News
PM pays glowing tribute to China for being a special friend of Sri Lanka
China had been a real friend of Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said on Wednesday at the 73rd Anniversary of Chinese National Day celebrations organised by China Sri Lanka Friendship Associations.Gunawardena said that the People’s Republic of China had been founded on the 1st of October 1949 after a revolution led by Mao Tse Tung, Leader Chou En Lai, and other leaders of the Communist Party of China.
“President Xi Jinping said recently that China and Sri Lanka should be praised for setting an example of friendly coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries. Seven decades ago at a time when we did not have diplomatic relations, and at a time when barter trade accounts did not exist, China and Sri Lanka signed the Rubber-Rice Pact. It opened the door to friendly exchanges. This remarkable achievement celebrated its 70th anniversary earlier this year,” he said.
“China has been a very special friend for Sri Lanka. Kalyana Mitra is a friend who is with you in your times of happiness as well your times of sorrow.
“The Rice Rubber pact greatly enhanced trade, aid, and investments to expand upon a platform of mutual cooperation and friendship. And was furthered through diplomatic relations respecting Sri Lanka’s independence, sovereignty, safeguarding of Unitary State, territorial integrity, and Buddhism,” the Prime Minister said.
Even in the present situation China has assured further support for attracting investments, cooperation, and tourism to Sri Lanka, the PM said.
“Today, China has laid the foundation to become a global giant changing the international balance of power. Its speedy and balanced progress in political, socio-economic, poverty alleviation, cultural, scientific, technological, environment, research and space spheres deserves our esteemed respect. China is a true decisive global leader, especially with its leadership and assistance to Asia, Africa, and Latin America and towards prosperity of All Nations.”
The government, under heavy Opposition fire over inclusion of a sex website in the Grade 6 English module, as well as overall education reforms, has decided to put on hold reforms in respect of Grade 6.
Cabinet Spokesman and Media and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced the government decision yesterday (13) at the post-Cabinet media briefing at the Information Department.
According to him, the decision had been taken at the previous day’s Cabinet meeting, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Dr. Jayatissa said that education reforms pertaining to Garde 6 had been put on hold until 2027.
The Minister said that other proposed education reforms would be implemented as planned. The Minister said that action would be taken against those responsible for the inclusion of a link to a sex website following investigations conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department and the National Education Institute.
The SJB and several other political parties, as well as civil society groups, have accused the government of promoting an LGBTQ agenda, through the proposed education reforms.
The Opposition grouping Mahajana Handa, on Monday, made representations to the Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatta Chapter regarding the controversial reforms, while urging their intervention to halt the project.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (13) vowed to go ahead with his government’s agenda, regardless of the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Emphasising the responsibility on the part of all to contribute to the post-Ditwah recovery efforts, President Dissanayake said that he would have complete faith in the public service.
The President said so at the launch of the re-building Sri Lanka project at the BMICH yesterday.
The JVP and NPP leader said that he wouldn’t take advantage of the death and destruction caused by the cyclone or use the situation as an excuse to reverse their agenda or weaken it.
President Dissanayake said that in spite of many calling for amending the then Budget, in view of the cyclone, the government presented the proposals that were agreed before the disaster struck.
The United States has announced that it will provide the Sri Lanka Air Force with 10 US Navy TH-57 helicopters free of charge.
The announcement was made by outgoing US Ambassador Julie Chung, who stated, on social media, that the helicopters would be transferred under the United States’ Excess Defence Articles programme. The aircraft are Bell 206 Sea Ranger helicopters previously operated by the US Navy.
US sources said that the transfer was intended to strengthen Sri Lanka’s disaster response capabilities, following the devastating cyclone that struck the island at the end of 2025 and killed more than 600 people. US officials have framed the move as a humanitarian measure aimed at improving aerial rescue and relief operations.
Fair weather will prevail except for a few showers in the Uva, Eastern, Western and Central provinces and in Galle, Matara and Rathnapura districts
Trump cancels US-Iran meetings, urges protesters to take over institutions
Govt. bows to pressure, shelves Grade 6 reforms
AKD: Govt. agenda on track despite Ditwah disaster
SL to receive 10 helicopters from US
Foreign couple held over alleged biopiracy at Horton Plains
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