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Sri Lanka seeks Saudi investment in key development projects
Sri Lanka has called on Saudi Arabia to invest in the Dedicated Pharmaceutical Zone in Hambantota, IT Parks, the Fabric Park in Batticaloa, Colombo Port City, and Hambantota Port.
Speaking at the National Day celebrations of Saudi Arabia, in Colombo on Wednesday (25), Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath, expressed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s ongoing support for Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
“Reflecting on the strong bilateral relations, he said I am pleased to note that the Government of Saudi Arabia has extended its support to Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process. I would also like to express our gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s loan disbursements for projects funded by the Saudi Fund for Development since 1981. These include 13 projects in areas such as water, energy, health, roads, and education, all provided on concessionary terms. Projects like the Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Road Development, the Wayamba University Township Development, the Epilepsy Hospital and Health Centres Project, and the Left Bank Development Project in Kalu Ganga have all made invaluable contributions to improving the lives of people of Sri Lanka,” he said.
Herath also highlighted the fact that there are approximately 200,000 Sri Lankan migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. He noted that the two countries have recently signed an Agreement on Skill Verification, enabling skilled and semi-skilled workers from Sri Lanka to secure employment opportunities in Saudi Arabia.
The Foreign Minister also announced that Sri Lanka will offer visa-free access to citizens of 35 countries, including Saudi Arabia, from 1 October 2024.
“The visa-free facility will allow a six-month stay for tourism purposes. The Minister invited the Saudi Arabian friends to visit Sri Lanka and experience its ancient history, rich culture, and natural beauty.”
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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