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v2025

News

Keheliya admitted to Prison Hospital

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, who was put behind bars on remand earlier today, has been admitted to the Prisons Hospital on medical recommendation.

The lawmaker was remanded until 15 February on the orders of Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court.

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Foreign travel ban imposed for Minister Keheliya Rambukwella

A foreign travel ban has been imposed on former Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella current Minister of Environment.

The Maligakanda Magistrate has also issued an order for Minister Keheliya Rambukwella to appear before the CID at 9 a.m. tomorrow (2nd) to provide a statement.

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Sri Lanka, Thailand to boost defence and security cooperation to curb transnational crimes

In a gesture of warm hospitality, President Ranil Wickremesinghe extended a cordial welcome to the distinguished Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, and the accompanying official delegation at the Presidential Secretariat this afternoon (Feb.03).

After the gracious reception by the Sri Lankan leader, a formal ceremony unfolded, with the Chief of Defence Staff accompanying both leaders to the saluting dais. Amidst the ceremonial ambience, a Guard of Honour was awarded to the distinguished guests followed by a 19-gun salute.

After the formal introduction of the delegations from both countries, President Wickremesinghe and PM Thavisin engaged in an exclusive one-to-one meeting, hosted at the President’s Office.

This intimate session facilitated discussions on various bilateral matters, fortifying the diplomatic bonds between Sri Lanka and the Kingdom of Thailand. The convergence of these two leaders underscores a shared commitment to open dialogue and enhanced cooperation between the two nations.

In a bilateral meeting held at the President’s Office, President Wickremesinghe and PM Thavisin reaffirmed the enduring and enriching relationship between Sri Lanka and Thailand, emphasizing centuries-old ties that transcend the formal establishment of Diplomatic Relations in 1955.

President Wickremesinghe highlighted the long-standing, deep-rooted cordial relations based on Theravada Buddhist linkages and robust cultural connections between the two nations.

The leaders discussed Sri Lanka’s new foreign policy approaches aimed at expanding relations with Southeast Asia and achieving deeper economic integration in the region.

President Wickremesinghe expressed appreciation for the signing of the Sri Lanka-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (SLTFTA), emphasizing its significance in the broader context of integrating with the ASEAN region economically. Sri Lanka aims to strengthen its export market in ASEAN and welcomes major investments from the region.

The President sought Thailand’s support for Sri Lanka’s bid to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), underlining the formal request made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

President Wickremesinghe highlighted the untapped potential for trade and investment between the two countries. Opportunities for Thai investments in luxury hotels in the Colombo Port City and participation in the privatization of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) were discussed.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening maritime cooperation, with a special focus on Thailand’s proposed land bridge project across the Isthmus of Kra.

The President expressed gratitude for technical assistance from Thailand, particularly through the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA). Areas of potential cooperation include packaging, ICT, agriculture, tourism, and support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

He also acknowledged Thailand’s past gifts of tuskers and pledged the safety and welfare of remaining elephants in Sri Lanka. Technical assistance from TICA on elephant welfare was also discussed.

Cooperation in the fisheries sector, including investment opportunities in supply chains, and collaboration in agriculture were also proposed during the meeting.

The leaders emphasized the need for close defence and security cooperation, sharing information and intelligence to curb transnational crimes. President Wickremesinghe also proposed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation.

Both leaders discussed enhancing Buddhist religious tourism, promoting maritime tourism, and improving air connectivity. Plans for a visa-free travel arrangement for normal passport holders were also on the agenda.

Collaboration in regional fora such as BIMSTEC, IORA, ACD, and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) was acknowledged. Sri Lanka looks forward to strengthening IORA under its chairmanship.

President Wickremesinghe sought assistance from Thailand in repatriating Sri Lankan victims of human trafficking in Myanmar.

In closing, President Wickremesinghe reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to consolidating bilateral relations with the Kingdom of Thailand.

The comprehensive discussions pave the way for deeper economic, cultural, and strategic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Thailand, marking a new chapter in their historic relationship.

Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Phumtham Wechayachai, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jakkapong Sangmanee and Thai Ambassador to Sri Lanka Paitoon Mahapannaporn graced the occasion, representing Thailand. On Sri Lanka’s side, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and a delegation of ministers, along with Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake and Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aruni Wijewardena, were in attendance.

--PMD

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Online Safety Bill comes into effect today

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane today (01) endorsed the certificate on the Online Safety Bill which was approved by parliament last week, the Communications Department of Parliament said.

Accordingly, the said Bill will come into effect as the Online Safety Act No.9 of 2024.

The bill was passed without a vote in the House after a two-day debate during which the opposition launched a scathing attack saying it borders on the infringement of the freedom of expression.

During the Second Reading, the bill was taken to vote with 108 supporting it and 62 opposing.

(dailymirror.lk)

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Keheliya Rambukwella remanded until February 15

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella has been remanded until the 15th of February after he was produced before court on Saturday morning following his arrest by the Criminal Investigations Department on Friday.

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella was arrested by the CID over the controversial human immunoglobulin procurement scandal.

Maligakanda Magistrate Lochana Abeywickrama imposed an overseas travel ban on Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and ordered him to report to the Criminal Investigations Department to provide a statement.

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Fuel prices revised

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (Ceypetco) announced that fuel prices will be revised with effect from midnight today (January 31).

Accordingly, the price of Petrol Octane 92 will be increased by Rs. 05 to Rs. 371 per litre while Petrol Octane 95 is to be reduced by Rs. 08 to Rs. 456 per litre.

Auto Diesel has been increased by Rs. 05 to Rs. 363 while Super Diesel has been reduced by Rs. 07 to Rs. 468.

Meanwhile, the price of Kerosene will be increased by Rs. 26 up to Rs. 262 per litre.

Revised Fuel Prices:

Petrol Octane 92 - Rs. 371

Petrol Octane 95 - Rs. 456

Auto Diesel - Rs. 363

Super Diesel - Rs. 468

Kerosene - Rs. 262

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Minister Keheliya Rambukwella arrested

Sri Lanka's Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella has been arrested over the controversial human immunoglobulin procurement scandal.

Sri Lanka's Former Health Minister Rambukwella arrived at the Criminal Investigations Department in Colombo on Friday (2) morning, complying with a Court Order issued a day earlier.

He was at the CID to provide a statement with regard to the controversial human immunoglobulin procurement.

Maligakanda Magistrate Lochana Abeywickrama ordered Minister Keheliya Rambukwella to report to the Criminal Investigations Department in Colombo at 9 AM on Friday (2) to provide a statement.

In addition, the Maligakanda Magistrate imposed an overseas travel ban on the Minister.

As per the court order, Keheliya Rambukwella appeared at the CID at 9 AM.

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Passport fees increased

The fee charged for the issuance of passports under the normal service has been increased, the Department of Immigration and Emigration said.

The Controller General of Immigration and Emigration stated that accordingly, the fee for issuing passports under the normal service will be revised from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 with effect from tomorrow (Feb. 01).

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Malwathu Mahanayake Thero comments on new social media laws

The Chief Prelate (Mahanayake Thero) of the Malwathu Chapter Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangalabhidhana Thero states that there is no fault in introducing new laws to control the various abuses that are being perpetrated on social media by altering the truth, for a long time.

The Mahanayake Thero made this remark when a group of representatives of the International Human Rights Organization visited Maha Nayaka Thero today (Feb. 01).

Speaking further, Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangalabhidhana Thero expressed that some groups of people defamed him as well on social media in the past with no basis.

However, the Mahanayake Thero further added that people who use social media should have no hindrances in using them freely, adding that if the government regulates social media without political objectives, people will not oppose the relevant regulations.

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Informed, Civilized Society Key to Economic Development - President

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the foundation of a nation’s economy lies in fostering an enlightened and cultured society. He made these remarks during the inauguration of the new building complex at the Kelaniya University Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies this morning (31).

The President underscored Sri Lanka’s pivotal role as the heart of Theravada Buddhism, expressing the nation’s duty to delve deeper into the Dharma and share its wisdom globally. Highlighting plans for the future, he announced the intention to establish a research institute dedicated to Theravada Buddhism, recognizing the potential of such institutions to propagate the teachings and strengthen ties between Buddhist nations.

In addressing the evolving technological landscape, President Ranil Wickremesinghe affirmed the commitment to enhance Sri Lanka’s education system in line with the demands of the digital age. He further revealed plans to introduce artificial intelligence courses across all universities.

The President also said that he is ready to provide the land and government support to build a student hostel at the Post Graduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies as requested by the students.

As a gesture of gratitude, President Ranil Wickremesinghe presented commemorative gifts to foreign donors who contributed to the construction of the new building complex.

Expressing his views further President Wickremesinghe said,

In 2019, I assumed the role of Prime Minister to lay the foundation stone for the construction of this building. Today, as the President I inaugurate this structure, in which its progress was hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ven. Ratanasara Thera’s initiative to establish the Pali and Buddhist Institute at Vidyalankara University is commendable, and Ven. Rahula Anunayake of Kotapitiya played a significant role in the building’s construction.

The teachings of Buddha, crucial for navigating life’s challenges, hold immense importance. This institute has the potential to delve into these teachings deeply and disseminate them globally. Nearly fifty years have passed since the institution’s inception, marking a milestone.

Beyond benefiting Buddhist nations, this institute can contribute to fostering understanding of Theravada Buddhism in other countries, fostering stronger ties among Theravada nations. Excavations for the grand temple have commenced, led by the Maya Devi excavation team from Lumbini. Plans for a research institute to further study Buddhism are underway, with a comprehensive report expected by year-end.

As a government, our efforts are focused on promoting Theravada Buddhism globally. This institution plays a crucial role in fostering relationships among international Buddhist nations.

Furthermore, the upcoming free trade agreement with the Prime Minister of Thailand is anticipated to enhance the bonds between Sri Lanka and Thailand, both being Buddhist countries.

In tandem with technological advancements, we aim to create an environment that allows technology to explore Buddhist teachings. Artificial intelligence plays a vital role in this endeavour. Collaborating with the Minister of Education, we are actively pursuing the introduction of artificial intelligence courses in every university. The rapid evolution of technology demands a responsive education system, and we aspire to fortify Sri Lanka’s educational landscape accordingly.

Recognizing that the country’s progress is intricately linked to knowledge and a cultured society, we remain committed to strengthening the education system to meet the demands of the technology era, ultimately contributing to the bolstering of the nation’s economy. 

(PMD)

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Four new Heads of Mission present credentials to the President

A newly appointed High Commissioner and three Ambassadors to Sri Lanka have presented Letters of Credence to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at a ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo this afternoon (01).

Among them is the new High Commissioner for the Kingdom of Eswatini, along with the newly appointed Ambassadors for Romania, the Kyrgyz Republic and Turkmenistan, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

The diplomats who submitted their credentials today are as follows;

  1. Mr. Menzie Sipho Dlamini – High Commissioner-designate of the Kingdom of Eswatini based in Kuala Lumpur
  2. Ms. Steluta Arhire – Ambassador-designate of Romania based in Colombo
  3. Mr. Askar Beshimov – Ambassador-designate of the Kyrgyz Republic based in New Delhi
  4. Mr. Shalar Geldynazarov – Ambassador-designate of Turkmenistan based in New Delhi

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya and President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake were also present on this occasion, the PMD reported.

Meanwhile, the new High Commissioner and Ambassadors who were appointed today also engaged in a cordial meeting with Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, according to the PMD.

View the embedded image gallery online at:
http://english.newstube.lk/news?start=120#sigProId6302a84cd8

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Contempt of court petitions against late Sanath Nishantha : Court update

The consideration of petitions filed against the late State Minister Sanath Nishantha over contempt of court charges has been moved to February.

The decision was announced by the Court of Appeal’s two-member judge bench consisting of Justices Sobhitha Rajakaruna and Dhammika Ganepola today (Jan 31).

Taking into consideration the demise of the late Sanath Nishantha, the justices ordered that future actions to be taken concerning the petitions will be decided on Friday, February 02, 2024.

The relevant petitions against the late former State Minister were filed by Attorney-at-Law Priyalal Sirisena and Attorney-at-Law Vijitha Kumara.

The late Sanath Nishantha was accused of contempt of court by several parties in August 2022 for stating that the officers from the Attorney General’s Department and some judges were responsible for letting loose criminals who engaged in the violence in Sri Lanka in May that year.

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