The Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Wentao, who is currently on an official visit to Sri Lanka, met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake this afternoon (29) at the Presidential Secretariat for bilateral discussions.

Minister Wang highlighted the growing interest from Chinese investors in Sri Lanka, attributing it to the current political and economic stability and the clear policy direction of President Dissanayake’s administration. He noted that his delegation, comprising over 100 Chinese investors, reflected a strong commitment to deepening economic cooperation between the two countries.

The talks focused on strengthening bilateral trade and investment partnerships and reaffirming support during ongoing global economic challenges. Minister Wang reiterated China’s dedication to assisting Sri Lanka during this period and emphasized the importance of achieving shared economic goals.

A key agenda item during the meeting was reviewing progress on agreements made during President Dissanayake’s recent state visit to China. Both sides expressed a mutual desire to ensure the timely completion of ongoing Chinese-funded development projects in Sri Lanka, while also accelerating the implementation of new initiatives.

The Chinese delegation included Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, Director General of the Department of Asian Affairs Wang Liping, and Director General of the Department of Foreign Affairs Shu Jueting. Representing Sri Lanka were Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, and Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, among other officials.

Henry, the world’s oldest known living crocodile, turns 124 in 2024. Residing in South Africa’s Crocworld since 1985, he’s fathered over 10,000 offspring and continues to amaze scientists with his remarkable longevity and vitality.

Meet Henry: Henry, who is a Nile crocodile, was 124 years old on 16 December 2024. He resides at South Africa’s Crocworld Conservation Centre and is considered to be the current oldest living crocodile in the world. (@TomFulop/X)

From the Wilds of Botswana: Henry was caught in Botswana’s Okavango Delta in 1903. His birthdate is not known, but his age is estimated at around 1900, which makes him more than a century old. (Image: @CharlesWieand/X)

His Home at Crocworld: Henry has been living safely in captivity at Crocworld since 1985. There, he is protected and well cared for and has a serene environment that probably has contributed to his longevity. (Image: @CharlesWieand/X)

A Record-Breaking Father: In spite of his age, Henry has fathered more than 10,000 children. His active contribution to reproduction stunned conservationists and assisted in keeping the population of crocodiles at the centre thriving. (Image: @AMAZlNGNATURE/X)

A Gentle Giant in Numbers: Henry is approximately 700 kilograms (1,540 pounds) and 5 metres (16.4 feet) long. He’s one of the biggest crocodiles on the planet in captivity today and continues to astonish visitors. (Image: @pubity/X)

Why Crocodiles Live So Long: Biologists attribute the longevity of reptiles such as Henry to slower metabolisms. Their cold-bloodedness serves to save energy, which could slow down ageing and extend their lifespan. (Image: @VladLiliac/X)

The Power of Crocodile Biology: Crocodiles are believed to possess robust immune systems and particular blood proteins that assist in combating infection. This could be one reason Henry has lived so long. (@Visceral9000/X)

Captivity Adds Years: Safe surroundings contribute significantly towards the longevity of animals. In the absence of predators, disease, or competition, animals such as Henry can potentially live for decades. (@DrWildlife/X)

A Living Mystery for Science: Scientists still haven’t fully figured out why crocodiles live so long. It is hard to study animals like Henry because they tend to live longer than scientists studying them. (@TomFulop/X)

Celebrating Henry’s Remarkable Life: Henry’s life is one of survival and resilience. At 124 years of age, he keeps scientists and animal enthusiasts all over the globe amazed with his vigor and mystique. (Image: @AnshumanVishno1/X)

https://www.moneycontrol.com/science/meet-henry-the-world-s-oldest-living-crocodile-who-has-fathered-10-000-babies-photo-gallery-13051072-5.html

Strong winds swept through Colombo on Wednesday evening, causing significant damage in multiple areas of the city. The sudden gusts uprooted trees, brought down sheds and rooftops, and toppled signboards along key routes, including the busy Galle Road.

Authorities were quick to respond, with emergency services dispatched to clear debris and restore traffic flow. No injuries have been reported so far, but officials are assessing the full extent of the damage. Residents have been advised to exercise caution as cleanup efforts continue.

United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe stated yesterday (29) that the party had secured 450,000 votes in the recent Local Government Election, attributing this achievement to the efforts of a specially appointed campaign committee. Addressing a gathering at the party’s headquarters, Sirikotha, Wickremesinghe commended the committee for its strategic role in revitalising the UNP.

The committee, which included Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene, Assistant Leader Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Chairman Vajira Abeywardena, Deputy Chairman Navin Dissanayake, and General Secretary Thalatha Athukorala, had been tasked with reshaping the party’s image. Wickremesinghe noted that their focus was on transforming the UNP into a modern and competitive political force in preparation for future electoral contests.

The Department of Immigration and Emigration has announced that the temporary 24-hour one-day passport issuance service, introduced earlier this year to accommodate high public demand, will officially conclude on May 30, 2025. This expedited service was implemented on February 18, 2025, as a temporary measure to manage a surge in applications.

Beginning Monday, June 2, 2025, applications for one-day passports at the Department’s head office in Battaramulla will be accepted only between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The Department clarified that individuals who have already booked appointments under the one-day service for that date, or who have urgent requirements, may still apply within the new hours.

General passport applications at the Battaramulla head office will also follow the same 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. schedule. Meanwhile, all regional offices will continue processing both regular and one-day passport applications within these same hours, consistent with the existing timetable.

The Department urges applicants to plan accordingly and utilize the appointment booking system to avoid delays, particularly as the special 24-hour service is phased out.

Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, currently visiting Sri Lanka in his capacity as part of Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on May 29. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation, particularly between Sri Lanka and the European Union, amidst evolving global economic dynamics.

President Dissanayake highlighted the significance of continued EU engagement, especially as Sri Lanka navigates economic headwinds linked to new global tariff regimes—such as those introduced by the United States—and fiscal limitations stemming from arrangements with the International Monetary Fund. He stressed that broader cooperation with the EU will be crucial for Sri Lanka to mitigate these pressures and pursue sustainable economic recovery.

Expressing gratitude for the EU’s ongoing support, President Dissanayake welcomed the continued extension of the GSP+ trade concession, which provides Sri Lankan exports preferential access to European markets. He noted that this support remains vital for Sri Lanka’s economic resilience and export competitiveness.

Foreign Minister Sikorski reaffirmed Poland’s and the EU’s interest in deepening engagement with Sri Lanka, noting that his visit reflects the growing strategic importance both parties place on their partnership. He recalled the longstanding economic and developmental cooperation between Poland and Sri Lanka, spanning five decades of trade relations and three decades of development assistance, and expressed his intention to work closely with Sri Lanka’s new administration to further strengthen this foundation.

The meeting also included discussions on expanding bilateral collaboration beyond trade, including areas such as climate resilience, sustainable development, and educational exchanges. Both parties reiterated their commitment to reinforcing diplomatic and economic ties in the years ahead.

Present at the meeting were Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka Carmen Moreno, President’s Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, and Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, among other officials from both delegations.

Sri Lanka Customs is set to introduce a series of IT-based solutions in the coming week aimed at streamlining procedures for importers and exporters, according to Customs Media Spokesperson and Additional Director General of Customs, Seevali Arukgoda. Speaking at a press conference yesterday in anticipation of the upcoming National Tax Week (June 2–8, 2025), Arukgoda detailed a range of digital initiatives designed to enhance efficiency, transparency, and compliance in customs operations.

Among the key reforms is the launch of the Asia Hub initiative, which enables importers to complete customs procedures before shipments arrive in the country. “Currently, customs operations begin only after the shipment arrives. With this initiative, importers can finalise the process while the cargo is en route, allowing for immediate transportation upon arrival—unless a specific inspection is required,” Arukgoda explained.

Additionally, Sri Lanka Customs will implement an automated risk management system that flags high-risk consignments. This will help authorities focus inspections more effectively while fast-tracking the clearance of low-risk shipments, thereby improving overall detection rates and reducing delays.

Another upcoming feature is TrackMyCusDec, a tracking system that allows traders and stakeholders to monitor the status of their cargo clearance in real-time. Furthermore, a motorcycle verification app is being introduced, allowing prospective buyers to check whether a vehicle was imported legally and if applicable taxes have been paid—using only the chassis number. Arukgoda noted that this initiative will curb the sale of smuggled, untaxed vehicles.

The press conference also featured remarks by U.D.N. Jayaweera, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, who outlined the goals of National Tax Week. Commencing at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, June 2, the week-long campaign is intended to raise awareness about tax compliance and its crucial role in national development. Jayaweera emphasised the need to shift public attitudes toward taxes, encouraging voluntary compliance and fostering a responsible tax culture.

National Tax Week is a joint initiative involving the Presidential Secretariat, the Revenue Administration Reforms and Modernisation Task Force, the Finance Ministry, and the three key revenue departments: Inland Revenue, Customs, and Excise. These departments collectively account for 90% of Sri Lanka’s government tax revenue.

Jayaweera reiterated that tax enforcement should not be coercive and highlighted the importance of timely tax payments, proper documentation, and accurate reporting. Through the Tax Shakthi public education programme, citizens will be informed of their responsibilities and the broader benefits of tax revenue for the country’s development. He urged all eligible taxpayers, including those not yet registered, to meet their obligations in support of Sri Lanka’s future.

The Sri Lankan Government has intensified its testing and surveillance operations in response to rising global alarm over a newly emerging COVID-19 variant. The Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday that Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing has been significantly increased in selected hospitals, particularly in urban centres and areas considered to be at high risk.

Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe stated that all government hospitals across the country have been instructed to enhance monitoring of patients who exhibit symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and other respiratory issues. He emphasized the importance of early detection and swift isolation of suspected cases to prevent any potential community spread. While confirming that the current situation in Sri Lanka remains under control, Dr. Jasinghe stressed that heightened vigilance is essential. He assured the public there is no immediate cause for panic but urged citizens to remain cautious and to continue following established health guidelines, including wearing masks in crowded spaces and practicing good hygiene.

The new COVID-19 variant, which is believed to have a higher rate of transmission, is currently being studied by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international health bodies. Although no cases linked to the new variant have been officially detected in Sri Lanka, health authorities are preparing for all scenarios. Hospitals in districts such as Colombo, Gampaha, and Kandy have already strengthened their preparedness by stockpiling personal protective equipment, boosting laboratory capacity, and ensuring rapid turnaround times for test results. Additionally, the Health Ministry is collaborating with the Epidemiology Unit to expand genomic sequencing, which will help identify if the new variant has entered the country.

Officials continue to reiterate the need for public cooperation, stressing that a proactive approach combined with public awareness will be critical in managing any future risks associated with this evolving global situation.