News

JVP demands President’s resignation

Published

2 years ago

2022/04/27

By Saman Indrajith

JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday demanded the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as no political solution could be found for the present crisis, as long as the incumbent remained in power.

Addressing the media at the party headquarters, in Pelawatte, Dissanayake said that various political parties, civil and religious organisations and professional bodies had suggested solutions. “It is the President who has powers to dissolve Parliament. Even if we pass a motion, in Parliament, and refer it to the President, it is he who has those powers. Any form of administration, suggested as a solution, including the all-party governments, interim governments, or caretaker governments, would have to depend on the executive presidency. How could the President be trusted? For example, a group of MPs met him, and the following day he engineered the crossover of an SLFP MP.

Dissanayake said that the President Rajapaksa should understand that the country could not be run by what he called a bunker administration. Today, he is hiding in the President’s House bunker. No democratic nation should allow it to be run by a ruler hiding in a bunker. “We have information that army units have been brought from Moneragala and Dambulla to Colombo to guard this bunker which is already fortified with armored cars and tanks.

“If the President does not step down we must take to the streets and agitate till he is forced to do so. Our trade unions are ready for a general strike on Thursday. In parallel to that there would be demonstrations and rallies in all main cities. We call on people to join them and raise their voice against this administration. We must send this government and the president home. It is only thereafter we can discuss the mode of an interim administration which suits this country to find solutions for the present crisis. No solution is a solution until this very same administration is in power. All other talks are only tactics to buy time. We will not fall for such tricks.”

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Business

President outlines a bold vision for Sri Lanka tourism at THASL’s 58th AGM

Published

3 hours ago

2023/11/28

Priyan

Addressing the 58th Annual General Meeting of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) held on Monday (27) at Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, President Ranil Wickremesinghe outlined a comprehensive strategy to propel the country’s tourism sector to new heights. Focused on surpassing the target of 5 million tourists and redefining traditional approaches, the President’s vision extends to achieving 7.5 million visitors in the coming years. The President emphasized the need for innovative thinking and collaboration within the industry to ensure sustainable growth.

“When I took over the government, I realized that sustainability alone is not sufficient. How are we going to earn foreign exchange? How are we going to have a positive balance of trade? In that, there were many suggestions. But what is the low-hanging fruit? And one of the low-hanging fruits was tourism. Let’s promote tourism fully,” President Wickremesinghe declared.

The President acknowledged the need to move beyond the existing framework and embrace competition to elevate Sri Lanka’s standing in the global tourism market. Drawing parallels with countries like Vietnam, he questioned why they had more tourists despite being in the industry for a shorter period. President Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of increasing the number of tourists to 2.5 million in the upcoming year and subsequently expanding on this figure.

(PMD)

Business

Free visas for nationals of China, India, Indonesia, Russsia, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan from Monday (27)

Published

7 hours ago

2023/11/28

Priyan

The Controller General of Immigration and Emigration has stated that nationals of China, India, Indonesia, Russsia, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan will be granted free visas from Monday 27-11-2023 to 31-03-2024 as a pilot program to rebuild the tourism industry.

Nationals of the above nominated countries possessing, Diplomatic, Official, Public Affairs, Services and Ordinary Passports are eligible to enjoy a visa free regime under this scheme.

The above mentioned nationals should apply for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arriving in Sri Lanka subject to granting / issuing free of charge up to 31-03-2024.

Under this scheme tourists can enjoy a 30 days free visa period and a double entry facility is permitted within 30 days from the date of first arrival in Sri Lanka.

Free ETA under this scheme can be applied up to 31-03-2024.

The free ETA cannot be extended further and is limited only to thirty (30) days. In case the free ETA period of 30 days expires after 31-03-2024, an extension of visa could be applied subject to paying the appropriate fee.

Latest News

Cabinet gives green light for Colombo Port City Order No. 3 of 2023 to be presented in Parliament

Published

8 hours ago

2023/11/28

Priyan

The President in his capacity as the Minister of Investment Promotion has published the Colombo Port City Orders No. 3 of 2023 (Enterprises with Strategic Value – Guidelines for releasing or encouraging to award for customs – free enterprises) under the provisions of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act No. 11 of 2021 by the extraordinary gazette notification No. 2355/30 dated 25.10.2023.

The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal furnished by the Hon. President in his capacity as the Minister of Investment Promotions to submit the said orders to the Parliament for its concurrence.

(PMD)