News
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.”
News
Establishment of an Institutional Framework to Inagurate Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority
Policy approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted at their meeting held on 08.06.2026 to establish the Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority for identification and
execution of a formal and long – lasting remedy to secure the central hills including the upper hydro catchment areas enabling them to sustain amidst extreme weather conditions
due to natural calamities and human activities as well as to be used for the sustainable development of the country.
Accordingly, a concept paper has been prepared including
institutional structure, activities, powers, active subject area as well as administrative and coordination mechanism for the proposed authority by an expert technical committee appointed by the Secretary to the President.
Based on the said concept paper, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the President to instruct the Legal Draftsman to prepare a draft bill including legal provisions required for the establishment of Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority.
News
Introduction of Flora and Fauna (Regulation of actions of the Indigenous Community within the nominated areas) Regulations
With the objective of securing the traditional livelihood and the eco system of the indigenous community, it has been recognized the necessity of introducing a formal regulation methodology to secure their engagement in livelihood activities by being more sensitive to the existing laws.
Thereby, the Fauna and Flora (regularizing) regulations under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (Authority 469) have been prepared so that nominated activities within the prescribed area to a member of the indigenous community
who has been registered for securing the rights acquired from law or custom or usage or traditional stance to execute an act within a certain state land that is fundamental to the survival of the indigenous community permission can be granted
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the Minister of Environment to publish the said regulations in the government gazette notification and thereby submit to the Parliament for its concurrence.
Latest News
M. M. D. J. Senarathne, appointed Director General of the Department of National Botanical Gardens
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Environment to appoint M. M. D. J. Senarathne, who is the senior most officer in Grade I of Sri Lanka Scientific Service se
Establishment of an Institutional Framework to Inagurate Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority
Introduction of Flora and Fauna (Regulation of actions of the Indigenous Community within the nominated areas) Regulations
M. M. D. J. Senarathne, appointed Director General of the Department of National Botanical Gardens
Harmanpreet Kaur steps down as India captain
Turkiye, Pakistan agree Saudi Arabia military deployment under Mecca pact
Rumesh Tharanga among nominees announced for World Athlete of the Year 2026
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