News
Over 20 global companies to attend Lanka’s first International Mining and Mineral Conference, Investor forum
By Ifham Nizam
More than 20 global mineral companies have evinced an interest in exploring investment opportunities in Sri Lanka through its first-ever International Mining and Mineral Conference, Investor Forum and Exhibition to be held in October.
Environment Minister Nazeer Ahamed yesterday said that the proposed event would serve as a forum for investors in mining.
Ahamed said that the prime objective of the event was to build a global brand value for Sri Lankan mineral industry, on a medium-term perspective by re-positioning Sri Lankan minerals based on their unique value propositions (UVP) and thereby, unlock the enormous investment and economic potential of the country.
The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB), which comes under the purview of the Ministry of Environment, has identified and mapped out 43 mineral resources in Sri Lanka. Amongst them, Graphite, Heavy Mineral Sand, Limestone, Phosphate, Dimension Stones, Vain Quartz, etc., have been identified as having most intrinsic value with high export potential.
Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) Chairman Sanjeepan Ravi said that the proposed International Mining and Mineral Conference, Investor Forum and Exhibition would provide an ideal platform for all stakeholders of the current and future Mineral Industry in Sri Lanka.
(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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