By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe leaveS the country this morning (21) for a two-day official visit to Singapore, the President’s Media Division (PMD) reported.

Throughout this visit, President Wickremesinghe has a series of significant meetings planned, including discussions with Singapore’s President, Mrs. Halimah Yacob and talks with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, and Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu Hai Yien. The latter will engage in bilateral talks with President Wickremesinghe.

The total trade turn over between Sri Lanka and Singapore amounted to US$ 851.69 Mn in the year 2022. Sri Lanka exported US$ 144.5 Mn worth goods to Singapore recording a 46 increase in comparison to the previous year.

Sri Lanka’s main export items to Singapore are petroleum oil, precious stones, wheat, tea and sea foods.

Under the provisions of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, countries have the opportunity to collaborate effectively with the objective of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions through international carbon trading.

Accordingly, a cooperative understanding concerning carbon neutrality within the framework of the Paris

Agreement will be signed between the governments of Sri Lanka and Singapore. after deliberations between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Prime Minister of Singapore, said the PMD.

President Wickremesinghe revealed that Sri Lanka has already forged a crucial trade agreement with Singapore and is actively negotiating with Thailand.

The President also announced that Sri Lanka has applied to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), recognizing the potential of this vast trade block comprising major economies like China, Japan, and Korea.

 He emphasized that Sri Lanka’s economic focus should now turn towards the east, given the rapid development in that region.

Joining the President on this visit will be Sagala Ratnayaka, Chief of Presidential Staff and Senior Advisor on National Security; Ruwan Wijewardena, Senior Advisor on Climate Change; and Dr. R.H.S.Samaratunga, Senior Advisor on Economic Affairs.

Simultaneously, during President Wickremesinghe’s absence from the country, four Acting Ministers have been designated to oversee the ministries under his purview.

The appointments include Minister of State for Defence Pramita Bandara Tennakoon as the Acting Minister of Defence; Minister of State for Finance Shehan Semasinghe as the Acting Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policy for the duration of the President’s absence;

Minister of State for Technology Kanaka Herath has been appointed as the Acting Minister of Technology; and Minister of State for Social Empowerment Anupa Pasqual has been appointed as the Acting Minister of Women, Child Affairs, and Social Empowerment, it added.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): China and Sri Lanka to cooperate in tea trade and promotion by integrating research and development, production and sales with a Chinese premier tea enterprise.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has taken this initiative when he visited the Yunnan Xiaguan Tuocha (Group) Co., Ltd., integrating research and development, production and sales of tea in Dali in Yunnan Province on August 18.

“China has emerged as Sri Lanka’s fastest growing “new market” with interest in traditional Orthodox black tea and high-end packaging common amongst the increasing number of Chinese tourists visiting Sri Lanka”officials said.

The Sri Lanka Tea Board (SLTB) forecasts tea production to recover in 2023 to around 290-300 million kg while revenue from the export of Sri Lankan tea is expected to increase to $ 1.3-1.4 billion in 2023

China Imports from Sri Lanka of Tea was US$59.31 Million during 2022, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. China Imports from Sri Lanka of Tea – data, historical chart and statistics.

In the first six months of 2023, Sri Lanka’s bulk tea exports witnessed a 31% YoY increase amounting to USD 249 million.

The country experienced notable increases in tea exports to key markets such as Türkiye, Russia, China, and Saudi Arabia. These positive export figures reflect the industry’s resilience and growing demand for Sri Lankan tea in the global market.

The Sri Lankan Prime Minister  held detailed discussions with the Chief Executive and top tea researchers about the possibilities of further strengthening the cooperation between tea researches in Sri Lanka.

The Xiaguan Tuocha brand was created in 1902 and has a history over 110 years. The company’s predecessor was the Kangzang Tea Factory founded in 1941.

After privatization reform in 2004 and several generations of hard work, it has become a group company with historical heritage, the CEO explained to the Prime Minister.

The Yunnan Xiaguan Tuocha has already exchange data and expertise with Tea Research Center in Thalawakele and it has expressed willingness to assist research and development undertaken by tea industry in Sri Lanka.

It has a reputation as the national frontier tea designated production enterprise and raw material reserve enterprise, the national tea processing technology research and development center, the national key leading enterprise of agricultural industrialization.

The officials pointed out that the company produces more than 200 varieties of five major teas, mainly Pu-erh tea and it has won several international awards.

The products are sold nationwide and are mainly sold to more than 30 provinces and cities in China, and exported to more than 10 countries including the European Union, Russia, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia. It has been listed as authorized vendor in Vancouver, Canada.

“Our focus is to provide you high-quality tea from Xiaguan Tuocha and we will extend support to the tea research and development in Sri Lanka,” the official assured the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister invited the Xiaguan Tuocha to send a team to Sri Lanka to further discussions on cooperation in tea research.

Colombo (LNW): The historic Esala Perahera of the Holy Temple of Tooth Relic in Kandy commences the first ‘Kumbal’ Perahera today (21) and will walk the streets till August 25.

Following Kumbal Perahera, the first ‘Randoli’ Perahera will commence walking on August 26 and will be touring till August 30, later to conclude on August 31 simultaneous to the ‘Diya-Kepime Mangalyaya’ ceremony at the Getambe pier of the Mahaweli River.

Thereafter, the Perahera officially mark its conclusion after the Diyawadana Nilame of the Tooth Relic Temple informs the President that the Esala Perahera has been successfully concluded.

The Sri Lanka Navy on Saturday (19) resumed the cruises to visit the peaceful and calm waters of Trincomalee harbour premises and the Pigeon Island, Nilaveli.

The initiative which formally commenced at the Trincomalee harbour, will allow tourists, school children, naval personnel and their families to once again experience cruises in the alluring waters of Trincomalee.

Going by the directives of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and under the supervision of Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara project re commenced to provide this thrilling experience at reasonable prices and incorporating safety protocols.

Deputy Area Commander Eastern Naval Area, Commodore Anil Bowatte and a group of officers, sailors and tourists were also present on this occasion.

By: Isuru Parakrama

Colombo (LNW): The Police Special Task Force (STF) yesterday (20) arrested a Navy solider who was on active duty over the killing of a person in Kudawella area by shooting.

The arrestee is a Navy soldier attached to the Navy Camp in Pulmude and was taken into custody in Balapitiya area.

The arrest was made based on findings that the shooting was committed by the suspect.

Earlier, the Police arrested the motor vehicle on which the killer arrived and its driver.