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SL to host 37th Asia Pacific Regional FAO conference

Sri Lanka has been chosen to host the 37th session of the Asia Pacific Regional Conference (APRC) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), to be held from 19th to 22nd February 2024 in Colombo. The Asia Pacific Regional Conference will enable ministers of agriculture and high officials from 46 member countries across the Asia Pacific region to discuss challenges and priorities related to food and agriculture, promoting regional coherence.
The Ministerial session planned for 19th to 22nd February 2024 will be preceded by a Senior Officers Meeting (SOM) to be held virtually from 31st January to 2nd February 2024. The SOM will be chaired by Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries Janaka Dharmakeerthi. The report of the SOM will be presented at the Ministerial session for adoption.
Minister Mahinda Amaraweera and FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Vimlendra Sharan, held a joint press conference yesterday regarding the upcoming conference. Addressing the media briefing Minister Amaraweera stated, “The 37th APRC will provide a vital platform for regional collaboration, benefitting the agricultural landscape, fisheries sector and environment of Sri Lanka, as well as participating member countries.”
FAO has had an active presence in Sri Lanka for over 40 years. Mr. Sharan stated, “FAO has supported the country in the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and the development of the fisheries sector for growth and climate resilience. The APRC conference will be an opportunity to highlight the innovative approaches introduced in partnership with the government.”
By hosting the 37th APRC, Sri Lanka demonstrates the country’s dedication to the growth of sustainable agriculture, not just at home but across the region, and showcases its commitment to being partners in sustainable agricultural development.
The APRC agenda will include a forum on agritourism, especially requested by the Sri Lankan government. This forum will give high-level delegates arriving in the island from across the Asia Pacific region the opportunity to recognise Sri Lanka’s viability as an agritourism destination, further developing the nation’s agritourism sector and bringing in valuable foreign exchange. The 37th APRC presents a valuable opportunity for Sri Lanka and the region to collaborate in fostering an abundant agricultural sector.
News
Govt. plan to boost revenue with taxes on vehicle imports unrealistic, warns Harsha

By Saman Indrajith
SJB Colombo District MP Dr. Harsha de Silva told Parliament yesterday that vehicle imports would be affected by unusually high prices. Commencing the Second Reading debate from the Opposition side, Dr. de Silva said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had, in his Budget speech, projected a substantial portion of tax revenue from vehicle imports. “What is the feasibility of such expectations, given the current price surge,” the MP queried.
“Who can afford to import vehicles at these rates? I do not believe there are enough affluent individuals in Sri Lanka to sustain vehicle imports at these exorbitant prices.”
Providing examples of the dramatic price increase, Dr. de Silva pointed out that a Toyota Raize now cost Rs. 12.2 mn, a Toyota Yaris Rs. 18.5 mn, and a Toyota Prius a staggering Rs. 28.9 mn.
“Someone mentioned that a Toyota Vitz could be available at Rs. 1.4 mn.”
Dr. de Silva said that the government aimed to increase tax revenue by 1.6% of GDP with a significant portion expected from vehicle imports. However, he warned that achieving that target was unrealistic under current circumstances. The government must reassess its reliance on this sector for increasing tax revenue,” he said.
News
SLN receives shallow water multi-beam echo sounder from Australia

Giving a significant boost to Sri Lanka’s hydrographic capabilities, the government of Australia handed over a state-of-the-art Shallow Water Multi-Beam Echo Sounder to the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) during a ceremony held at SLNS Rangalla today (18 Feb 25). The formal ceremony was held under the auspices of the High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, Paul Stephens and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, marking new chapter in the discipline of hydrography.
The Australian government provided the Sri Lanka Navy with this Multi Beam Echo Sounder to enhance its hydrographic capabilities. This advanced equipment will enable the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) to conduct precise hydrographic surveys, essential for creating nautical and electronic charts for international use. The device will also facilitate the production of high-precision nautical charts, ensuring safer maritime navigation.
News
Japanese Ambassador visits women entrepreneurs in North

Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata this week visited women entrepreneurs in the Mullaitivu district, Northern Province, supported by the project ‘Pathways to Peace’. The visit highlighted the impact of the business development and entrepreneurship trainings conducted by UN Women and Chrysalis with funding from the Government of Japan, the Embassy said.
Implemented across four districts – Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, Mannar, and Mullaitivu -– this initiative has empowered over 460 women entrepreneurs by enhancing their skills in business planning, financial literacy, and product development. These trainings have enabled participants to refine their business strategies, improve market access, and upscale their businesses.
At the event, Ambassador Isomata observed a variety of products manufactured by the women entrepreneurs and interacted with them, learning firsthand about their experiences and achievements. Ambassador Isomata stated: “Japan has been actively supporting women entrepreneurs and their families in vulnerable communities. This project goes beyond skill-building by sustaining women-led businesses, fostering peacebuilding, and strengthening social cohesion. By becoming economically active, women gain greater influence in decision-making and leadership roles within their communities, driving lasting and transformative change”.
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