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The Government of Sri Lanka is ready to work in cooperation with India and the international community for a prosperous Sri Lanka – Prime Minister
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya, recounted the government’s commitment to build a sound society with inclusivity, and democracy followed by a future vision, and work in cooperation with India and the international community for a prosperous Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the 2025 NDTV World Summit in New Delhi on Friday [17 October 2025].
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya delivered the keynote address titled “Steering Change in Uncertain Times”. The Summit, themed “Edge of the Unknown: Risk, Resolve, Renewal,” brought together global leaders, thinkers, and innovators to discuss the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world.
In her remarks, the Prime Minister reflected on Sri Lanka’s democratic renewal, economic recovery, and partnership with India. She emphasised the need for responsible leadership, resilience, and cooperation in navigating global uncertainty.
Addressing further, Dr. Amarasuriya recounted Sri Lanka’s recent journey through crisis to recovery, highlighting the ‘aragalaya’ movement as a turning point in citizens’ demand for transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.
The Prime Minister outlined the government’s economic reform agenda under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, including debt restructuring, sound fiscal management, and digital transformation. The IMF and World Bank have recognised Sri Lanka’s fiscal consolidation as one of the largest in its history.
The Prime Minister noted the unprecedented increase in women’s representation in Parliament—now nearly 10%—and the inclusion of diverse voices, including persons with disabilities and members of the Malayagam community.
Prime minister Dr. Amarasuriya underscored the deepening partnership between India and Sri Lanka, grounded in India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and MAHASAGAR Vision. She acknowledged India’s vital support during Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis and the ongoing collaboration in areas such as energy, connectivity, education, defence, trade, and technology.
She acknowledged the need for upgrading the India–Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (1998) and exploring integration into India’s manufacturing and service value chains, aligning with the Viksit Bharat vision.
The Prime Minister highlighted initiatives such as GovPay, e-identity systems, and open data portals to promote transparency and eliminate corruption. She stressed that laws alone cannot rebuild nations—values and civic ethics are essential.
Addressing young people across South Asia, Dr. Amarasuriya urged them to view innovation not only as technological but as moral—shaping systems that are fair, inclusive, and humane.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to building a clean, inclusive, and forward-looking democracy, and to working in partnership with India and the international community to promote shared prosperity in the region
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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President Trump says the US has ‘captured’ Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and flown them out of the country
President Donald Trump says the United States has ‘captured’ Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and flown them out of the country after “large-scale” strikes.
Earlier, Venezuela’s government accused the US of attacking civilian and military installations in multiple states, as it rejected “military aggression” by Washington. The government of President Maduro had declared a national emergency following the series of attacks.
The attacks came after months of tension with the US, which has accused Venezuelan President Maduro of being involved in drug trafficking. Maduro has denied the accusations.
On Thursday, Maduro indicated he was open to negotiating a deal with the US to combat drug trafficking. The US has carried out more than 20 air strikes in the sea near Venezuela since September, as it slapped sanctions and upped military pressure on Caracas.
(Aljazeera)
The United States Coast Guard has said it has suspended its search for survivors days after the US military said it struck two more boats in the eastern Pacific amid its ongoing military campaign in waters in and around Venezuela.
In a statement shared on its website on Friday, the Coast Guard said the three-day search had been focused on water “approximately 400 nautical miles [about 740km] southwest of the Mexico/Guatemala border” and had continued for more than 65 hours, but that no sightings of survivors had been reported.
(Aljazeera)
At least 7 explosions have been heard in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, followed by a low-flying aircraft, according to The Associated Press. The southern area of the capital city, located near a major military base, was reportedly without electricity.
Venezuela’s government accuses the US of attacking civilian and military installations in multiple states; no word from the US.
The explosions come after months of tension with the United States, which has accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of being involved in drug trafficking. Maduro has denied the accusations.
On Thursday, Maduro indicated he was open to negotiating a deal with the US to combat drug trafficking. The US has carried out more than 20 air strikes in the sea near Venezuela since September, as it slapped sanctions and upped military pressure on Caracas.
(Aljazeera)
Two people killed in magnitude 6.5 earthquake in Mexico
President Trump says the US has ‘captured’ Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and flown them out of the country
Navy seize an Indian fishing boat poaching in northern waters
US Coast Guard suspends search for survivors of Pacific boat strike
Venezuela’s capital hit by explosions, Caracas blames the US
Tri-Forces donate LKR. 372 million, a day’s pay of all ranks to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund
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