News
Lankan HC to Canada assumes duties

The newly appointed High Commissioner-designate of Sri Lanka to Canada, Harsha Kumara Navaratne assumed duties at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa last week (15). He was received upon arrival at the High Commission by its staff.
The High Commission in Ottawa in a release said: Addressing the staff of the High Commission upon assumption of duties, High Commissioner-designate Navaratne outlined his priorities in Canada and the need to enhance political, economic and people to people ties. He also highlighted the importance in building on the reconciliation efforts underway in Sri Lanka and the need to work with all communities of Sri Lankan heritage.
Continuing his remarks, High Commissioner-designate Navaratne mentioned that the doors of the High Commission remain open to anyone looking for assistance and that all were committed to working actively in order to carry out their duties in their efforts to serve the people. He outlined the need to highlight the potential available in Sri Lanka in order to encourage more trade and investment from Canada.
The High Commissioner-designate stated that the President of Sri Lanka had a new approach to promote Sri Lanka as a brand in North America in order to have mutual benefit. He also stated that as the West was focusing on Asia, Sri Lanka could be the peaceful entry into South, South East and East Asia. High Commissioner-designate Navaratne also stated that once he presents credentials, he would be travelling across Canada to meet like-minded groups in order to enhance cooperation and coordination.
His assumption of duties was marked by a simple ceremony organized by the staff of the High Commission, with milk rice and refreshments in keeping with Sri Lankan tradition. The spouse of the High Commissioner-designate D. A. K. Navaratne and the youngest daughter of the High Commissioner-designate T. L Navaratne were also present on the occasion.
High Commissioner-designate Navaratne has an illustrious and multifaceted career during which he has served as the Founder and Chairperson, Sevalanka Foundation, Commissioner, Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, Chairperson, International Network of Engaged Buddhist (INEB), Headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Executive Member of Peace Prize Committee Niwano Peace Foundation, Tokyo, Japan and Film Producer.
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“Improve the quality of infrastructure and services provided to tourists visiting the country.” – President

President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasized the necessity of providing high-quality infrastructure and services for tourists visiting Sri Lanka, as the country has gained significant international recognition as an attractive tourist destination.
Accordingly, the President instructed officials to pay special attention to this matter and take necessary actions.
President Disanayake issued these instructions during a discussion held today (17) at the Presidential Secretariat with officials from the Ministry of Tourism.
During the discussion, officials briefed the President on the budgetary allocations designated for the Ministry of Tourism and the projects being implemented under those funds.
With the tourism sector taking a new step forward, Sri Lanka aims to attract three million tourists this year. The discussion also extensively covered the utilization of these budgetary allocations for the development of essential infrastructure to support this goal.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Foreign Employment Vijitha Herath, Deputy Minister of Tourism Dr. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Aruni Ranaraja, along with a group of senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, attended this discussion.
News
French Navy Ship PROVENCE arrives in Port of Colombo

The French Navy Ship PROVENCE arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on Sunday (16 Mar 25) morning.
She was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with the time-honoured naval traditions.
The 142.20m long Destroyer is Commanded by Captain Lionel SIEGFRIED and manned by a crew of 160 members.
During the stay in the island, crew members of PROVENCE will visit some tourist hotspots in the country and the ship is scheduled to depart the island on 20 Mar.
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Court of Appeal dismisses Ex-IGP’s writ petition

The Court of Appeal this [17] morning dismissed the writ petition filed by former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, seeking an interim injunction to prevent the execution of the arrest order issued by the Matara Magistrate’s Court against him.
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