News
UN advises GoSL on economic recovery
UN Resident Coordinator Marc-André Franche emphasized that Sri Lanka’s ongoing path of economic recovery and reforms need a more responsive, accountable public service, improved service delivery, economic modernization, and strengthened social dialogue at both national and local levels. The UN official asserted that social dialogue is key to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and social cohesion.
The UN Resident Coordinator was addressing the second steering committee meeting of the Social Dialogue for Peace and Crisis Prevention in Sri Lanka project, a collaborative initiative between the Government of Sri Lanka, and the United Nations held recently at the UN Compound in Colombo. The meeting, chaired by the UN, Ministry of Public Administration, Local Government & Provincial Councils, and Ministry of Labour, focussed on progress in advancing social dialogue, dispute resolution, and public sector inclusion.
Launched in 2024, the project, is implemented by the UN through the International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The project aims to foster a peaceful, inclusive, and just response to the effects of Sri Lanka’s economic crisis. This is achieved through social dialogue and dispute resolution mechanisms at both national and local levels.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Justice, workers’ and employers’ organization, to discuss the project’s progress and key developments. Highlights of recent efforts include establishing six public sector workplace forums, conducting awareness sessions on social dialogue and workplace cooperation for priority sectors, as well as training on gender responsive public service delivery. These efforts foster conflict resolution, harmonious workplaces, and a culture of social dialogue.
The Secretary, Ministry of Public Administration, Local Government & Provincial Councils, underscored the salient role of the public sector in economic recovery efforts, and the importance of a sector equipped for both a stronger, efficient service delivery to public and private sectors.
The Secretary, Ministry of Labour emphasized the importance of social dialogue in the public sector both within institutions as well as externally which would lead to a collective voice and maintaining industrial peace.
The Additional Secretary, Ministry of Public Administration, Local Government and Provincial Councils, commended the project for creating additional platforms to interact with public officials at all levels.
The pilot phase of the project saw success in the railway sector, where 10 workplace forums were established, helping minimize service disruptions. The project also aims to develop a national industrial dispute database to support policymaking, enhance gender responsiveness in the public sector, and amplify community voices in national policy making structures.
The project is funded by the UN Sri Lanka SDG Fund with support from Canada, European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, the UN Secretary General’s Peacebuilding Fund and the Joint SDG Fund.
The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, paid a solemn visit to the Embassy of the Vatican in Colombo today (25) to offer condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
During the visit, Dr. Amarasuriya signed the book of condolence, expressing deep sorrow over the demise of the beloved spiritual leader and extending heartfelt sympathies to the Catholic community both in Sri Lanka and around the world:
The Prime Minister was received by the Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio of the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican Embassy in Colombo and other officials.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake conducted an inspection tour of Kandy city on Thursday (24) night to inspect the progress of the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa” and the related issues that have emerged.
The President held an urgent meeting with relevant officials to address the issues related to sanitation facilities for devotees visiting Kandy to venerate the sacred tooth relic
Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha, Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Nilanga Dela Bandara , Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Governor of the Central Province Prof. Sarath Abeykoon, Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatte and others participated in this meeting.
[PMD]
A Sri Lankan delegation met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on the 22nd of April, 2025 at the US Trade Representative Office in Washington D.C.
The Sri Lankan delegation, on the instructions of President Disanayaka, who is also the Minister of Finance, handed over the originals of communications addressed to US Trade Representative Ambassador Greer
The delegation updated Ambassador Greer on the challenges that Sri Lanka has faced in the past and the steps that are being taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to overcome future challenges and move towards full economic recovery. The delegation also highlighted the prompt and positive commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to work with the US Government in reducing the trade deficit, and lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Ambassador Greer acknowledged the proposals made by the Sri Lankan government and expressed hope that an agreement can be reached soon between the two countries to ensure fair and equitable trade relations.
Later on that day, the Sri Lankan delegation met with the USTR delegation appointed by Ambassador Greer lead by Assistant United States Trade Representative, In-charge of South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch along with Director In-charge of South Asia, Emily Ashby to discuss further the appeal made in writing by Sri Lanka to the US. The two sides agreed to continue the discussions with the objective of finalizing a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries. Both sides expressed the desire to finalize the agreement in the shortest possible time period.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries. The head of USTR is the U.S. Trade Representative, a Cabinet member who serves as the president’s principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on trade issues.
[PMD]
PM pays condolence to pope Francis at the Embassy of the Vatican in Colombo
President conducts an inspection tour of Kandy city
Sri Lankan delegation meets with US Trade Representative
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