2021, Sri Lanka was able to export palmyrah products worth up to 12.5 million USD. Several international collaborations related to research and development of palmyrah products in Sri Lanka, mainly with neighbouring countries, have already been carried out.
(Ms.) Nina P. Cainglet, Ambassador of the Philippines to Sri Lanka based in Dhaka, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office on May 16, 2025.
The Prime Minister welcomed Ambassador Cainglet and extended her congratulations on the new appointment. The discussion focused on expanding cooperation in trade and tourism, with both sides expressing their commitment to exploring new opportunities in these key sectors. The meeting also addressed consular matters relating to the Filipino community in Sri Lanka. In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured continued dialogue and necessary support on relevant issues.
The meeting was attended by Ms. Judienne Capiz, Vice Consul of the Embassy of the Philippines in Dhaka, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. S.S. Premawardhane, Additional Secretary, Bilateral Political Affairs (East); and M.R. Keegel, Deputy Director, Southeast Asia & Central Asia Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division].
The Bribery Commission on Friday filed a corruption case against former Investment Promotion Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena and ex-BOI Director General Jayantha Edirisinghe, accusing them of misusing public cash for a lavish newspaper ad campaign back in 2014.
They stand accused of siphoning Rs. 1.7 million in state funds to publish 11 newspaper supplements marking the second inauguration anniversary of then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa on November 19, 2014.
According to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), the move amounted to a clear breach of anti-graft laws, with five formal charges now filed before the Colombo High Court.
The case, centred around alleged misuse of Board of Investment (BOI) funds, is backed by 21 pieces of documentary evidence and testimony from 15 witnesses.
The Bribery Commission maintains that the ad blitz had no official sanction and led to a direct loss of Rs. 1,748,877.76 to the state.
Inspector General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon is set to face formal questioning tomorrow (May 19) over serious allegations of misconduct and abuse of power, parliamentary sources said on Friday.
A special committee appointed to investigate the claims will commence formal proceedings next week, following several rounds of preliminary discussions held within the parliamentary complex in recent weeks.
The IGP has been officially notified to appear before the committee and is expected to face the inquiry for the first time at 2:00 PM in Committee Room No. 8.
The committee, which met again on Thursday (15) to finalise arrangements, is investigating allegations that Tennakoon misused his official powers in a manner deemed severe and improper.
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