The Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Yamada Tetsuya, along with a delegation of senior representatives, met with the Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, At the Presidential Secretariat. The discussion focused on the second phase of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Development Project, implemented by JICA, and the immediate…
Sri Lanka Tourism presented “Destination Sri Lanka” at the International & French Travel Market 2024 IFTM Top Resa held at Porte de Versailles in Paris from 17 to 19 September 2024. The spacious, beautiful and well-located Sri Lanka Pavilion organized by Sri Lanka Tourism was a major attraction at IFTM, and featured the many facets…
The government has officially reinstated the previous visa issuance system, effective from midnight yesterday (26). Minister of Public Security Vijitha Herath has said that the government has taken steps in the past 24 hours to address the visa issuance issues that have arisen. This will enable all foreigners to obtain visa easily online, the minister…
The International Monetary Fund has welcomed the announcement of an agreement in principle between Sri Lanka and international bondholders’ representatives, subject to confirmation on comparability of treatment by Sri Lanka’s Official Creditors Committee. “This represents significant progress in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process,” said a spokeperson for the IMF. The spokesperson added that the IMF…
The East Coast Sea Aborigines are a marginalized group living along the coastline from Muthur in Trincomalee to Vakarai in Batticaloa. Following military conflicts in the area, particularly the Mavilaru humanitarian operation in 2006, many people from villages, including Santhoshpuram, were forced to leave. When they returned in 2009, the government allocated 200 acres of…
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has announced that IMF representatives are scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in two weeks to disburse the next instalment of funds, as outlined in the agreement between the Sri Lankan government and the International Monetary Fund. The President emphasised that on September 21, the public will have to decide whether to approve…
Sri Lanka Tourism officials on Friday expressed confidence of 2024 achieving the targeted 2.3 million arrivals based on robust year to date performance and provided favourable conditions prevail in the forthcoming winter season. Last week, year to date tourist arrivals crossed the 1.2 million mark and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu…
The Spices and Allied Products Producers’ and Traders’ Associ-ation (SAPPTA) yesterday called on the Government to reconsider its decision to import spices for re-export, warning of potentially detrimental consequences for the local industry and economy. “The move could undermine the local spice industry, impacting numerous farmers, exporters, and stakeholders in the value chain,” – SAPPTA…
In a move aimed at bolstering economic growth, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has cut interest rates by 25 basis points. This decision, announced on July 24, reduces the Standing Deposit Facility Rate to 8.25% and the Standing Lending Facility Rate to 9.25%. The central bank’s move is intended to sustain the revival…
Australia’s former Prime Minister Scott Morrison emphasized three key elements—priorities, plans, and partnerships—that have enabled Sri Lanka’s recent successes and will shape its future during his address at the Human Capital Summit. The event, held at Temple Trees and inaugurated by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, drew around 600 participants and featured over 60 global and local…
