Vijitha Herath demands to publicize China-Sri Lanka FTA

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna marked its sixth anniversary on Wednesday (2) and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa who participated in a media briefing at the party headquarters said that no one can secure governance through violence.The MP who represents the SLPP said the party always followed democratic means and always considered the welfare of the Sri Lankan people when making decisions as a party.He said due to these policies the SLPP was able to secure power across a majority of the Pradeshiya Sabhas and also a 2/3 majority in the Sri Lankan parliament following the Presidential election victory with 6.9 million votes."We need to modernize our party. As a party that always follows democracy, we need to identify the issues faced by our people and then modernize our party accordingly.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Amnesty International noted that it is concerned over Sri Lanka Police denying permission for the protest by trade unions, students and political parties. Protestors must not be required to obtain permission from authorities, to exercise basic human rights such as the right to peaceful assembly.The reasons for denying permission for the protest quoted by the Police do not amount to legitimate restrictions against peaceful assembly as provided by international law, said Amnesty International.It added that the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association has stipulated that "the free flow of traffic should not automatically take precedence over freedom of peaceful assembly."Amnesty International South Asia said that urban spaces are not only an area for circulation but also spaces for participation. Many assemblies, by nature, involve a certain level of disruption to ordinary life or the rights of others.It added that nevertheless, disproportionate restrictions to protest, jeopardise the right to freedom of expression.Freedom of peaceful assembly is a right, not a privilege.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A walk by two Aragalaya Activists that was to reach Galle Face Green on Wednesday (2) was blocked by security forces from Baladaksha Mawatha in Colombo."We come here with love. We do not have any stones with us.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen was ordered by Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage to be released from a case filed under the Prevention of Terrorist Act allegedly assisting the suicide bombers who carried out the 2019 April 21st Terror Attacks.The Magistrate made the order following the submissions made by the Attorney General who had pointed out that was insufficient evidence to file a case against the Ex-Minister under the PTA.Rishad Bathiudeen was arrested on the 24th of April and detained for 111 days for investigations and was later released on bail by the Fort Magistrate's Court."They fabricated the charges and ruined me and my community. They came to power accusing me and the entire Muslim community for the Easter Attacks.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United States, concurrently accredited to Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago Mahinda Samarasinghe met with Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS) Ambassador Luis Almagro, recently at the Organization’s Headquarters in Washington DC. He presented letters of credence as a permanent observer to the Organization, one of 71 countries with this status. During the interaction with the Secretary-General (a former Ambassador, Foreign Minister and Senator from Uruguay), the Sri Lankan Ambassador briefed him on the steps being taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to overcome the present economic challenges and the progress achieved to date.The Ambassador adverted to Sri Lanka’s relative lack of resident diplomatic representation in OAS countries with only four Missions operating in the 35 member states (United States, Canada, Brazil and Cuba). He inquired of the Secretary-General if Sri Lanka could use the good offices of the OAS to expand and strengthen ties with the other states, to which the response was encouraging and positive.The potential for further enhancing trade with OAS countries was also mentioned during the discussion. The Secretary-General welcomed such initiatives.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Journalist Tharidu Jayawardena had filed a private complaint against ASP Nalin Dilruk, and SSP Roshan Dias for alleged obstruction caused during a protest on the 10th of October 2022 in Colombo.The Attorney General on Tuesday (1) had filed an ex-parte motion to call for the matter, and on Wednesday (2) counsel appearing for the complainant expressed their objections over this move.Appearing for the complainant President's Counsel Saliya Peiris told the court that the Attorney General is not a person with special privileges.The President's Counsel pointed out that the Attorney General was not a party to the private plaint filed against two police officers, and noted that summoning the case via an ex-parte motion to obtain orders sets a negative precedent.He added that if the Attorney General wanted to call for the case via a motion, the Attorney General must inform the complainant or his counsel.President's Counsel Saliya Peiris stressed that Senior State Counsel Saminda Wickrama appearing for the Attorney General had concealed the fact that he did not inform the complainant or the counsel from the Magistrate, and presented facts over the matter.He informed the court that he was only made aware that the case was called up via a motion on Tuesday (1) following media reports on the matter, and that the counsel for the state had told the court that the complainant had made false submissions to the court.President's Counsel Saliya Peiris stressed that the complainant or the counsel have never produced any false fact to the country, and had never misled the court.He pointed out that the submissions made by the Attorney General's Department were published in the media, and though the Attorney General had

Hong Kong’s attempts to welcome back global investors with a flagship summit were overshadowed by the controversial handling of a top local official’s Covid-19 test result, a typhoon and a lack of debate over how coronavirus restrictions have weakened investors’ confidence in both Hong Kong and mainland China.

₹2,206-crore initial public offering (IPO) on Thursday, 3 November, with plans to utilise the capital on next phase of growth across markets. The shares are likely to be listed on BSE and NSE on 16 November, 2022. KFin Technologies Limited is the registrar to the IPO.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has established a disability unit within the premises of the Human Rights Commission.Commissioners Anusuya Shanmuganathan and Dr. Nimal Karunasiri with National Democratic Institute (NDI), Disability Organizations Joint Front Sri Lanka (DJOF), and other relevant stakeholders with whom the HRCSL is working closely to safeguard disability rights, seeks the indulgence of the Minister, Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Based on the request made by the Ministry of Health of Sri Lanka to assist in acquiring medical supplies for Sri Lanka, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Kuala Lumpur reached out to the Government of Malaysia for their support. The Government of Malaysia has extended a goodwill gesture by donating a consignment of urgently required medical supplies to Sri Lanka.At a symbolic handing-over ceremony held at the Ministry of Health of Malaysia on 31 October 2022, Minister of Health of Malaysia, Khairy Jamaluddin symbolically handed over the donation which is valued at USD 63,100/- to the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Malaysia, Air Chief Marshal (Rtd) Sumangala Dias.Sri Lanka’s National carrier, Sri Lankan Airlines graciously agreed to airlift the donation free of charge and the consignment was dispatched by Flight UL 319 which departed from Kuala Lumpur recently to Colombo.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Ali Sabry,PC says Sri Lanka must start promoting itself and go beyond speaking about the country's strategic location."We have been talking about the strategic location for too long and everybody knows about it. I think there is nothing more to dwell on that.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Heavy police presence was witnessed since morning on Wednesday (2) in Colombo ahead of the mass protest planned by multiple groups including political parties.Trade Unions, Students Movements, supported by political parties will march from Maradana to Fort, where a rally will take place against state suppression.The Samagi Jana Balavegaya, Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Frontline Socialists Party, Tamil National Alliance, 43rd Brigade, Freedom People's Congress among 20 political parties, and over 150 trade unions and mass organizations will take part in the protest.Police says NO permission:Sri Lanka Police has issued a letter informing the various protest groups – including students, trade, and political bodies – who planned to protest in Colombo on Wednesday (2), stating that permission will not be granted to protest opposite the Fort Railway Station or in close proximity.The letter bears the signature of Colombo Central Division 1 Police Superintendent K. A.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A 33-year-old man was found dead inside a house in Medagoda, Ruwanwalla.Sri Lanka Police said stab wounds were visible on the victim's neck.It was revealed that the deceased had consumed alcohol with his brother, and another man and was killed following a heated exchange.The killer had fled the area and an investigation is underway to arrest him.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's National Water Supply and Drainage Board said that Rs. 6.5 Billion in unsettled bills are pending from consumers.Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police has issued a letter informing the various protest groups – including students, trade, and political bodies – who planned to protest in Colombo on Tuesday (2), stating that permission will not be granted to protest opposite the Fort Railway Station or in close proximity.The letter bears the signature of Colombo Central Division 1 Police Superintendent K. A.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Chinese Government donated 10.6 Million Liters of diesel to farmers and fishermen in remote areas of Sri Lanka to upgrade the agriculture and fisheries industries.Currently, the agriculture and fisheries industry is facing severe difficulty due to the shortage of diesel to operate machinery and boats.The shipment is scheduled to reach the country between November & December and will be distributed to the needy soon.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Navy's latest warship the P 627 reached Colombo on Tuesday (2).Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) formally took the delivery of the EX-United States Coast Guard Cutter, USCGC Douglas Munro, provided by the United States (U.S.) Coast Guard to SLN, at theU.S. Coast Guard Base Seattle of Washington in the United States on 26th October 2021.Since the acquisition, she was designated as P 627, attached to the SLN fleet.Aiming to strengthen and develop partnerships to overcome common challenges in the maritime domain, U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka reiterates that the Police must NOT use the provisions of the Police Ordinance to violate the fundamental rights declared and recognized by the Constitution of Sri Lanka.The HRCSL made this statement in response to a letter submitted to the Commission by trade unions and mass organizations, informing that the Police had illegally notified them to obtain permission for the peaceful protest set to be held on Wednesday (2).The HRCSL highlights that peaceful protests are permitted according to Section 77 of the Police Ordinance.It warned the Police that the Constitution of Sri Lanka is in fact the supreme law of the country, adding that violating fundamental rights would result in serious consequences.The HRCSL also reminds the Police to pay attention to the recommendations made by the Commission to the Public Security Minister on the 28th of September.According to the statement, a team attached to the Human Rights Commission will also be deployed to monitor the peaceful protest march.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An online discussion took place on Tuesday (1) between the representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the officials of the Ministry of Finance.Minister of State for Finance Ranjith Siyabalapitiya said that this discussion was held as a preparation for tomorrow's (3) discussions with the IMF.Minister of State for Finance Ranjith Siyabalapitiya said that during the negotiations between the representatives of the IMF and the representatives of the Ministry of Finance, an agreement will be reached on financial assurances expected by the IMF.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved power cuts of 2 hours from 02nd – 04th November as follows;Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW: 1 hour during daytime 1 hour during the night

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Trade Minister Nalin Fernando says that steps will be taken to give the people the benefit of the reduction in commodity prices.He further said that many businessmen do NOT give that benefit to the people.Accordingly, he added that he will discuss this with the representatives of food distribution associations, including supermarket chains, and provide necessary solutions.

EAMONN Holmes has suffered a fall at his Surrey home - leaving the star with a fractured shoulder and in "an awful lot of pain". The 62-year-old former This Morning star has been left "gutted" by his latest health setback, his rep said today. The tumble means Eamonn - who recently had spinal surgery to try and ease chronic pain in his back and legs - will remain off air.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Central Bank of Bangladesh last week issued a circular advising all authorized dealers, including banks, to refrain from transactions with Sri Lankan banks through the Asian Clearing Union (ACU) system.The move has been made in response to the "self-motivated decision by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL)  to remain temporarily suspended from ACU mechanism with effect from October 14th".Accordingly, all authorized dealers have been advised not to do any trade and trade related transactions with Sri Lanka through the ACU mechanism.The Asian Clearing Union was created among the South Asian Nations in order to provide trading facilities among the South Asian Nations, plus Iran and Myanmar as members in 1974. Within the ACU, all eligible transactions between member countries are required to be settled through the Asian Clearing Union. The unit of settlement of ACU transactions is a common unit of account of ACU, which is equivalent to one USD.In case of importation of materials into a country, it would be debited to the account of that specific country at the Asian Secretariat, and the balance is settled every two months through the ACU in hard currency.With this new move, it would halt the possibility of conducting any transactions between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka through the ACU. However, when New1st inquired on the matter from former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that low-level atmospheric disturbance persists in the vicinity of Sri Lanka.Showers or thundershowers will occur over most parts of the island during the afternoon or night.Showers will occur in Northern, Western and North-western provinces and Galle and Matara districts during the morning.Heavy showers above 100mm can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-Western, Uva and Northern provinces and fairly heavy showers above 50mm can be expected elsewhere.The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.Condition of Rain:Showers or thundershowers will occur in several places in the sea areas around the island. Winds:Winds will be north-westerly to westerly in direction. Wind speed will be (20-30) kmph.

Dame Judi Dench, 87, has discussed how she had to get her partner David Mills to “cut up her food” for her due to her declining health.The star also revealed that she cannot read or write anymore due to suffering from advanced macular degeneration. The James Bond actress revealed that, while out for dinner recently with her partner David, he had to cut up her food as she couldn't see it on her plate.“He cut it up and handed something to me on a fork and that's the way I ate it,” she recalled.However, the legendary star has insisted that she will not be retiring from acting anytime soon despite her condition. Nonetheless, Judi admitted that her health was in a “bad” state as she opened up about the way her life has changed as a result. “I don't want to retire,” she said. “I'm not doing much at the moment because I can't see.

Out of these 8 LTTE prisoners who were pardoned, three of those were convicted of trying to assassinate former President Chandrika Kumaratunga who was wounded by the bomb attack.However the National Peace Council relying on the information supplied by the the Presidential Secretariat states that four of the eight prisoners had served longer prison terms than their court-ordered sentences. The statement further states “Three prisoners had been sentenced to 30 years in prison and had served 22 years, one prisoner who had been sentenced to 11 years and had served 14 years, one who has been sentenced to 10 years and had also served 14 years, two prisoners who were sentenced to five years but had served for 14 years, were among those who received a presidential pardon.”The council further emphasize that this is a serious violation of human rights in terms of international human rights covenants and an intolerable abuse of power by those who kept them incarcerated in this manner for a long period of time.The National Peace Council also warns the government that by keeping these detainees in prison, there will be a need to pay compensation considering the number of years lost to the victims.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Red alert on landslides has been issued to the Divisional Secretariat Division of Passara, of the ​​Badulla District.Senior Geologist at the National Building Research Organization, Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Cabinet has approved for the State-owned Enterprises Restructuring Unit to study and make recommendations on restructuring SriLankan Airlines.This Cabinet approval has been given taking into account a proposal presented by the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation  Nimal Siripala Silva.It has been determined that it is appropriate to restructure the airline and its managed companies by handing over significant shares of Sri Lanka Airlines and the management of the company to select investors filtered through a transparent procurement process.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Six major business chambers in Sri Lanka have called for the halting of anti-government protests that they say could undermine efforts taken to stabilize the economy. In a joint statement, the chambers added that negative publicity could seriously derail action that are being taken to revive the economy, particularly the efforts taken to revive tourism.'Any act of destabilization taking place at this time and any negative publicity arising from it would seriously derail actions that are being taken to revive the economy including the efforts being taken to promote tourism' the statement read.Pointing out that a few airlines have agreed to commence flights to Sri Lanka and given the high cost of energy in Europe during the winter, Sri Lanka will have an ideal opportunity to attract tourists which will support the Hospitality industry, the Chambers say that  any instability can affect the recovery process for exports and foreign investment too.'We appeal to all parties to divert their energies and resources towards encouraging positive reforms and focus on how we recover as a nation instead of engaging in acts that can further damage the economy and place more burdens on the people of this country' the statement mentioned.This statement has been issued by the following Chambers:

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe says that if the process to restructure debts with India and China is delayed, the process to reach an agreement with the IMF Executive Board could be further delayed till January. Speaking at the 32nd Annual General meeting of the Sri Lanka Tea Factory owners, the President said that Sri Lanka must first ensure that it can get out of bankruptancy, and negotiate with creditors."I went to the Paris Club first. Western countries and Japan are there. But we are in a special place.

The best way to deal with the new COVID variant is to keep the immunity quotient high throughout the year Even after nearly 3 years, COVID remains a threat to us mostly because the virus is still mutating. The latest variant of Omicron continues to be a threat to us as it is said to spreading faster than its predecessors and has immune escape properties. So even if you are vaccinated and also boosted, you still need to be careful.

(PMD) – A meeting was held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (31) to inform the President about the private member’s proposal presented by Parliamentarian Premanath C. Dolawatta, which will strengthen President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s policy of increasing the opportunities for the youth community in the decision-making process of the country.During the meeting, MP Dolawatta said that his private member’s proposal, which has been submitted as a bill to amend the 262nd Local Government Elections Ordinance, adds constitutional value to the President’s policy of providing more opportunities to the youth in elections, to strengthen the democratic representation system.The MP also said that the draft includes the necessary provisions to confirm the youth representation of at least 25% in the first and second nomination lists of the local government elections.He noted that according to the recommendations of the Special Commission appointed to look into youth unrest in 1990, the importance of ensuring greater opportunities for the youth in democratic representation systems was highlighted.Accordingly, in 1990, by adding an amendment to the Local Government Ordinance, provisions were introduced to confirm 40% of opportunities in the preparation of local government nomination lists by political parties and independent groups, according to Dolawatta.However, although a positive step was taken by confirming 25% representation of women in the local government bodies, the condition of mandatory youth representation was lost in the relevant amendment, noted Premanath C.

ABU DHABI (Reuters) – Sri Lanka's energy and power minister Kanchana Wijesekera said on Tuesday his country was expecting a diesel shipment from China that will possibly arrive by the end of November, as his country faces a deep financial crisis.Wijesekera was answering reporters' questions on the sidelines of an industry conference in Abu Dhabi on whether Sri Lanka had received any support.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The following program proposed for the budget debate related to the financial year 2023 was presented by the Prime Minister for the approval of the Council of Ministers. The program received the consent of the Cabinet of Ministers.-Budget Speech (Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill): 14.11.2022-Budget Second Reading Debate: From 15.11.20 to 22.11.2022 (07 days)-Budget Committee Stage Debate: From 23.11.2022 to 08.12.2022-Budget Voting: 08.12.2022 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) says that a vessel carrying 60,000 MT of coal is scheduled to reach the country on Tuesday (1).The relevant coal vessel is arriving from South Africa.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Cabinet of Ministers approved the Prime Minister's proposal that ministers should not travel abroad during the sitting days of parliament and the budget debate.However, in case of urgent medical needs or very urgent work of the government, ministers are allowed to travel abroad.

₹33 in the grey market today. The company's shares are expected to list on leading stock exchanges BSE and NSE on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. “Global health had a better performance in FY22 than it had in the preceding years.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Instagram appears to be down right now, but the glitch many users are reporting is an odd one. It’s not just that users are having trouble accessing the popular photo- and video-sharing app, but they’re also having trouble accessing their accounts and have reported being hit with account suspension notices.On Monday morning, the apparent Instagram outage was reported by users on Twitter and Downdetector. Both sites included numerous reports saying that users suddenly lost access to their IG accounts and were given account suspension notices.Many of these user reports followed a similar pattern.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Department of Meteorology says due to a low-level atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, the showery condition is expected to continue further.Showers or thundershowers will occur over most parts of the Island during the afternoon or night.Showers will occur in Northern, Western and North-western provinces and Galle and Matara districts during the morning.Heavy showers over 150mm can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, Uva and Northern provinces and Heavy showers about 100mm can be expected elsewhere.The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.Condition of Rain:Showers or thundershowers will occur in several places in the sea areas around the island.Winds:Winds will be north-westerly to westerly in direction. Wind speed will be (20-30) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to 50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Kankasanturai and Mullaitivu.State of Sea:The sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Kankasanturai and Mullaitivu will be fairly rough at times.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference 2022 is scheduled to be held on 1st & 2nd November 2022 in Colombo.The event is expected to be a regional networking session, where different stakeholders of the maritime and the logistics industry will be gathering to develop partnerships and a greater understanding of the future plans of the Indian subcontinent and beyond. Investment opportunities, information, and data, and project development of the region will also be discussed.Watch comments by Rohan Masakorala CIMC Founder and Shippers’ Academy Colombo CEO here: 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sri Lanka Police Sergeant died in hospital after being severely wounded during a unrest that broke out in Kebithigollewa on Monday (31) night.Tensions boiled over in the town located in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka's North Central Province after a man was killed in a wild elephant attack.Crowds took to the streets demanding a solution to the Human-Elephant conflict and they became unruly.Reports said that Sri Lanka Police fired several rounds into the air to control the situation. A Sri Lanka Police Sergeant was seriously injured after he was mobbed by the crowd, and was admitted to a hospital where he died.

Health and social care managers in North Lanarkshire are calling for local people to get in touch with feedback to ensure services improve further.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka on Monday (31) introduced a cycle to work program to promote cycling among public sector employees as a solution to the transporation crisis.The Cycle to Work progrma to promote cycling among public sector employees was organized by the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing.The aim of this program is to encourage government employees to commute using bicycles as a solution to the transportation crisis. Kick starting the initiative, a group of public sector employees cycled from Battaramulla to Sethsiripaya on Monday (31) morning.Meanwhile, a tree planting program was organized at te Setshiripaya Premises in line with World Cities Day.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka has decided to launch a website to register passenger transport three-wheelers in the Western Province for the increased fuel quota.State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna said that taxi operators can access www.wptaxi.lk and register for the service to obtain 10 liters of petrol, instead of the 5 liters offered.On the 24th of October 2022, President Ranil Wickremesinghe instructed to increase the weekly fuel quota of 5 litres issued for professional passenger transport three-wheelers to 10 litres.As the first phase, the registration of professional three-wheelers in the Western Province is scheduled to commence on November 1st.Accordingly, from November 6th, 10 litres of fuel per week will be issued to all three-wheeler passenger vehicles in the Western Province.Currently, there are 1.08 million three-wheelers in Sri Lanka, out of which 400,000 are passenger transport three-wheelers, according to the three-wheeler associations.Around 300,000 three-wheelers have been registered with the Sri Lanka Police, and if it is not possible to register the three-wheelers in the entire island by November 13, it was also decided to release the fuel quota for the three-wheelers registered with the police as an initial step.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry called on Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres and briefed him on the steps being taken by Sri Lanka to overcome current challenges.The discussion also focused on further UN assistance to Sri Lanka.Foreign Minister Ali Sabry on Saturday (24) sought for cooperation and support of the international community including the United Nations for Sri Lanka’s new resolve to “build back better” with political, economic, and social reforms following the unprecedented crisis faced by the country.Addressing the UN’s 77th General Assembly in New York, Sabry said measures include a review of the present procedures, the strengthening of the institutional framework of democratic governance, and the adoption of urgent measures to restore long-term economic stability.   

COLOMBO (News 1st) – State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York recently.Wang Yi expressed, China and Sri Lanka are each other's, strategic cooperative partners. The two countries have always shared weal and woe and sincerely helped each other. This year, which marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka and the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Rubber-Rice Pact, is of great significance for inheriting the past and ushering in the future. China is ready to work with Sri Lanka to carry forward the traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust and deepen and expand pragmatic cooperation. Congratulations to Sri Lanka on its initial results in stabilizing the situation and easing difficulties. China has provided medicines, rice, fuel, and other emergencies humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, and will continue to offer assistance within our capacity to help Sri Lanka overcome temporary difficulties.Sabry said that the Sri Lanka-China friendship has a solid foundation. China has provided strong support for Sri Lanka's economic and social development for a long time. In particular, China has offered timely help to Sri Lanka when it encountered difficulties. Sri Lanka will never forget that.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The UK is providing urgent food and farming support to Sri Lankans hit hardest by the economic crisis.More than one-third of people are struggling to eat and are suffering from shortages of fuel, power, and medicines. Sri Lanka has the fifth largest food price inflation in the world, up 93.7% last month, with rice costing 150% more than this time last year.In a meeting with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry at the UN General Assembly, Lord Ahmad will set out the UK’s package of £3 million in lifesaving support.The funding will be delivered through Red Cross and UN partners. It will provide access to food, seeds, and tools to help grow crops as well as mental health care, including for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. UK Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia, and the UN, Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon said:The UK stands by the people of Sri Lanka who are facing such a challenging time. The ongoing crisis is deeply concerning with so many in dire need of help. We are providing £3 million of lifesaving support to the most vulnerable and will continue to work with international partners to help Sri Lanka.This new funding is just part of the UK’s ongoing support to Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The  Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia, and the UN of the United Kingdom, Lord Tariq Ahmad says the UK is providing urgent food and farming support to Sri Lankans hit hardest by the economic crisis. Taking to twitter, Minister Ali Sabry mentioned that during the meeting held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Lord Tariq Ahmad set out the UK’s package of £3 million assistance to Sri Lanka.While extending gratitude for the assistance, Minister Ali Sabry also briefed Lord Tariq Ahmad on steps being taken towards reconcilliation and accountability in Sri Lanka. The funding will be delivered through Red Cross and UN partners. It will provide access to food, seeds, and tools to help grow crops as well as mental health care, including for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence."The UK stands by the people of Sri Lanka who are facing such a challenging time.