News
Pakistan FM concludes two-day visit here
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, visited Sri Lanka, for two days, on 3-4 February, 2023, to attend the 75th Independence Day celebrations of Sri Lanka, on the invitation of the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka.Ministers from Bangladesh, Nepal, the Maldives, India, Japan, and Bhutan also attended the event.
In addition to attending the cultural event and Independence Day ceremony, the Pakistan Minister of State also called on the President, the Prime Minister, and the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka. Bilateral meetings, between the Minister of State and the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh and the Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, also took place on the sidelines.
The visiting Minister of State also called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe, and felicitated him on the 75th Independence Day of the country. Congratulating him on assuming the office of the President, she hoped that the country will progress, and prosper, under his able leadership. She reiterated Pakistan’s full support for the government, and the people of Sri Lanka, during these difficult times. The President reciprocated the warm wishes and underscored that her participation in the Sri Lankan celebrations was reflective of the brotherly relations between the two countries.
In her meeting with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, the Minister of State appreciated the warm hospitality and excellent arrangements made for the celebrations of Independence Day. Issues of mutual interest, relating to bilateral cooperation, were discussed during the meeting. The Minister of State emphasized the importance of high-level visits from both sides to continue providing impetus to the growth of bilateral ties.
During the meeting with Foreign Minister, Ali Sabry, the Minister of State thanked him for the invitation to participate in the Independence Day celebrations. The two Ministers discussed a range of bilateral issues, including cooperation in defence, education, health, trade and investment, and people-to-people contacts. They also expressed satisfaction over the trajectory of cordial relations between the two friendly countries and resolved to take measures to further consolidate existing collaboration in various fields.
During the visit, the Minister of State also held bilateral meetings with the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen, and the Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Shunsuke Takei, who were also attending the Independence Day celebrations of Sri Lanka.
In terms of the provisions of the Establishments Code on payment of festival advance to government officers, there’s a possibility of obtaining rupees 10,000/- as an advance for celebrating festivals of Theipongal, Ramazan, Sinhala and Hindu New Year, Wesak, Deepavali, and Christmas as well as for pilgrimages (Sri Paada pilgrimage and Hajj pilgrimage).
Provisions have been given to recover the said advance in 08 installments or if required earlier without interest. It has been proposed by the Budget 2026 to increase the said festival advance up to rupees 15,000/-.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local governments to revise the relevant provisions so that the festival advance can be increased up to rupees 15,000/- .
As per the approval given by the cabinet meeting held on 02-06-2025, action is being taken at present to offer the underutilized lands/properties of the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Etate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation Company which are under the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure which have been identified under stage one to suitable investors.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure to provide following lands/properties on a lease basis to the suitable investors for optimal utilization following the prescribed procurement procedure.
• underutilized lands/properties identified under stage two owned by the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Estate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation
Company,
• The Mawarala watte land and the Tea factory 40.48 hectares in extent, located in Matara District belonging to the Tea Shakthi Fund.
• The underutilized land of 1,541 hectares in extent of Kondachchi Estate is enjoyed by the Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation.
The drafting of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has commenced with the objective of equitable distribution of the benefits of the fisheries industry and the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture. This policy has been updated from time to time according to current requirements. However, steps have not been taken to obtain the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for that purpose.
According to the policy declaration of the present government, ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’ the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has been redrafted, updating the aforementioned policy in line with the economic and development objectives of the government.
The recommendations of the Department of National Planning have been received for the drafted policy.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Marine
Resources to implement the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, integrating it with other relevant policies.
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Providing underutilized lands/properties to suitable investors for optimal utilization.
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