March 25, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has departed for Beijing at the invitation of the Government of China, marking an official visit aimed at bolstering bilateral relations and development cooperation between the two nations.

During his stay in Beijing, Prime Minister Gunawardena is scheduled to hold meetings with President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Li Qiang, senior Ministers, and key officials of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC).

Discussions will encompass various issues of mutual interest and collaboration.

Additionally, Prime Minister Gunawardena will serve as the Chief Guest at China’s prestigious annual international conference in Boao, Hainan.

The conference theme, “Asia and the World: Common Challenges, Shared Responsibilities,” underscores the importance of regional and global cooperation.

The event will witness the participation of numerous heads of state and high-level foreign delegates.

In Beijing, Prime Minister Gunawardena’s agenda includes substantive discussions with Prime Minister Li Qiang and Zhao Leiji, Chairman of the National People’s Congress of the CPC.

These meetings aim to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral relations and fostering closer ties between the two countries.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Gunawardena will visit several prominent institutions and facilities in China, including the China Harbour Headquarters, Huawei, Zhongguancun Environmental Protection Park, and the National Satellite Meteorological Centre in Beijing.

In Hainan, he will tour the Academy of Tropical Sciences. Additionally, in Shanghai, he is scheduled to visit Alipay, CTripp, Dilmah Tea, and Universal Energy, alongside meetings with local officials.

Accompanying Prime Minister Gunawardena on this significant visit are State Ministers Shehan Semasinghe and Ashoka Priyantha, Member of Parliament Yadamini Gunawardena, Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, and other senior officials.

March 25, Colombo (LNW): Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko conveyed warm wishes to President Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka on the occasion of his 75th birthday, reported the press service of the Belarusian leader.

In his message, President Lukashenko commended Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic reforms aimed at enhancing the well-being of its citizens, affirming Belarus’s steadfast support for these endeavors.

Acknowledging the existing potential for bilateral cooperation, President Lukashenko expressed confidence in elevating Belarusian-Sri Lankan relations to greater heights.

He highlighted Belarus’s expertise across various sectors, including mechanical engineering, metallurgy, wood processing, electric power, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals.

President Lukashenko underscored Belarus’s readiness to collaborate with Sri Lanka in bolstering food security, providing agricultural machinery, and sharing technological advancements.

The congratulatory message underscores the mutual commitment of both nations to strengthen ties and explore new avenues for cooperation, reflecting a shared vision for sustainable development and prosperity.

March 25, Colombo (LNW): In a significant development, the Justice Minister has issued an extraordinary gazette notification authorising the use of the English language for all record-keeping and proceedings within the Commercial High Courts.

This decision, which has received approval from the Cabinet of Ministers and is in line with Article 24(4) of the Constitution, was announced by Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe through the gazette notification.

It grants permission for all legal matters, including those related to commerce, companies, admiralty, and arbitration, to be conducted in English within the Commercial High Court.

The decision was made in consideration of the predominant use of the English language in commercial activities and transactions, as noted by the Cabinet.

Recognising the significant costs and time associated with translating commercial content into Sinhala, this move aims to streamline proceedings and enhance efficiency within the Commercial High Courts.

March 25, Colombo (LNW): In response to concerns regarding the potential disruption of the current programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the event of a change in government, officials are devising a strategy to enact an economic transformation law.

This legislative measure aims to safeguard the sustainability of the project despite any political transitions, as stated by a minister.

The international community, notably Western nations, has stressed the significance of maintaining continuity with the economic reform programme supported by a 4-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement.

Approved by the IMF Executive Board on March 20, 2023, the EFF arrangement entails a total allocation of US$3 billion.

In its latest assessment, the IMF, which conducted a mission, acknowledged the authorities’ commendable progress in implementing an ambitious reform agenda under the EFF.

This progress has yielded notable outcomes, including rapid disinflation, robust reserve accumulation, and initial signs of economic growth, all while preserving financial system stability.

However, the two primary opposition parties, the National People’s Power (NPP) and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), have pledged to renegotiate the IMF agreement if they secure power in future elections.

With the Presidential election scheduled for later this year and ongoing discussions about a possible snap general election, there is heightened political uncertainty.

State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe disclosed plans to introduce the new bill to Parliament in May of this year.

Describing it as an economic transformation law, Semasinghe emphasised that its enactment would provide legal backing to the programme, ensuring its sustainability.

Once enacted, the law would be binding on any ruling party, mandating its implementation regardless of political changes.

March 25, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe articulated his commitment to fostering comprehensive discussions on advancements in healthcare services, underscoring the importance of integrating modern technology to elevate medical facilities.

Addressing the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA), the President reaffirmed the government’s dedication to empowering individuals for societal progress, with healthcare playing a pivotal role.

He encouraged active participation from medical professionals to shape a forward-looking healthcare framework and expressed readiness for further dialogues on leadership and government involvement.

The President made these remarks during a meeting with the GMOA held at the Sudu Araliya Hotel in Polonnaruwa, coinciding with the association’s one-day workshop on “Leadership and Skills Development” on Saturday (23).

Following an impromptu invitation from the association during his nearby official engagement, the President promptly joined the workshop venue for a cordial exchange, reported the President’s Media Division (PMD).

During the interaction, President Wickremesinghe delved into the historical evolution of Sri Lanka’s free healthcare system, tracing its origins from colonial to post-colonial eras.

He expressed concern about its adaptability to modern medical advancements and evolving societal needs, stressing the importance of strategic planning to shape the healthcare landscape for the foreseeable future.

Highlighting the intersection of economic development and resource allocation, the President underscored healthcare as a top priority, particularly amidst technological transformations.

He raised questions about hospitals’ preparedness to embrace innovations such as Artificial Intelligence and adapt to changing healthcare paradigms.

President Wickremesinghe reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring universal access to quality healthcare, calling for pragmatic discussions devoid of political agendas.

He advocated for collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality.

The event was attended by Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, Secretary of the Government Medical Officers’ Association Dr. Haritha Aluthge, and other prominent members.

By: Isuru Parakrama

March 25, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers may occur in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Polonnaruwa district, with showers or thundershowers being expected at several places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Central provinces during the afternoon or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (25).

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces and in Kalutara, Galle and Matara districts during the morning, the statement added.

General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

Meanwhile, heat index, the temperature felt on human body is expected to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Western, North-western, Southern provinces and Mannar, Vavuniya and Anuradhapura districts, the Department’s Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre said.

The public is urged to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible, check up on the elderly and the sick, never leave children unattended, limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated, and wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.