Business
Republic of Korea donates COVID-19 test kits to Sri Lanka
The Republic of Korea donated COVID-19 test kits to Sri Lanka to mark the 43rd Anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and Sri Lanka.
This event was held at the Foreign Ministry in Colombo on December 8, organised by the Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka in collaboration with the embassy of the Republic of Korea in Colombo. The ceremony was attended by the Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya, Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage and ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Santhush Woonjin JEONG.
Delivering the welcoming remarks, Rohana Ambagolla, Director General of East Asia, stated that the donation of PCR test kits reflects the unwavering commitment of the Republic of Korea to take our bilateral relations to new heights. He emphasised that Korea is a key partner to Sri Lanka especially in the economic sphere and recognised the immense contribution of ambassador Santhush Woonjin JEONG for the betterment of the communities in Sri Lanka.
The government of the Republic of Korea donated COVID-19 diagnostic kits amounting to the sum of USD 300,000 to contain and control COVID-19. The government of the Republic of Korea deployed these test kits as a gesture of diplomatic goodwill to deter the spread of COVID-19 here in Sri Lanka. The PCR testing kits were officially handed over by ambassador Santhush Woonjin JEONG to the Foreign Minister at the ceremony.
Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunewardena expressed his pleasure to host this event in the Foreign Ministry to mark the 43rd anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and Sri Lanka.
He also reflected on the bedrock of cultural and traditional links upon which the two countries have developed a deep mutual understanding, trust and cordial friendship today. He stated that Korea is one of the leading economic partners of Sri Lanka and KOICA has immensely contributed in the socioeconomic development in key sectors of Sri Lanka.
The Foreign Minister thanked Korea for donating PCR test kits to Sri Lanka to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.”This gesture of goodwill will be undoubtedly remembered and valued by the people of Sri Lanka”. He added that, “Korea and Sri Lanka have shared deep rooted and friendly relations over the decades, and I hope that Korea will walk with us closely in this challenging but rewarding journey of nation-building in Sri Lanka”. He also commended Korea’s efficient mechanism to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka, Excellency Santhush Woonjin JEONG stated that since his arrival in Sri Lanka last July, many aspects of the country have brought him happiness. He expressed his happiness in the excellent diplomatic ties between the two countries.
He noted that a new era has dawned upon Sri Lanka and South Korea can assist Sri Lanka to revitalise its economy and realise the vision of vistas of prosperity and splendour. “I have observed the positive development since I arrived here in Sri Lanka. I can say that it is the right time for Sri Lanka to change and take a leap to a higher level. I believe that Korea is the very country that can help Sri Lanka achieve the vistas of prosperity and splendour. Korea and Sri Lanka share a lot of similarities in history. Korea and Sri Lanka survived, overcame all difficulties and developed ourselves.”
He also expressed his thankfulness to the anti-COVID taskforce,” I acknowledge with gratitude the contribution and courageous measures taken by the authorities in Sri Lanka that have enabled to curtail the spread of COVID-19 in the island”. The Ambassador assured to extend the fullest support to the government of Sri Lanka especially in coordinating the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and assist in issues related to economic recovery. He mentioned that the unwavering cooperation in these tough times is symbolic of the true friendship between our two countries.
Under the “Stay Strong” campaign, Korea and Sri Lanka have been strengthening Anti-Covid collaboration with each other. The Korean Embassy in Sri Lanka has shown its thankfulness by donating re-usable fabric masks to the Sri Lanka Army and Police who have dedicated themselves to protecting people in Sri Lanka including Korean residents amid COVID-19. The Ambassador expressed his commitment to strengthen the public health cooperation in the following year as well. He stated that “Korea and Sri Lanka have been true friends to each other and I would really like to carry happiness (Santhush) to Sri Lanka”.
Company stresses ambition to surpass this milestone
Eyes markets across Africa and beyond
In a groundbreaking achievement for Sri Lanka’s IT and electronics manufacturing industry, EWIS Colombo Ltd, the country’s first and only local computer manufacturer, has successfully exported its first consignment of locally built laptops to Zimbabwe.
This landmark event not only positions Sri Lanka as an emerging force in global IT hardware manufacturing but also highlights EWIS’s commitment to innovation, quality, and excellence on the international stage.
This historic shipment, dispatched from EWIS’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Samajasewapura, Sooriyawewa, underscores the company’s dedication to delivering world-class technology solutions. With over 11 years of expertise in manufacturing and assembly, EWIS Colombo Ltd has played a pivotal role in driving Sri Lanka’s ICT sector forward. As a Board of Investment (BOI) Section 17-approved company, EWIS has established the country’s first and only local computer manufacturing plant, paving the way for the nation’s growth in high-tech exports.
Speaking on this momentous achievement, Sanjeewa Wickramanayake, Chairman of EWIS Colombo Ltd, said: “This milestone is not just for EWIS but for Sri Lanka as a whole. It proves that our country has the talent, capability, and ambition to manufacture and export high-quality IT products, competing confidently on the global stage. As we continue expanding beyond local markets, we take immense pride in showcasing Sri Lanka’s excellence in technology and innovation to the world. EWIS’s commitment to world-class quality is reinforced by its ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, CE, FCC, and RoHS certifications, ensuring compliance with international quality, safety, and environmental standards.”
Speaking further he said:
“For nearly four decades, EWIS has been a trailblazer in Sri Lanka’s ICT sector, delivering cutting-edge solutions for education, businesses, and government enterprises.
With over 11 years of local manufacturing and assembly expertise, EWIS has continuously refined its capabilities to produce high-quality, internationally competitive IT hardware. The successful export to Zimbabwe represents a bold step toward expanding EWIS’s global footprint, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s potential as a world-class technology and manufacturing hub.”
Dialog Television, Sri Lanka’s #1 Pay-TV service provider, has partnered with Emerging Media to enhance the convenience and effectiveness of advertising. This collaboration brings together Dialog Television’s world-class entertainment, featuring 18 advertisable channels across genres such as movies, edutainment, kids, music, sports, and local content, with Emerging Media’s expertise in digital advertising and targeted marketing. This synergy creates a seamless platform for businesses to maximize brand exposure across multiple channels.
With a reach of over 1.7 million households, Dialog Television provides advertisers with a powerful avenue to engage diverse audiences. Brands can place advertisements on leading international and local channels such as &flix, Star Movies, TLC, Animal Planet, AXN, Zee Café, Comedy Central, Star Plus, A+, Nickelodeon, Star Vijay, Zee Tamil, Star Sports, Ten Cricket, Sony SIX, ThePapare TV, Channel One, Citi Hitz and Channel C. Through this partnership, Emerging Media will facilitate advertising sales, allowing businesses to target specific viewer segments while simplifying the media buying process with a single point of contact.
Commenting on the partnership, Lim Li San, Group Chief Operating Officer at Dialog Axiata PLC, stated, “As Sri Lanka’s premier Pay-TV service provider, we serve more than 1.7 million households with over 6 million pairs of captive eyeballs across Sri Lanka. Today, we are excited to embark on this partnership with Emerging Media to avail our Dialog Television platform and brand strength to provide quality advertisement exposure and customer engagement to local businesses across Sri Lanka.”
The International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS), a pioneer in healthcare training for over 23 years, has partnered with the University of Surrey, UK, to revolutionise healthcare education in Sri Lanka and the broader South Asian region. This will create a world-class academic pathway for aspiring nursing and healthcare professionals, as well as young individuals seeking careers in the field. Under this agreement, IIHS and the University of Surrey will introduce a series of academic initiatives to enhance healthcare training and accessibility.
These include delivering internationally recognised nursing programmes that allow Sri Lankan and regional students to earn globally competitive qualifications in Sri Lanka.
Commenting on the move, Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe, CEO & Dean of Undergraduate Studies at IIHS, said: “This MOU marks a significant step in our mission to deliver world-class healthcare education to Sri Lanka and the region. IIHS remains dedicated to shaping the future of healthcare professionals and fostering global healthcare leadership.” Dr. Shelini Surendran, Associate Dean (International) at the University of Surrey, emphasised: “Sri Lanka is establishing itself as a regional education hub, and this partnership ensures students across Asia can access top-tier UK healthcare education at IIHS. By bridging academic excellence with accessibility, we provide students with a clear pathway to their professional goals.”
French Navy Ship PROVENCE arrives in Port of Colombo
Court of Appeal dismisses Ex-IGP’s writ petition
Trump moves to close down Voice of America
-
Foreign News2 days agoSearch continues in Dominican Republic for missing student Sudiksha Konanki
-
News5 days agoAlfred Duraiappa’s relative killed in Canada shooting
-
Features4 days agoRichard de Zoysa at 67
-
Editorial6 days agoGhosts refusing to fade away
-
Midweek Review5 days agoRanil in Head-to-Head controversy
-
Features4 days agoSL Navy helping save kidneys
-
Features6 days agoThe Gypsies…one year at a time
-
Latest News3 days agoDebutant Madara, Athapaththu fashion Sri Lanka women’s first T20I win in New Zealand