News
‘War crimes’: Govt. reiterates opposition to external mechanism
Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris yesterday (13) reiterated Sri Lanka’s opposition to the establishment of an external mechanism to inquire into accountability issues. Such measures would impede ongoing domestic processes, Prof. Peiris said.
The Minister also briefed the Colombo- based diplomatic community as regards the Constitutional reforms and the forthcoming Provincial Council elections.
The following is the text of statement issued by the Foreign Ministry at the conclusion of the briefing at the Foreign Ministry auditorium conducted under the approved COVID-19 related guidelines: “At the outset the Minister appreciated his first opportunity to meet with the entire diplomatic corps collectively following his assumption of duties as Foreign Minister some weeks ago. Due to the previously prevailing COVID-19 situation, such a meeting could not take place earlier as he would have wished, the Minister stated. The objective of the meeting was to cordially brief the diplomatic community on recent developments of interest to them.
“The Minister stated that he was pleased to report that the COVID-19 situation in the country had improved, following a very successful vaccination effort. Despite severe challenges, over 70% of the population has now been fully vaccinated allowing for the gradual opening up of the country. The Minister sought the cooperation of the diplomatic community in the resumption of tourism and economic activity. The Minister expressed his appreciation to the diplomatic community for their support and assistance during the COVID-19 crisis including to all UN agencies as well as donors and Colombo–based multilateral financial institutions.
“Minister Peiris also briefed the diplomatic community on his recent overseas engagements, including at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and during his visit to New York, accompanying H.E the President when he addressed the United Nations General Assembly. At the UNGA, Sri Lanka stood in solidarity with global efforts to address pressing issues which required a collective approach from all countries big and small. In the next major international engagement which will be the COP 26 in Glasgow where the Minister will accompany the Sri Lanka President, as a climate vulnerable country, will further reiterate its commitments in this regard.
“The Minister recalled his statement to the 48th session of the UN Human Rights Council following the presentation of the Oral update on Sri Lanka by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, where he outlined Sri Lanka’s ongoing cooperation with the Council as well as the progress made on reconciliation and human rights through domestic institutions. Further updating the diplomatic community in this regard, he stated that Sri Lanka is open in acknowledging the challenges faced and will engage in candid discussions in this regard, both domestically with representatives of civil society as well as with the our international partners including the UN. However Sri Lanka rejects the establishment of an external mechanism when domestic processes were ongoing. The Minister also shared information relating to progress on the process of Constitutional reform and the Provincial Council elections.
“The Minister also referred to the recent visits from the EU, in the context of the Joint Commission as well as to review the implementation of the GSP plus. The FM expressed satisfaction that the discussions were held in a cordial manner and that officials have taken note of outstanding matters. The Minister recalled that the continuation of GSP plus is vital for the Sri Lankan economy, not only in the apparel sector, but also in other areas of bilateral trade. He stated that Sri Lanka’s efforts to achieve the SDGs as well as uplift the lives of our people require cooperation from all our international partners. COVID-19 dealt a significant blow to our plans and we need to recover.
“The members of the diplomatic community thanked the Minister for his engagement and appreciated the opportunity provided to engage on issues of interest to them. Minister Peiris concluded the meeting by stating his intention to have regular interactions with the diplomatic community.”
News
Pakistan HC in Colombo hosts special reception in honour of SAARC Woman of the Year Musarrat Misbah
Pakistan HC in Colombo Major General Faheem Ul Aziz, HI (M), yesterday (14) hosted a formal reception at his residence to celebrate the very well-deserved achievement of Ms. Musarrat Misbah, a prominent Pakistani entrepreneur and social worker who was honored with the SAARC Woman of the Year Gold Award at the WCIC Prathibhabhisheka Women Entrepreneur Awards 2025.
Pakistan HC statement: “Ms. Misbah is recognized as a renowned humanitarian and social entrepreneur, who is presently heading the Depilex Smile Again Foundation. Her foundation is working as symbol of hope across South Asia, providing medical treatment and vocational training to women. While applauding and recognizing her phenomenal efforts, the High Commissioner appreciated her contributions and the corporate social responsibility, by her foundation. He emphasized that Musarrat’s recognition as the SAARC Woman of the Year reflected the deep-rooted commitment of both Pakistan and Sri Lanka to fostering gender equality and empowering women within the regional framework.”
CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt.) Ltd., the primary developer of Port City Colombo, has pledged approximately US$ 300 million in foreign direct investment to advance Phase II of the Port City Colombo project, marking a significant investment commitment at the start of the New Year and reinforcing confidence in Sri Lanka’s long-term growth prospects, the company said in a statement released yesterday (14)
The investment commitment follows the completion of the relevant regulatory processes and enables the next phase of development of Sri Lanka’s largest and most significant urban development initiative. The US$ 300 million infusion underscores CHEC Port City Colombo’s continued confidence in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and its commitment to the long-term delivery of the project.
“This US$ 300 million Phase II investment is a clear and deliberate statement of our long-term commitment to Sri Lanka. We are not approaching Port City Colombo as a short-term development, but as a generational project aligned with the country’s future growth”, said Xiong Hongfeng, Managing Director, CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt.) Ltd. “Our decision to continue infusing capital via FDI reflects strong confidence in Sri Lanka’s economic direction and in the role Port City Colombo will play in supporting investment, enterprise, and employment in the years ahead,” he added.
The statement: “The Phase II investment will support the continued development of core infrastructure and utilities within Port City Colombo, Sri Lanka’s first multi-services Special Economic Zone (SEZ). These developments are intended to facilitate increased investment activity, support enterprise formation, and generate sustained employment across construction, services, and related sectors.
CHEC Port City Colombo’s continued long-term investment reflects its firm commitment to seeing the project through to full completion and represents a long-term commitment to Sri Lanka’s future, strengthening FDI inflows, supporting employment and encouraging broader economic spill overs, whilst positioning Port City Colombo as a strategic platform for globally oriented, high-value services aligned with national development objectives.
To learn more about the investment opportunities at Port City Colombo, please visit www.portcitycolombo.lk. For information on Single Window Investment Facilitation and regulatory matters, please visit www.portcitycolombo.gov.lk.”
SJB and Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, has strongly criticised the proposed national electricity policy. Declaring the NPP’s actions as blatantly unfair, Premadasa has urged the government to review the national electricity policy.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Premadasa expressed concern over proposals to charge consumers for street lamps and the introduction of a time-of-use method, where one unit of electricity would be charged at Rs. 67.
He described these measures as “blatantly unfair” and warned that resistance to paying for street lamps could have adverse effects on law and order.
Premadasa also highlighted the proposal to charge for solar generator usage, based on daytime consumption, stressing that such measures should undergo public consultation.
“Proposals, such as payment for solar generators, based on units used by the consumer during daytime, must be subjected to public consultation,”
he said.
He urged the government to fulfill its earlier commitment to reduce electricity prices by 33%, rather than increasing them by 11.57%, and to provide maximum support to the renewable energy sector.
He concluded by condemning what he described as “lies, falsehoods, and deception” in the handling of the electricity policy.
Pakistan HC in Colombo hosts special reception in honour of SAARC Woman of the Year Musarrat Misbah
Port City Colombo secures USD 300 mn FDI commitment for Phase II development
NPP’s national electricity policy blatantly unfair: Sajith
MP Amarakeerthi murder verdict to be announced on 11 Feb.
SLT MOBITEL and Fintelex empower farmers with the launch of Yaya Agro App
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