News
Iran to double tea imports from SL
Iranian tea importers had offered to double the quantity of tea they buy from Sri Lanka under the Iranian tea-for-oil barter mechanism from its current USD five million to US 10 million during the winter months – December to March -Niraj de Mel, President of the Sri Lanka Tea Board (SLTB) told journalists on Saturday (10).
De Mel added that the Iranian New Year, celebrated in the third week of March, and Ramadan, would also lead to an increase in the demand for tea. Since the commencement of the tea-for-oil barter mechanism in August 2023, Iran has bought tea worth USD 25 million from Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka intends to pay off 240 million dollars in 48 months, Mel said, adding that the barter mechanism had been a boon to Sri Lanka, given its current foreign exchange crisis.
Tea exports to Iran amounted to about USD 125 million dollars per year before dropping to around USD 70 million in 2022, he said.The internal demand for tea in Iran was about 100,000 metric tons annually, he said.
Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Health of the Russian Federation, officially visited the Russian House in Colombo to attend the Sri Lanka–Russia Medical Forum, where members of the Sri Lanka Russia Business Council and graduates from the Association of Sri Lankan Graduates from Socialist countries (ASLGSC) attended.
This historic gathering was graced by rectors and representatives from several world-class Russian medical institutions, including Kursk State Medical University, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, and Tver State Medical University, among others.
The forum commenced with an address by Minister Murashko, during which Russian medical graduates in attendance raised pertinent questions regarding medical and pharmaceutical sector opportunities in Sri Lanka.
Levan Dzhagaryan, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, together with Madam Maria L. Popova, Counsellor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Sri Lanka & the Maldives and Director of the Russian House in Colombo, graced the occasion. Both officials expressed strong support for continued collaboration and future initiatives between the two nations.
The official appointment letters for the members of the newly established “Cricket Transformation Committee” (CTC) were handed over on Monday (04) by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage.
The following members received their letters of appointment at the Ministry premises:
Sidath Wettimuny
Thushira Radella
Prakash Schaffter
Ms. Avanthi Colombage
The Ministry also noted that veteran cricketers Roshan Mahanama and Kumar Sangakkara, who are key members of the committee, are currently overseas. Their official appointments will be formalised immediately upon their arrival in Sri Lanka.
The Cricket Transformation Committee has been mandated to oversee the administration and drive structural reforms within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in accordance with the powers vested in the Minister under the Sports Act No. 25 of 1973.
Three prison guards attached to the Welikada Prison have been arrested by Borella Police following the death of an inmate on Monday (04).
Minister of Health of the Russian Federation attends the Sri Lanka–Russia Medical Forum
Members of Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee Officially Appointed
Three prison guards arrested following the death of an inmate
Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 pm.
CJ urged to inquire into AKD’s remarks on May 25 court verdict
ITAK MPs representing East take their woes to Canadian HC
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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