News

Japan advises NPP govt. on how to strengthen bilateral relations

Published

3 weeks ago

2026/02/18

Sahan Weerasooriya

Takehiko Matsuo

… asks for transparency, predictability and level playing field

Vice-Minister for International Affairs of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan Takehiko Matsuo has emphasised three key priorities for further strengthening bilateral relations between Japan and Sri Lanka.

The advice was given at the Intergovernmental Economic Policy Dialogue reconvened on Monday (16) for the first time in 10 years since July 2016. The Dialogue was co-chaired by Matsuo and K. A. Vimalenthirarajah, Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development of Sri Lanka.

Matsuo as the first point highlighted the economic development potential of Sri Lanka, particularly through the “Conceptual Roadmap on Building an Export-Oriented Industrial Corridor,” which was announced as a proposal by METI and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) during the visit of President Dissanayaka. In this context, he emphasised the importance of promoting intra-regional trade by leveraging the vast South Asian market, as well as facilitating Sri Lanka’s integration into global supply chains.

Matsuo stressed the importance of enhancing preparedness and response capabilities in times of crisis as the second point. He noted that strengthening financial resilience requires reducing overreliance on tourism, remittances from migrant workers, and tea exports, and advancing economic diversification.

The Japanese Vice Minister emphasised the need to promote positive success stories as the third most important point. In order to attract investment and encourage market entry into Sri Lanka, it is essential to further improve the business environment by addressing challenges faced by Japanese companies operating in the country, he said.

A large-scale business delegation, composed of around 40 business leaders and led by Fumihiko KOBAYASHI, Chairman of the Japan–Sri Lanka Business Co-operation Committee and Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of ITOCHU Corporation, also participated in the Dialogue.

Referring to the importance of addressing concrete issues Japanese companies operating in Sri Lanka are facing, Ambassador Akio Isomata expressed appreciation for the cooperation of the BOI and other relevant agencies of the GoSL in establishing the Japan-Sri Lanka Committee on Business Environment last August and for having been convening working-level meetings since then.

In that regard, the Ambassador emphasised the three fundamental elements of a sound business environment, namely, “transparency”, “predictability” and “non-discriminatory treatment (level playing field).”

The Ambassador also asked for an early realization and effective implementation of a single window system for investment approval procedures to facilitate future investment. He also said that Japan would like to see, as a way forward, to invite investors to Sri Lanka, an economic development strategy, including policies on the diversification of export products and markets that will lead the country to a sustainable growth. He mentioned further that Japan would also like to see sector-wise industrial promotion roadmaps in a clear-cut manner so that foreign investors can understand potential investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.

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Advisory for Severe Lightning issued to the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and Galle and Matara districts

Published

7 hours ago

2026/03/12

Priyan

Advisory for Severe Lightning Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 12.30 noon 12 March 2026 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 12 March 2026

Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m.

There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
 Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
 Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
 Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
 Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
 Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
 For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.

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Nasa spacecraft weighing 1,300lb due to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere

Published

8 hours ago

2026/03/12

Priyan

The two Van Allen Probes were launched in 2012 [BBC]

A Van Allen Probe spacecraft weighing more than 1,300lb (600kg) is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere almost 14 years after its launch, Nasa says.

The spacecraft is projected to re-enter around 19:45 EDT (23:45 GMT) on Tuesday the US Space Force predicted, according to Nasa, though there is a 24-hour margin of “uncertainty” in the timing.

The Van Allen Probe A, which launched in 2012, is expected mostly to burn up as it travels through the atmosphere, though some components may survive.

The space agency said there is a one in 4,200 chance of being harmed by a piece of the probe, which it characterised as “low” risk.

The spacecraft and its twin, Van Allen Probe B, were on a mission to gather unprecedented data on Earth’s two permanent radiation belts.

It was not immediately clear where in Earth’s atmosphere the satellite is projected to re-enter. The BBC has contacted Nasa for further detail.

Nasa and the US Space Force have said they will monitor the re-entry and update any predictions.

The mission, which was originally designed to last two years, went on for almost seven. It ended after the spacecrafts ran out of fuel and were no longer able to orient themselves toward the Sun.

The probes flew through rings of charged particles trapped by Earth’s magnetic field from 2012 to 2019, in order to study how particles were gained and lost, per Nasa.

Those rings, called the Van Allen belts, shield Earth from cosmic radiation, solar storms and streaming solar wind, which are harmful to humans and can damage technology.

The mission made significant discoveries, including the first data that show the existence of a transient third radiation belt, which can form during times of intense solar activity, Nasa said.

Van Allen Probe B is not expected to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere before 2030.

[BBC]

News

PM Visits the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

Published

10 hours ago

2026/03/12

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, on 11 March 2026, and held bilateral discussions with Yvonne Pinto, Director General of IRRI, focusing on strengthening cooperation in the field of rice research and sustainable agricultural development.

During the meeting, discussions centered on rice cultivation in Sri Lanka, including the key challenges faced by Sri Lankan paddy farmers. The Prime Minister highlighted issues affecting the sector such as productivity constraints, climate-related impacts, and the need to support farmers through improved agricultural practices and technological innovations.

Both sides also discussed the importance of introducing modern techniques and research-driven approaches to rice cultivation in order to enhance productivity and ensure long-term food security. In this regard, IRRI shared insights on ongoing global research initiatives aimed at improving rice varieties, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

The discussion further focused on the potential for expanded collaboration between Sri Lanka and IRRI, particularly in areas such as research partnerships, knowledge sharing, and capacity building for Sri Lankan agricultural institutions and farmers. The Prime Minister emphasized Sri Lanka’s interest in strengthening cooperation with IRRI to support the development of the country’s rice sector and to improve the livelihoods of paddy farmers.

The visit reaffirmed the importance of science-based agricultural innovation and international collaboration in addressing food security challenges and enhancing sustainable rice production in Sri Lanka.