29th March 2024, Colombo – This Ramadan, Harbour Court at The Kingsbury extends a warm invitation to patrons to partake in the spirit of the holy month through its exclusive offering, “Iftar at the Court.” This celebration of tradition, flavour, and togetherness promises an unparalleled dining experience that will engage all senses.
From the moment guests step into Harbour Court, they are greeted by the inviting aromas emanating from the thoughtfully crafted Iftar spread and Ramadan Buffet. Drawing inspiration from Arabian cuisine and paying homage to the rich culinary heritage of Ramadan, the menu is meticulously designed to offer a memorable gastronomic journey.
Breaking fast at Harbour Court entails savouring a selection of succulent dates, refreshing Falooda or Mixed Fruit Juice, traditional Ramadan snacks, and enticing appetisers. Guests are then treated to an array of mouth-watering biryanis, flavourful rice dishes, comforting soups, and aromatic grilled meats from the BBQ action station. Each dish is complemented by a variety of accompaniments and condiments, enhancing every bite. The evening culminates with a delectable assortment of Arabian Ramadan-themed desserts, providing the perfect conclusion to the dining experience.
At Harbour Court, the belief is that Iftar transcends mere feasting; it is a moment for fostering community, compassion, and connection. This ethos is reflected in the Iftar Buffet, which serves as an opportunity for guests to gather with loved ones, neighbours, and friends, and to celebrate the blessings of Ramadan in a welcoming environment.
Priced at just LKR 7,500 nett per person, patrons are invited to join Harbour Court throughout Ramadan, starting from 6:00 p.m. onwards, for an unforgettable Iftar followed by a tantalising buffet experience. Reservations are now open, offering guests the chance to embark on a journey filled with tradition, flavour, and joy throughout this holy month.
For bookings and inquiries, please contact +94 112 421 221.
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The Kingsbury Colombo is the most iconic five-star hotel in the city. With 229 rooms and suites, the hotel is located in the heart of the bustling city of Colombo with easy access to business centers, shopping malls and entertainment hubs. The Kingsbury offers an unparalleled dining experience with 9 restaurants and bars that will leave you spoilt for choice. The hotel also provides the ideal backdrop for your wedding, meeting or conference with 3 stunning ballrooms and two meeting spaces. The hotel also provides a large swimming pool overlooking the ocean, fully-fledged spa, business center, and a well-equipped fitness room.
Ambassador Chandana Weerasena presented his Letters of Credence to His Majesty King Philippe, the King of Belgians as the Sri Lanka Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Belgium at the Royal Palace of Laeken in Brussels on 27 March 2024.
The presentation of credentials was followed by a private audience with His Majesty the King at his invitation.
The Ambassador conveyed greetings and best wishes from President Ranil Wickremesinghe to His Majesty the King Philippe at the private audience. The Ambassador also emphasised his desire to bring the Sri Lanka-Belgium bilateral relations to further high during his tenure and his commitment to work closely with the Kingdom of Belgium.
His Majesty the King reciprocated the warm greetings to the President and the People of Sri Lanka. During the audience, a number of topics were discussed which are bilaterally and geopolitically interested to both countries.
Ambassador Weerasena is the 17th Sri Lankan Ambassador appointed to the Kingdom of Belgium, during the diplomatic relations of the two countries, since 1968. He is a career diplomat who had joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service in 2003.
Prior to this appointment, Ambassador Weerasena was Director General/Economic Affairs (Bilateral) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He has also previously served as the Deputy Chief of Mission/Sri Lanka Embassy, Tokyo and has hold a number of other diplomatic ranks in Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra, Sri Lanka Embassy in Tokyo and Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi. Ambassador Weerasena possesses two Masters Degrees from the Australian National University in Australia; ‘Master of Diplomacy’ & ‘Master of Asia Pacific Studies’. He graduated from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka with a ‘Bachelor of Commerce’ degree and a past student of Ampitiya Berrewaerts College, Kandy.
March 30, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his aspirations for Sri Lanka to reclaim its position as the champion of cricket, highlighting the government’s commitment to providing all necessary support to achieve this goal.
Speaking at the 125th anniversary celebration of the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) at the Shangri-La Hotel Colombo yesterday (28), the President emphasized the importance of maintaining a separation between politics and sports. He suggested that preventing politicians from assuming high positions in sports clubs could contribute to a healthier sporting environment.
During the celebration, a commemorative book documenting the 125-year history of the Sinhalese Sports Club was unveiled, accompanied by the release of a postage stamp and a first-day cover.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe took the opportunity to commend SSC players who had represented Sri Lanka in international cricket, expressing appreciation for their contributions. The President also joined in a group photograph with the players, symbolizing unity and camaraderie within the sporting community.
Addressing the gathering, President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the enduring bonds between esteemed educational institutions such as Royal, St. Thomas’, Wesley and the Sinhalese Sports Club. He noted that individuals who have pursued cricket from these schools have established a shared identity with the Sinhalese Sports Club.
Drawing from personal history, President Wickremesinghe shared anecdotes about his own family’s association with the club. He mentioned his great-grandfather Meedeniya Adigar and grandfather C.L. Wickremesinghe, both of whom had joined the SSC as a means to embrace and promote a unified Sri Lankan identity. Following their footsteps, President Wickremesinghe revealed that his father had also become a member of the club after the country gained independence.
The President reflected on the historical context of the formation of sports clubs during a bygone era, highlighting their significance in fostering a sense of collective identity among different ethnic communities in Sri Lanka. He noted that clubs such as the Tamil Union and those established by the Malays served as platforms for various groups to assert their cultural and linguistic identity, rather than being rooted in ethnic strife or competition.
Emphasizing the inclusive nature of these clubs, President Ranil Wickremesinghe remarked that they were not defined by religious or caste divisions, but rather by shared language and culture. He underscored how these clubs facilitated the coming together of Sinhalese, Tamils and Malays, ultimately contributing to the development of a common national identity.
President Wickremesinghe also acknowledged the esteemed leaders of his party who had served as presidents of the Sinhalese Sports Club, including former Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake and former President J.R. Jayewardene. He expressed gratitude for their contributions and the honour it bestowed upon the party. While he himself had been a member of the sports club, the President revealed that he had chosen to step back from active involvement as a politician, recognizing the evolving nature of contemporary politics compared to the eras of Mr. D. S. Senanayake and Mr. J.R. Jayewardene.
President Wickremesinghe articulated his belief in the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between politics and sports, advocating for the exclusion of politicians from high-ranking positions within sports clubs. He emphasized the necessity of preserving the integrity and independence of sports from political influence, recognizing that this separation would contribute to a healthier sporting environment.
However, the President clarified that this stance did not signify a disengagement from sports. On the contrary, he assured the audience of his continued commitment to supporting sports initiatives and meeting the needs of athletes and sports enthusiasts.
Acknowledging the significance of upholding the traditions established by past leaders, he underscored the importance of nurturing and advancing sporting activities in the country. To demonstrate his commitment to fostering sports development, President Ranil Wickremesinghe revealed that he has instructed the Minister of Sports to present a Memorandum to the Cabinet, with a proposal to provide the land belonging to the Sinhala Sports Club on a 99-year lease basis, thereby ensuring the continuity and sustainability of the club’s operations and activities.
President Wickremesinghe underscored the importance of advancing Sri Lankan cricket, expressing his ambition to witness the nation reclaim its championship status in the sport. He highlighted that the government has earmarked One billion rupees for cricket development this year, with plans for additional funding in the following year. This substantial investment will be managed by a trust overseen by Sidath Wettamuni, a distinguished cricketer and a member of the SSC. The funds will be utilized to enhance cricket programs in rural schools, organize cricket matches and foster the growth of cricket at the grassroots level.
The President emphasized the importance of expanding cricket programs in 1000-1500 schools, aiming to cultivate a vast talent pool from which the national team can be selected. Additionally, concerted efforts have been made to elevate the standard of cricket across the country. In this regard, both the Cricket Board and sports clubs play a pivotal role. Furthermore, the President expressed gratitude to the Sinhala Sports Club for its significant contribution to cricket in Sri Lanka, urging collective action to propel the nation towards global leadership in the sport.
Professor Maithree Wickramasinghe, Minister of Tourism, Lands, Sports and Youth Affairs Harin Fernando, along with notable figures such as Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket Association Shammi Silva, Chairman of Sinhalese Sports Club Indunil De Silva, Secretary Wasantha Wijesekera, Treasurer Nilanka Peiris and members of the executive committee of the Sinhalese Sports Club graced the occasion. The event also saw the presence of former presidents, distinguished past and present cricketers, including former captain of the England cricket team Nasser Hussain and ICC referee Ranjan Madugalle, among other esteemed guests.
March 30, Colombo (LNW): The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has decided to withdraw the Gazette issued in 2008, which prohibited traders from charging consumers for single-use polythene bags provided during purchases. This decision was conveyed to the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka by the Attorney General on Thursday.
The Gazette had faced a legal challenge through a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition filed by the Centre for Environmental Justice. The petition sought directives to minimize the manufacturing, distribution, and use of single-use polythene bags, citing their detrimental environmental impact.
Following an agreement between the petitioners and the authorities, the hearing of the petition concluded yesterday, marking a resolution to the legal dispute.
The withdrawal of the Gazette signals a significant development in the regulation of single-use plastics and underscores ongoing efforts to address environmental concerns associated with their usage.
March 30, Colombo (LNW): In a significant development, an agreement has been reached to foster a robust relationship between Shanghai, the leading global port city, and the burgeoning maritime hubs of Colombo and Hambantota in Sri Lanka. The accord was reached during a discussion between Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Shanghai’s Mayor, Gong Seng, in Shanghai, China, on March 29.
Prime Minister Gunawardena highlighted the longstanding Sister City Agreement between Colombo and Shanghai, emphasizing the need to revitalize and expand upon this agreement. Notably, the initial agreement was signed during the tenure of his brother, Prasanna Gunawardena, as Mayor.
During the discussion, the Prime Minister underscored Shanghai’s unparalleled expertise in cargo transportation, handling a staggering 49.5 million containers last year, thus ranking first globally. Sri Lanka stands to benefit immensely from Shanghai’s experiences and insights in this crucial sector.
The Mayor of Shanghai reaffirmed the city’s commitment to sharing its wealth of knowledge and experiences, given its status as a premier business and financial center with an annual production income of 4.72 trillion Yuan. Moreover, Shanghai extended an invitation for Sri Lankan officials to visit and study various fields, including urban development.
Recognizing Shanghai’s remarkable progress in planned urban development, despite its massive population of 25 million people, Prime Minister Gunawardena stressed the invaluable lessons Sri Lanka could glean from Shanghai’s achievements in this realm.
In addition to cooperation in cargo transportation and urban development, the Mayor of Shanghai expressed support for Sri Lanka across various sectors and extended an invitation for officials to explore opportunities in Shanghai firsthand.
Moreover, both parties agreed to explore the possibility of increasing flights between Colombo and Shanghai to accommodate the growing interest of Chinese tourists in visiting Sri Lanka, renowned for its UNESCO heritage sites.
State Ministers Shehan Samesinhe and Ashoka Priyantha, along with Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, were part of the Sri Lankan delegation participating in the discussions, underscoring the government’s commitment to fostering closer ties with Shanghai and leveraging its expertise for the benefit of Sri Lanka’s development and progress.
1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his aspirations for Sri Lanka to reclaim its position as the champion of cricket, highlighting the government’s commitment to providing all necessary support to achieve this goal. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a separation between politics and sports. He suggested that preventing politicians from assuming high positions in sports clubs could contribute to a healthier sporting environment.
2. The new Bill on electricity sector reforms will be gazetted in the next two weeks, Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said. Subsequently, the new bill will be presented to the Parliament during the last week of April, according to the Minister.
3. Sri Lanka has recorded an export income of Rs. 983.7 million in the past two months, State Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Prasanna Ranaweera announced. He pointed out that this figure serves as a confirmation that the country is heading in the right direction economically.
4. The National STD/AIDS Control Programme says that there is a significant increase in the percentage of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infections in Sri Lanka compared to last year.
5. The Cabinet of Ministers has accepted the proposal to suspend the Special Commodity Levy Act from 01 January 2025, says Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya. Speaking to the media in Ruwanwella, said the government intends to introduce new legislation aimed at safeguarding both consumers and local manufacturers.
6. The Illegal Assets and Intellectual Property Investigation Unit has seized property worth nearly Rs.100 million belonging to a drug trafficker who uses the alias ‘Kudu Noni’. Police say the Unit seized four houses, two boats and several vehicles.
7. Sri Lanka’s Headline Inflation decelerated sharply to 0.9% in March 2024 from 5.9% in February 2024. “Headline inflation, as measured by the year-on-year (Y-o-Y) change in the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI, 2021=100) decelerated sharply to 0.9% in March 2024 from 5.9% in February 2024,” said the Central Bank Of Sri Lanka.
8. A Police Sergeant has been sentenced to four years imprisonment for accepting a bribe of Rs. 500, it was reported. The Police Officer is reported to have accepted a bribe of Rs. 500 from a three-wheeler driver to avoid filing legal action related to a traffic offence.
9. Radiological Technologists in the cancer treatment unit of the Batticaloa Teaching Hospital launched a strike action on Friday (29). The strike will continue on Saturday (30) as well. President of the Government Radiological Technologists’ Association Chanaka Dharmawickrama said the decision to strike was reached against the actions of the Director of the hospital.
10. The University Grants Commission has issued a circular to the effect that the title of Professor can only be used while a person is still serving in an academic institution. When he or she retires or resigns, that title cannot be used with his or her name unless he or she has been awarded the title of Emeritus Professor by the Council of the Academic Institution concerned.
March 30, Colombo (LNW): General Shavendra Silva, the Chief of Defence Staff of Sri Lanka, recently undertook a significant visit to Kenya at the invitation of the Ministry of Defence of Kenya, marking a pivotal moment in bolstering defence ties between the two nations.
This landmark visit, aimed at promoting Sri Lanka’s interests across various domains, holds historical significance as General Silva becomes the first Chief of Defence Staff of Sri Lanka to visit Kenya. Aligned with President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s strategic vision to expand diplomatic relations, including defence cooperation, with Africa, General Silva’s visit underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening engagement with the continent.
During his stay, General Silva engaged in substantive discussions with Kenya’s defence establishment, focusing on enhancing defence cooperation between Sri Lanka and Kenya. These productive dialogues are poised to yield positive outcomes, paving the way for strengthened collaboration in the future.
In addition to official engagements, General Silva had the opportunity to meet with the Sri Lankan business community in Kenya. Although time constraints limited his visits, General Silva, accompanied by High Commissioner Kananathan, toured Mas Intimates, a prominent apparel industry in Kenya employing thousands of local workers. This visit not only provided valuable insights into Sri Lankan investments in Kenya but also bolstered visibility, contributing significantly to the burgeoning economic ties between the two countries.
High Commissioner Kananathan emphasized the importance of General Silva’s interaction with the expatriate community, highlighting the mutual benefits of fostering closer ties between Sri Lanka and Kenya.
March 30, Colombo (LNW): Bangladesh High Commissioner in Colombo, Tareq Md Ariful Islam, emphasized his country’s commitment to fostering closer cooperation with Sri Lanka across various sectors during a reception held to mark the 53rd National Day on Tuesday.
Highlighting areas of potential collaboration, High Commissioner Ariful Islam mentioned public health, agriculture, tourism, and youth development as key focus areas. He also noted efforts to enhance shipping and air connectivity between the two nations, emphasizing Bangladesh’s significant utilization of Colombo Port.
Expressing solidarity, he recalled Bangladesh’s support to Sri Lanka during challenging times and mentioned ongoing discussions for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to expand business opportunities.
High Commissioner Ariful Islam announced the commencement of FitsAir operations between Dhaka and Colombo next month, expecting increased tourism and enhanced people-to-people connectivity and business exchanges.
Transport, Highways, and Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana, the chief guest at the event, underscored the enduring friendship between the two countries since Bangladesh’s independence in 1972. He expressed optimism about Sri Lanka’s economic stability and hoped for a return to growth in 2024.
Ariful Islam stressed Bangladesh’s unwavering support for Sri Lanka’s endeavors and highlighted the potential benefits for Sri Lanka in tapping into Bangladesh’s domestic market and economic growth trajectory. He commended Sri Lankan businesses investing in Bangladesh and noted growing interest in bilateral trade.
Acknowledging Sri Lanka’s role in Bangladesh’s cricketing development, Ariful Islam humorously remarked on the competitiveness between the two teams on the field.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Ministers Mahinda Amaraweera, Ali Sabry, Wijayadasa Rajapakshe, Susil Premajayantha, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, heads of foreign missions, and defense attaches.
March 30, Colombo (LNW): In a significant ceremony held yesterday (29) at the Isipathanarama Viharaya in Maharagama, President Ranil Wickremesinghe presided over the handing over of credentials for the positions of Chief Sangha Nayaka to the Uva-Wellassa and Colombo, as well as the noble title of “Upadhyaya” to the Ratmalana Vihara sector in Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha of the Siam Maha Nikaya. These titles were conferred upon Ven. Maharagama Nanda Nayaka Thera, who currently serves as the Chief Incumbent of five temples, including the Walukaramaya Colpetty.
Ven. Maharagama Nanda Nayaka Thera’s religious and social contributions were recognized by the Ratmalana Vihara sector of the Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha of the Siam Maha Nikaya, leading to the bestowment of these prestigious positions.
The formal scroll memorandum was presented by the Maha Nayaka Thera of the Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha of the Siam Maha Nikaya, Most Venerable Iththepane Dhammalankara Maha Nayaka Thera. President Ranil Wickremesinghe presented the “Vijinipatha” during the ceremony, adding to the solemnity of the occasion.
Ven. Dr. Niyangoda Vijithasiri Nayaka Thera, Anunayaka of the Malwathu Chapter of Siam Maha Nikaya, delivered a special exhortation, further enriching the ceremony with spiritual wisdom and guidance.
March 30, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan migrant labor community, known for its substantial contribution to the country’s economic growth, has remitted an impressive Rs. 289.2 billion (equivalent to 964 million US dollars) to Sri Lanka during January and February of this year.
A recent report issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka reveals that the country received $488 million in remittances in January and $476 million in February of this year. This marks a significant increase compared to February 2023, with remittances totaling $407 million.
In January 2023, Sri Lanka received remittances amounting to $437 million. The report underscores a notable surge in remittance value in 2024 compared to the same period in the previous year.
Moreover, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka highlights that by the end of February 2024, the gross official reserves stood at $4.5 billion, including a foreign exchange facility of $1.5 billion received from the People’s Bank of China. In February of this year, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka purchased $240 million on a net basis, further enhancing the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
