News

Sajith won’t be PM under Gota – Kiriella

Published

2 years ago

2022/05/12

By Saman Indrajith

Chief Opposition Whip Kandy District MP Lakshman Kiriella yesterday said that Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa was ready to accept the Prime Minister post if Gotabaya Rajapaksa stepped down.

Addressing the media at the Opposition Leader’s office in Colombo, the Chief Opposition Whip said: “We call on the President to resign immediately without increasing the suffering of people any longer. Many international agencies, including the IMF, have stated that they would work only with a new government. Therefore, a government with the same President would not help this country to seek assistance from the international community. The President should resign. If he resigns, Sajith Premadasa is ready to accept the Prime Minister post to take the country forward from this impasse.

“We as the Opposition submitted two no-confidence motions – one against the President and the other against the Prime Minister and the government. Since the Prime Minister has now resigned and we do not press for the second motion’s progress. We still have no-confidence motion against the President. We want a date to debate that motion in Parliament.

“The United Nations has issued a statement demanding the implementation of the law against those who came out of Temple Trees to attack the peaceful protesters in Galle Face. We are already neck deep in problems. This unleashing of brutality by some government members further worsened our situation. We too demand that justice be done. We want to see those who led this attack be punished.”

Meanwhile, SLFP General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara said that they were ready to support Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa if he was willing to accept the Premiership.

Jayasekara said this following a discussion with Buddhist prelates yesterday (May 11).

The SLFP would also hold discussions with the leaders of 11 constituent parties of the government about supporting Premadasa, Jayasekera said.

Jayasekara urged the Opposition Leader to take over without waiting for the President to step down.

SLFP’s General Secretary said there will be anarchy if the President also steps down from his position.

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Business

President outlines a bold vision for Sri Lanka tourism at THASL’s 58th AGM

Published

4 hours ago

2023/11/28

Priyan

Addressing the 58th Annual General Meeting of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) held on Monday (27) at Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, President Ranil Wickremesinghe outlined a comprehensive strategy to propel the country’s tourism sector to new heights. Focused on surpassing the target of 5 million tourists and redefining traditional approaches, the President’s vision extends to achieving 7.5 million visitors in the coming years. The President emphasized the need for innovative thinking and collaboration within the industry to ensure sustainable growth.

“When I took over the government, I realized that sustainability alone is not sufficient. How are we going to earn foreign exchange? How are we going to have a positive balance of trade? In that, there were many suggestions. But what is the low-hanging fruit? And one of the low-hanging fruits was tourism. Let’s promote tourism fully,” President Wickremesinghe declared.

The President acknowledged the need to move beyond the existing framework and embrace competition to elevate Sri Lanka’s standing in the global tourism market. Drawing parallels with countries like Vietnam, he questioned why they had more tourists despite being in the industry for a shorter period. President Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of increasing the number of tourists to 2.5 million in the upcoming year and subsequently expanding on this figure.

(PMD)

Business

Free visas for nationals of China, India, Indonesia, Russsia, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan from Monday (27)

Published

7 hours ago

2023/11/28

Priyan

The Controller General of Immigration and Emigration has stated that nationals of China, India, Indonesia, Russsia, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan will be granted free visas from Monday 27-11-2023 to 31-03-2024 as a pilot program to rebuild the tourism industry.

Nationals of the above nominated countries possessing, Diplomatic, Official, Public Affairs, Services and Ordinary Passports are eligible to enjoy a visa free regime under this scheme.

The above mentioned nationals should apply for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arriving in Sri Lanka subject to granting / issuing free of charge up to 31-03-2024.

Under this scheme tourists can enjoy a 30 days free visa period and a double entry facility is permitted within 30 days from the date of first arrival in Sri Lanka.

Free ETA under this scheme can be applied up to 31-03-2024.

The free ETA cannot be extended further and is limited only to thirty (30) days. In case the free ETA period of 30 days expires after 31-03-2024, an extension of visa could be applied subject to paying the appropriate fee.

Latest News

Cabinet gives green light for Colombo Port City Order No. 3 of 2023 to be presented in Parliament

Published

8 hours ago

2023/11/28

Priyan

The President in his capacity as the Minister of Investment Promotion has published the Colombo Port City Orders No. 3 of 2023 (Enterprises with Strategic Value – Guidelines for releasing or encouraging to award for customs – free enterprises) under the provisions of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act No. 11 of 2021 by the extraordinary gazette notification No. 2355/30 dated 25.10.2023.

The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal furnished by the Hon. President in his capacity as the Minister of Investment Promotions to submit the said orders to the Parliament for its concurrence.

(PMD)