News
PM directs Customs to immediately clear essential food items in port
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed Sri Lanka Customs to immediately clear all essential food items currently in the port.
The prime minister has issued this directive during the Cost of Living (CoL) Committee meeting held on Sept. 24 via video conference, the PM’s Office said. He issued the directive to the Imports and Exports Controller General and the Director General of Sri Lanka Customs.
It had been decided during the meeting to ensure that the essential food items cleared from the port are distributed to the general public through the Sathosa outlets and through the importers of essential goods, expeditiously.
It was emphasized that the Ministry of Trade and agriculture officers should take responsibility to release rice and other essential food items to the market without any shortage.
Approval was also granted to the request made by State Minister D. B. Herath to obtain animal feed including maize from the international market under the existing system until the local maize crops are harvested.
Meanwhile during the meeting, Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardena requested the Prime Minister to expedite the investigation into the complaint made by him regarding the allegations made by the former Executive Director of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) who resigned recently.
The prime minister made a phone call to the IGP at that moment and informed him to expedite the investigation, the PM’s Office said
The Ambassador of Indonesia to Sri LankaDewi Gustina Tobing, met Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament of Sri Lanka to discuss strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, tourism, technology, and education, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to fostering diplomatic and economic ties for mutual benefit.
A key area of focus was expanding tourism exchanges, including religious tourism, which holds significant potential for growth.
The two delegations also explored opportunities in trade, particularly the importation of palm oil and the introduction of organic liquid fertilizers to support Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector.
Collaboration in the IT industry was highlighted as another promising area of partnership, alongside discussions on integrating electric vehicles into Sri Lanka’s public transport system.
The Sri Lankan delegation, led by Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mrs. Sagarika Boghawatta, included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Indonesian delegation was represented by Deputy Ambassador . Fiki Oktanioand Minister Counsellor Mrs. Lailal K. Yuniarti.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
The Matara Magistrate’s Court today [20], ordered that former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Deshabandu Tennakoon be further remanded until April 03..
The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has announced that the upcoming Local Authorities Poll will be held on Tuesday 06th May 2025
The acceptance of nominations for the poll concluded at 12.00 noon today (20).
Ambassador of Indonesia to Sri Lanka calls on PM
Former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon further remanded until April 03.
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