President Anura Kumara Dissanayake affirmed that Sri Lanka and the Maldives will not only remain close friends but will also advance as partners united by a common vision and purpose. He made these remarks after attending a special dinner hosted by Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at the Kurumba Maldives resort last night (28).

President Dissanayake expressed his delight at visiting the beautiful Maldives, a long-standing close friend and regional partner of Sri Lanka and recalled the profound friendship and historical ties between the two nations.

Speaking further at the event, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated:

“I consider it a great honour to visit the beautiful Maldives, a nation that has maintained long-standing relations with us as a close friend and partner of Sri Lanka.

Firstly, I wish to express my gratitude to His Excellency the President and the Government of Maldives for the hospitality extended to me and my delegation. This visit to the Maldives reaffirms the enduring friendship, mutual respect and shared aspirations that unite our two countries.

As neighbouring nations in the Indian Ocean, our future paths are intertwined. Over time, the mutual goodwill, understanding and kinship that have developed between our peoples have created a unique bond. Today, these relations continue to be nourished through diplomacy and active cooperation across various sectors.

This month, we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of strong diplomatic relations between our two countries. This adds significant value to my visit and I truly consider it a privilege to be in the Maldives to celebrate this unique occasion.

The independence of the Maldives in 1965 marked a significant milestone in South Asian history. Sri Lanka takes pride in playing an important role in that historic process by providing the opportunity for the Maldivian Declaration of Independence to be signed in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, it is a source of great pride for us that the melody of independent Maldives’ national anthem was composed by the renowned Sri Lankan maestro, the late Pandit W.D. Amaradeva.

Your Excellency, I firmly believe our partnership is a reflection of regional cooperation among neighbouring states.

Whether it is strengthening maritime security, promoting blue economy initiatives, or collaborating in multilateral forums, Sri Lanka is committed to working with the Maldives to create a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable Indian Ocean region.

His Excellency the President informed me that his English teacher and Physics teacher were both Sri Lankans. I am proud of that.

We are proud of the thousands of Sri Lankans who have contributed to the Maldivian economy and social progress at various levels, or who have imparted knowledge to generations as teachers. We greatly appreciate the respect that Sri Lankans receive in the Maldives. Likewise, we value Maldivians who consider Sri Lanka their second home, whether they are studying in our schools and universities, seeking medical treatment, or enjoying our island’s tourism and hospitality. They are not merely foreigners residing in each other’s countries but bridges connecting our nations.

Tourism is a key component of both our economies. The Maldives ranks among the top ten countries whose citizens choose Sri Lanka as a tourist destination. We are pleased to see an increase in arrivals of Maldivian tourists in recent years. We invite Maldivian tourists to visit Sri Lanka to experience a second home.

Your Excellency, as we look to the future, it is my belief that our two countries will advance closely, not just as friends but as partners united by a common vision and purpose. I am confident that this visit will pave the way for deeper cooperation, broader understanding and an even stronger friendship between our two nations.

I wish you a healthy life and the courage to transform the Maldives into a more prosperous nation!”

The Sri Lankan delegation, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Mr. Vijitha Herath, was also present at the event.

(PMD)

July 29, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan authorities have confirmed that the country remains entirely unaffected by a strong undersea earthquake that struck the Bay of Bengal in the early hours of today.

The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau stated that the seismic event, which registered a magnitude of 6.3 on international monitoring systems, poses no threat to Sri Lanka.

The quake occurred at approximately 12:11 a.m., with its epicentre situated near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a seismically active zone in the Indian Ocean.

According to India’s National Centre for Seismology, the earthquake was recorded at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres beneath the seabed, specifically at coordinates 6.82°N and 93.37°E.

The tremor was followed by several aftershocks, which were felt in nearby regions. However, there have been no reports of damage to property or casualties across the region.

In a formal statement, Deepani Weerakoon, Director General of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, reassured the public that the tremors did not trigger any seismic activity in Sri Lanka or its surrounding coastal waters.

She also noted that the earthquake’s epicentre was approximately 259 kilometres west-northwest of Sabang, a town in Indonesia’s Aceh province.

July 29, Colombo (LNW): Former Minister Duminda Dissanayake has been formally discharged from legal proceedings related to the discovery of a gold-plated T56 assault rifle, following a ruling by the Mt. Lavinia Magistrate’s Court.

The court determined that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the case, resulting in Dissanayake’s release from all charges. The decision brings an end to several weeks of legal uncertainty for the former minister, who had previously been held in remand custody before being granted bail last week.

The case, which drew considerable media and public attention due to the nature of the weapon involved, revolved around allegations that Dissanayake had links to the possession or concealment of the gold-plated firearm.

However, during court proceedings, investigators failed to establish a direct connection between the former minister and the weapon in question.

July 29, Colombo (LNW): Former Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Janaka Tissa Kuttiarachchi has formally extended an unconditional apology before the Colombo District Court over a controversial statement he made concerning President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Appearing in person at a court session held earlier today (29), the former legislator expressed, through his legal counsel, complete regret for the remarks in question, which he acknowledged had been inappropriate.

His apology comes in response to a high-profile defamation case initiated by President Dissanayake, who had sought Rs. 10 billion in damages.

The lawsuit stems from comments made by Kuttiarachchi during a public rally held on August 19, 2023 in central Colombo, organised by the SLPP. During that gathering, Kuttiarachchi alleged that Dissanayake had channelled five billion rupees into investments in Malta—a claim the President strongly refuted as baseless and damaging to his public image.

In his complaint, President Dissanayake maintained that the accusation was politically motivated and aimed at undermining his credibility by portraying him as corrupt and beholden to foreign financial interests. He asserted that the statement was calculated to tarnish his reputation at a crucial time in national politics.

July 29, Colombo (LNW): Former State Minister Prasanna Ranaweera has been ordered to remain in remand custody until August 04, following a decision by the Mahara Magistrate’s Court.

The ruling, issued by Magistrate Kanchana Silva, applies to Ranaweera and two additional individuals implicated in the same case.

The three stand accused of orchestrating the illegal transfer of government-owned land in the Kiribathgoda area by allegedly falsifying official documentation. Investigators contend that forged paperwork was used to present the state property as eligible for private sale, raising serious concerns over the abuse of public assets for personal or financial gain.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that a bail application has already been lodged with the High Court. That application is expected to be reviewed on August 21 August, pending further legal examination of the charges and evidence submitted.

July 29, Colombo (LNW): A large consignment of Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles has been held at Colombo Port by Sri Lanka Customs amid growing concerns over possible underreporting of motor specifications that could significantly impact import taxes.

According to a report by Economy Next, close to 1,000 units of the BYD ATTO 3—imported across six separate shipments this month—are now under scrutiny after officials questioned whether the motor power declared in shipping documents accurately reflects the vehicles’ true specifications.

The vehicles were reportedly declared as having 100-kilowatt (kW) motors, which fall under a lower excise duty bracket. However, Customs investigators suspect that many of the vehicles may in fact be equipped with more powerful 150kW motors.

Under Sri Lanka’s current tax framework, electric vehicles rated at 100kW are liable for around Rs. 2.4 million in direct duties, while the 150kW category could attract taxes amounting to approximately Rs. 5.4 million—excluding additional levies.

A misclassification, whether intentional or accidental, could therefore result in substantial tax shortfalls and serious legal implications for the importers.

The matter drew public attention after it was raised in Parliament by Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman, who highlighted a sharp inconsistency between tax assessments for new and used versions of the same model.

He questioned why new vehicles were being taxed under the lower bracket while pre-owned models—allegedly with identical specifications—were being charged far higher duties. Rahman also raised concerns about potential favouritism or political connections that may have influenced the clearance of earlier consignments.

According to available reports, over 1,000 BYD ATTO 3 units have already been cleared through Customs under the 100kW classification. Yet, conflicting information remains: while BYD does manufacture a 100kW variant for certain overseas markets, its global website lists the 150kW version as the standard specification for the ATTO 3.

Customs officials have launched a detailed technical and regulatory investigation to determine whether the declarations were intentionally misrepresented to benefit from lower import taxes. If the vehicles are ultimately found to exceed the declared motor capacity, authorities may impose retrospective duties and penalties, potentially passing additional costs onto end customers.

Meanwhile, vehicle buyers who were expecting deliveries in the coming weeks are facing unexpected delays. Several customers reported being informed of a hold-up by the local agent, though no official explanation has been provided. The situation has left many prospective owners uncertain about the status of their purchases.

July 29, Colombo (LNW): The monthly financial assistance granted to elderly citizens under the Aswesuma welfare scheme is set to be credited to recipients’ bank accounts tomorrow (30), according to the Welfare Benefits Board.

Chairman of the Board, Jayantha Weeraratne, confirmed that funds have already been transferred to the respective benefit accounts of those eligible. Beneficiaries will be able to access the allowance from tomorrow via their designated bank accounts.

A total of over Rs. 3 billion—specifically Rs. 3,003,840,000—has been allocated and distributed among 600,768 elderly individuals across the country. These recipients have been identified through the national framework aimed at supporting economically disadvantaged and vulnerable households.

The Aswesuma initiative remains a key pillar of the state’s welfare strategy, designed to extend sustained assistance to senior citizens facing financial hardship.

July 29, Colombo (LNW): Former Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) of Police, Priyantha Jayakody, has been taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on suspicion of lodging a false complaint involving a purported threat from a known underworld figure.

The retired senior officer is accused of falsely alleging that he had received threats from an individual known in criminal circles as ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the complaint may have been deliberately misleading, prompting legal action.

Jayakody, who previously held a high-ranking post within the police service, is currently being held under CID supervision at the Colombo North Teaching Hospital, where he is receiving medical treatment.

July 29, Colombo (LNW): Authorities have confirmed the discovery of three bodies at a residence in Yahalatenna, including that of the Opposition Leader of the Yatinuwara Pradeshiya Sabha, his wife, and their daughter.

The tragic incident came to light when the bodies were found under circumstances that remain unclear. Law enforcement personnel responded promptly to the scene, and a full-scale investigation is currently in progress to ascertain the cause of death.

Police have cordoned off the area and forensic experts have been deployed to assist in the inquiry. Officials have urged the public to refrain from drawing conclusions until a thorough post-mortem examination and further investigative steps are completed.