President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, currently on an official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany, held bilateral talks with German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Reem Alabali-Radovan, yesterday at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Berlin.
The high-level discussion centred on the shared economic challenges faced by both nations amid shifting global economic trends. Both parties explored new avenues for enhancing economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Germany.
President Dissanayake expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between the two countries, particularly Germany’s substantial contributions to vocational training and the healthcare sector. He highlighted the impact of institutions such as the Ceylon German Technical Training Institute (CGTTI) as a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation.
The President emphasised the need to transform traditional development assistance into strategic, mutually beneficial partnerships, aligning with Sri Lanka’s evolving national priorities and development goals.
Minister Alabali-Radovan welcomed the renewed engagement and assured Germany’s continued interest in supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and sustainable development agenda, especially through skills development, technology transfer, and green economic initiatives.
Accompanying the President were Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Germany, Varuni Muthukumarana, and Director General for Europe and North America at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, along with other senior officials.
The visit marks a significant step in reinvigorating Sri Lanka–Germany relations, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening economic cooperation and political dialogue.
Showers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces.
Heavy falls about 100 mm are likely at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle, Matara and Puttalam districts.
Several spells of showers will occur in the Northern province and in Anuradhapura district. Strong winds of about (50-60) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central, Sabaragamuwa, North-western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district. The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds.
Colombo, June 13 : Prima KottuMee has once again elevated the Korean Ramen experience with its popular Korean Ramen Bar coming back for round two at Keells Darley Road.
Previously hosted at Keells Union Place, this vibrant addition to the bustling supermarket attracted noodle enthusiasts and shoppers alike, offering an engaging and interactive food adventure. Designed to inspire customers to elevate their Prima KottuMee Korean Ramen experience, the Ramen Bar showcased the brand’s signature Fiery Cheese and Fiery Chicken flavours, allowing them to personalise their ramen with a creative twist.
Skilled chefs at the Korean Ramen Bar prepared a variety of Prima KottuMee Korean Ramen dishes live, using garnishes and global touches that transformed the much-loved ramen instant noodles into a unique food experience combined with international tastes.
As an added surprise, shoppers were gifted an extra pack of KottuMee Korean Ramen to recreate the experience at home. This innovative concept effortlessly combines convenience with an engaging culinary experience, further solidifying Prima KottuMee’s reputation for bold flavours, creativity, and quality.
My neighbours thought I’d lost my mind,” says farmer Kakasaheb Sawant.
In 2022 he had decided to plant some apple trees, not crazy for a farmer unless, like Mr Sawant, you live in subtropical southern India, where temperatures can hit 43C.
He bought 100 saplings, of which 80 survived. Last year each tree produced between 30 and 40 kilogrammes of fruit.
“My farm has become something of a local miracle. People travel from far-off places just to see the apple trees growing under the hot Maharashtra sun.”
It’s not been an unqualified success though. One problem is that the apples are not sweet enough to sell.
Mr Sawant remains enthusiastic. He’s had some success selling apple tree saplings and is optimistic about future harvests.
“This is the beginning. The trees are getting acclimatised so according to me in next four to five years these trees will start bearing good, sweet apples.”
In his own small way, Mr Sawant is hoping to meet India’s rising demand for apples.
Production has risen 15% over the last five years to 2.5 million tonnes.
But that is not keeping up with demand and India’s imports have roughly doubled to 600,000 tonnes over the same period, according to S Chandrashekhar, who analyses India’s apple trade.
“We do have a shortage of apple production,” he says. “There are not many new players… at the same time, and there is no new investment.”
Essential for a good apple crop is a lengthy period of winter temperature between 0C and 6C.
Countries like the UK, with around 1,000 hours of this chill-time, can produce almost any apple variety.
But in India areas with those conditions are more limited.
Most of India’s apples come from two regions in the north of the country -Jammu and Kashmir and neighbouring Himachal Pradesh.
Mr Chandrashekhar says that many farms in those regions are becoming less productive.
“There are lot of old orchards producing fewer apples – that means the yield is coming down,” he says.
He says that climate change is making conditions less favourable.
Researches have grown apples in subtropical Ranchi, eastern India
In the hope of expanding apple production into new areas, some scientists and farmers are experimenting with so-called low-chill varieties.
Those are apple trees that can produce crops with around 400 hours of temperatures between 0C and 6C.
Ranchi, eastern India is also not an apple growing region – its subtropical climate is too hot.
But researchers at the Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) are testing 18 saplings of three low-chill varieties.
Success has been limited so far – only one of the varieties has produced any fruit.
“The plants have not reached optimal sizes. The tree has given us only around one to two kilogrammes of apples in 2024. I would not say that they are of best quality, but they were edible,” says Dr Majid Ali.
He says that as well as an unfavourable climate, the local soil is not ideal for apple trees and the trees get attacked by termites.
“This is an experimental stage. To reach a conclusion it would take three to four years to say if it is successful.”
He says that some local farmers have also been experimenting with low-chill apple varieties, also with little success.
India’s apple growers are struggling to keep up with demand
Some are sceptical that apples cultivated in hot areas will ever be a commercial proposition.
“The fruit that grows in non-traditional regions has a very short shelf life. The taste is not so sweet,” says Dr Dinesh Thakur, associate director of a regional horticulture research and training centre at Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry.
“These low-chill apples can be grown as novelty fruit in a kitchen garden, but their viability as a commercial crop is not proven… most of them are a failure,” he says.
Dr Thakur is based in the traditional northern apple growing region of Himachal Pradesh and his research focuses on the improvement of apples through breeding.
“Climatic change is creating havoc in apple cultivation,” he says.
He says the number of those crucial chilling hours are falling and due to erratic weather conditions farmers are facing colossal financial losses every year.
In search of better conditions, some orchards are being planted in higher locations, which were once considered too cold, he says.
Under a government sponsored project his team are experimenting with 300 varieties of apples, to assess the impact of climate change.
“We are also working on climate-resilient apple genotypes that can withstand the existing climate,” he says.
So far, they have developed an apple that matures with a ripe colour two months earlier than existing apple trees.
“This helps offset erratic weather patterns brought by climate change and has a quality advantage over those areas where colour formation is problem due to lack of sunlight,” Dr Thakur says.
“This is just the beginning of research to create climate resilient fruit and create a fruit that is acceptable to the Indian taste bud.”
For Mr Chandrashekhar, boosting India’s apple output will take more than just scientific work.
“Apple orchards in the traditional apple cultivation areas are 15 to 20 years old. What is needed is replanting of new saplings,” he says.
“The industry needs investment, huge investment. Who will do that?” he asks.
He would like to see the juice and jam business developed, to provide the industry with another source of income.
“That has to be a booster which can improve the apple economy and provide a better position for apple growers.”
Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa met with United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Marc-Andre Franche, for a high-level discussion focused on strengthening cooperation in the health and media sectors.
During the meeting, held at the Health and Mass Media Ministry, Dr. Jayatissa reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining a continuous and transparent supply of high-quality medicines through the national hospital network. He noted that comprehensive procurement and distribution plans are in place to sustain uninterrupted medicine access through 2026.
“All medicines provided free of charge through Government hospitals are of the highest quality, and our systems are designed to ensure complete transparency,” the Minister stated.
The discussion also touched on post-crisis healthcare recovery efforts, media sector development, and future UN-supported initiatives. Dr. Jayatissa acknowledged the recent challenges faced by Sri Lanka’s health system, while stressing that stabilisation and progress are now underway, with the Government focused on ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for all citizens.
He further praised the United Nations’ longstanding role in Sri Lanka’s development journey, saying: “Partnering with the UN has always been integral to our progress, especially in advancing socio-economic, cultural, and public health objectives.”
Resident Coordinator Marc-Andre Franche lauded the Government’s commitment and pledged the UN’s continued support, particularly in the wake of increased public expectations following the recent elections.
“Despite the challenges ahead, we are committed to supporting the Government’s health and media reforms, especially efforts that promote sustainable peace, equity, and social inclusion,” Franche said. He also welcomed Sri Lanka’s increased budget allocation for free healthcare, expressing confidence that it would help drive transformational changes in the sector.
Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe and several senior officials also took part in the meeting, which marks another milestone in Sri Lanka–UN collaboration on public service delivery and development.
Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake officially handed over housing units to 116 families who were previously living on railway reservation lands between Nawinna and Paddukka.
The families have been resettled at Pearl City Residences in Malpalla, Kottawa, as part of the Government’s resettlement programme for unauthorised occupants living along the Kelani Valley Railway Line’s right-of-way.
At a ceremony held to mark the occasion, Minister Rathnayake presented ownership deeds to the beneficiaries. The Railways Department funded the project, and each modern housing unit is valued at Rs. 18 million.
The event was attended by Colombo District MP Devanda Suraweera, National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) Chairman Aravinda Sirinatha, Railway Department Road Development Project Director Upali Mallawarachchi, NHDA General Manager, and other senior government officials.
The initiative is part of a broader national effort to improve safety and living standards for communities occupying critical infrastructure zones, while also ensuring uninterrupted development of transportation networks.
Raj Mishra, the mayor of Wellingborough in Northamptonshire, called for people to come together as he announced the deaths of three people from his community.
Among those lost were Raxa Modha, infant Rudra Modha, and Ms K Mistri, all from our Wellingborough community. I extend my deepest condolences to their families, friends and all those affected by this heartbreaking event.”
The Gloucester Muslim Community group offered “sincere and deepest condolences” after Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa and their daughter Sara were reported to be among the victims.
During this moment of overwhelming sorrow, our hearts go out to all those left behind. No words can truly ease the pain of such a profound loss, but we pray that the family may find solace in the tremendous outpouring of compassion and solidarity from communities across the world.”
Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, who run a spiritual wellness centre, were also said to be among the dead. Mr Greenlaw is said to have appeared on ITV’s This Morning earlier this year to talk about wellness and video online shows the pair laughing and joking as they filmed a video of themselves at the airport before taking off.
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who is believed to be the only survivor of the crash, was on board the flight with his older brother Ajay.
One of their relatives said Vishwash had spoken to his father after the crash and asked after his brother.
Air India confirmed yesterday that 241 people were killed in the crash of Flight AI171. The airline said the sole survivor is currently being treated in hospital.
In a statement posted to X, the airline said:
Air India offers its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones.
A team of caregivers from Air India has been deployed to Ahmedabad to support grieving families and assist local officials. The airline added that it is fully cooperating with authorities leading the investigation.
The aircraft, a Boeing 787 en route to London Gatwick, was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew when it crashed into a residential area, with further deaths reported on the ground.
The Government is set to formulate a national policy outlining standard criteria for student hostel facilities at State universities, following a high-level discussion held at the Ministry of Education.
The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, included the nine-member committee appointed to review student hostel conditions across Sri Lanka’s State university system.
During the session, the committee formally presented its report on current challenges and deficiencies in university hostel infrastructure, prompting the Prime Minister to stress the urgent need to address these issues and improve facilities.
In response to the findings, Dr. Amarasuriya proposed the creation of a comprehensive national policy that would establish clear criteria and standards for hostel accommodation. The policy is expected to be developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the University Grants Commission (UGC), and representatives of university student bodies.
Committee Chairman Prof. K.L. Wasantha Kumara, along with other members, participated in the meeting, which is viewed as a significant step toward ensuring safe, adequate, and equitable housing for university students across the country.
The proposed policy is intended to guide infrastructure development, resource allocation, and future planning to support the growing student population in higher education institutions.
Colombo, June 13 — The National Animal Census, conducted on March 15, 2025, has revealed significant population figures for several key wildlife species in Sri Lanka. The official report was released yesterday at the Ministry of Agriculture by the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute.
According to the Institute’s CEO and Director, Prof. A. L. Sandika, the census estimates that Sri Lanka is home to:
5.17 million Toque monkeys (Rilawa)
1.74 million purple-faced langurs (Wandura)
4.24 million peacocks
2.26 million giant squirrels (Dadu Lena)
The census was carried out as part of a national initiative to support wildlife management, ecological research, and agricultural planning, given the frequent interactions between these species and human habitats and farmland.
Prof. Sandika also detailed the expenditure of the project, noting that Rs. 2.4 million was spent on printing seven million information leaflets, while a total of Rs. 2.7 million was allocated for leaflet-related expenses. These materials were distributed as part of the data collection and awareness campaign surrounding the census.
Authorities say the updated wildlife statistics will assist in developing more targeted conservation efforts, as well as in creating land use policies that minimize human-wildlife conflict—particularly in rural and agricultural areas.
The findings mark a critical step forward in data-driven environmental policy and reaffirm the importance of regular national monitoring of species populations.
Colombo, June 13 — The National People’s Power (NPP) Government has rolled out a comprehensive relief programme targeting small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) affected by the Parate Law, Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma announced yesterday.
Speaking at a special media briefing held at the Department of Government Information, Dr. Suriyapperuma said the relief initiative, which commenced in December 2024, aims to support SMEs that faced financial distress due to the application of the Parate Law.
“With the expiration of the Parate Law in December 2024, a one-year extension was granted, during which the Government introduced several structured relief mechanisms for struggling businesses,” the Deputy Minister said.
He outlined a tiered support programme based on the size of the loan:
Businesses with loans under Rs. 25 million were allowed to negotiate with banks before March 31, and if an agreement was reached by June 15, they were given a 12-month repayment period ending December 31, 2025.
Businesses with loans between Rs. 25 million and Rs. 50 million were granted a similar negotiation window. Those who secured agreements before June 15 were given time until September 30, 2025 to settle outstanding amounts.
Enterprises with loans over Rs. 50 million were provided a grace period until June 30 to reach settlements and begin repayments.
Additionally, Dr. Suriyapperuma noted that agreements with the banking sector include interest waivers:
For loans under Rs. 10 million, 65% of the interest may be waived if the loan is settled within six months.
A 40% interest waiver applies if the repayment is made within a five-year period.
“These measures are aimed at ensuring the survival of SMEs, which form the backbone of the economy, while maintaining financial discipline through structured negotiations with banks,” he added.
The Government has also instructed banks to provide further guidance and flexibility to eligible borrowers under this programme.
The relief package marks a significant intervention in post-Parate Law recovery efforts, with the Government pledging continued support for the SME sector in the coming months.
