All arrangements are in place for the Special Exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy begins tomorrow. The Exposition, the first in 16 years, will be held till April 27.

The Exposition will be open to the public on Friday, April 18 (a public holiday) from 3 pm. to 5.30 pm., and from April 19 to 27, daily from 12 pm. to 5.30 p.m. The public will be admitted from three queues, two from around the Nuwara Wewa and one from D. S. Senanayake Veediya.

Asgiri Deputy Registrar Ven. Narampanawe Ananda Nayaka Thera and Malwathu Deputy Registrar Ven. Mahawela Rathanapala Nayaka Thera requested Buddhists to make use of this rare opportunity.

They said food would be provided to the people in the queues at night. Parallel to the event, the public will be educated on the history of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the traditional Poojas associated with it.

Monks would be allocated a special gate to enter the Sri Dalada Maligawa premises, adding that all of them would be provided with alms if they come before noon.

Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Dr.Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said a large crowd is expected at the sacred veneration of the Tooth Relic of the Buddha that has been organised on a request of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Kandy Additional District Secretary E.R.L.B.Etampawala said 31 public institutions will provide their services for the event, including the Presidential Secretariat and Tri-Forces personnel.

“Clean drinking water, toilet facilities, waste disposal bins, phone charging facilities, first-aid, special lighting and vehicle parking facilities have been arranged in the area for the convenience of the devotees. Special public transport services will be provided to and from Kandy and within the Kandy city limits, and if those with special needs require staying for the night, they can go to either Keppetipola or Vivekananda Colleges in Kandy,” he said.

The public is requested to avoid unnecessary baggage and switch off their mobile phones at the point of the final security check. Three counters have been arranged for the public to keep their bags and footwear.

Kandy Municipal Council Commissioner Indika Kumari Abeysinghe said that all dansals and street vendors in the area are being registered. The street vendors are issued an identity card with a QR code and any unregistered street vendor will be removed by the Police.

Police Superintendent D.C.D.Ilangakoon said a special traffic plan and security arrangements would be in place throughout the event. He urged those travelling to Kandy for other purposes during this period to be aware of the traffic plans and restrictions, which will be published in all newspapers and over TV channels.

Let us step into the New Year with renewed hope and a vision, as we continue to work together toward “a prosperous country and a beautiful life.”

I extend my heartfelt wishes to the Sinhala and Tamil people of Sri Lanka, who celebrate the New Year in unity and generosity.

This New Year dawns at a moment when a new change is essential in every aspect of our lives. This traditional festivity reminds us to bring about positive change that is deep rooted in our culture and values, and move forward together in unity.

In recent years, the economic crisis made even the thought of celebrating the New Year a painful experience for many. However, the courageous efforts of the people to break free from a cycle of corruption and fraud, has led the path for the emergence of a new beginning.

Thus, the 2025 New Year marks a significant turning point. It is a year where communities from the North, South, East, and West unite and continue to work together under democratic principles to build a better future. In the upcoming month of May, the people’s aspirations will once again bear fruit.

At this moment when a new chapter begins with the New Year, I urge every citizen to act with respect, peace, and compassion in community. Let us commit ourselves to move forward with dedication, trust, and resilience to achieve success and progress in the coming year.

To all Sri Lankans celebrating Sinhala and Tamil New Year, I wish the nation is blessed with the strength, unity, and new energy needed for meaningful transformation and a prosperous tomorrow.
Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
14th April 2025

As we celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year this year, a festival that symbolises the hope of both physical and spiritual renewal, our nation finds itself at a defining moment, achieving significant victories while resolutely striving towards the realisation of a better and more prosperous future.

It is with profound joy and gratitude that I reflect upon the efforts undertaken by the National People’s Power government over the past months to lift our nation from adversity and steer it towards economic, social and political advancement. The successes we have thus far achieved rightfully belong to the people of this country, whose steadfast trust, as expressed in the most recent Presidential and General Elections, has been the driving force behind this transformative journey.

As a responsible government, we possess the strength and determination to further deepen our commitment to the nation, even amidst formidable challenges. We are implementing well-considered plans to address the multifaceted challenges confronting our country, both in terms of national development and within the broader geopolitical landscape.

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year traditions beautifully reflect the harmony between humanity and nature, bearing witness to the deep-rooted history of coexistence between our Sinhala and Tamil communities. While contemporary society may be burdened by various divisions, occasions such as the New Year provide a timely reminder of the enduring values of unity, harmony and peaceful coexistence. It is our solemn responsibility, particularly at this time of renewal, to nurture those values within ourselves and to foster a more compassionate and ethical society.

Moreover, the rituals associated with the sun’s transition are underpinned by the universal aspiration to create a renewed individual, one free from outdated thoughts and attitudes. The New Year, therefore, offers us an invaluable opportunity to embrace renewal in our own lives.

As we welcome this New Year, I call upon all of you to come together with renewed strength, unity and goodwill. Let us collectively work towards a common purpose, supporting the government’s vision for economic, social and political transformation and thereby ensuring enduring progress and prosperity for our country and all its people.

May this New Year bring you and your loved ones peace, happiness, renewed hope and abundant prosperity in your journey towards ‘A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life”.
Warmest wishes for a Happy Sinhala and Tamil New Year!

Anura Kumara Disanayake
President
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
14th April 2025

1. Signing of a tripartite memorandum of understanding between the South Asian Center for Teacher Development, UNESCO South Asian Regional Office, and Indira Gandhi National Open University.

The Asian Center for Teacher Development was established as an independent and self-financing institute. The UNESCO Executive Board has recommended promoting the functions of that institute and establishing partnerships with the other institutes and organizations of the region for updating the functions that should be performed by the said institute. Accordingly, it has been proposed to sign a tripartite agreement between the South Asian Center for Teacher Development, UNESCO South Asian Regional Office, and Indira Gandhi National Open University with the objective of developing regional cooperation and strengthening the national and regional action plan, including the targets stipulated in the itinerary on 2030 sustainable development through the introduction of new training programs on quality media and information literacy. The clearance of the Attorney General has been received for the proposed draft memorandum of understanding. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by Hon. the Prime Minister in her capacity as Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Professional Education, to sign the said tripartite memorandum of understanding.

2. Submission of the report to the parliament on the deviation of the headline inflation from the inflation targets stipulated in the agreement on monetary policy framework in the third and fourth quarters of the year 2024.

As per the agreement on the monetary policy framework signed on 03-10-2023 between the Hon. the Minister of Finance and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka under Section 26(1) of the Sri Lanka Central Bank Act No. 16 of 2023, the responsibility of maintaining the quarterly headline inflation at the level of 5% that is measured by the Colombo Consumer Index compiled by the Department of Census and Statistics has been laid on the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.  As per Section 26(5) of the Sri Lanka Central Bank Act No. 16 of 2023, in case the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has failed to achieve the said inflation target in 02 consecutive quarters, the Board of the monetary policy framework of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka should submit a report in that respect to the Parliament through the Minister in charge of the subject of Finance. Further, it should be possible to make this report available to the public as well. The quarterly average of the headline inflation for the third and fourth quarters of the year 2024, has been 0.8% and -1.5%, respectively based on the Colombo Consumer Price Index and the said percentage has been 2% lower than the inflation target for two consecutive quarters. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by His Excellency, the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, to table the report on the deviation of the headline inflation that has been submitted to the Minister in charge of the subject of finance as per Section 26(5) of the Sri Lanka Central Bank Act.

3. Selection of Investors for the development of lands owned to the Urban Development Authority

It has been previously decided by the Cabinet of Ministers that the proper procurement procedure should be followed for the selection of suitable investors in the disposal of long-term leases for the implementation of land development projects belonging to the Urban Development Authority. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing for the selection of suitable investors in the disposal of long-term leases based on the assessment of the Government Appraiser, in compliance with the planning regulations of the Urban Development Authority, for the following portions of land that were assigned to the Urban Development Authority under Section 6(1) of the Government Land Ordinance.

• To dispose of 42.03 perches, 20.28 perches, and 20.72 perches, 03 portions of land under a 50-year long-term lease basis that could be disposed of after allocation of required lands for the proposed urban development out of the lands acquired for the Sellakatharagama urban development activities.

• To dispose of 03 acres—2 roods—24.59 perchas in extent from the land Dematagoda (537 watta) for 99 years.  

4. Awarding the contract to purchase 05 shipment of 92 Unl petrol during the period 15-04-2025 to 14-10-2025

ids have been called by the Petroleum Corporation of Sri Lanka from the registered suppliers to purchase 05 shipments of 92 Unl barrols of 300,000 + /-5% petrol for the period of 6 months from 15-04-2025 to 14-10-2025. 07 suppliers have submitted their bids for that purpose. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Power and Energy to award the said procurement to the substantially the lowest responsive bidder, M/s Vitol Asia Pte. Ltd. in Singapore, based on the recommendations of the Standing Procurement Committee and the Special Standing Procurement Committee appointed by the Cabinet of Ministers.

5. The procurement to purchase pre-printed polycarbonate cards for the issuance of national Identity Cards

The Department of Registration of Persons started using smart cards for the issuance of national identity cards in the year 2017. Electronic National Identity Cards should be issued to every person who has completed 15 years of age under the new procedure of the Electronic National Identity Card Project (e-NIC) that is due to be implemented in the future. It has been recognized that there is a requirement of 17 million cards for the reregistration of Sri Lankan persons and issuance of new identity cards. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by His Excellency, the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Digital Economy, to purchase 15 million polycarbonate cards following the procurement procedure of international competitive bidding for the fulfillment of said requirement.

06.    Procurement to supply 03 million doses of inactive 0.5 ml / 1 ml of Rabies injections (human use)

International competitive bids have bee invited under the procurement for supply of 03 million doses of inactive 0.5 ml / 1 ml of Rabies injections which is utilized for treating to prevent Rabies. Five (05) bids have been forwarded in this connection. Based on the recommendations of the higher level standing procurement committee, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Health and Mass Media to award the relevant procurement to M/s Gulf Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd. (Manufacturer: M/s Chiron Behring Vaccine (Pvt.) Ltd., India), who has submitted the minimum substantial responsive bid to an amount of rupees 412.80 million.

07.    Procurement to supply 70,000 vials of 5 – 6 grams of Human Imunoglobin BP for intracranial usage.

International competitive bids have bee invited under the procurement for supply of 70,000 vials of 5 – 6 grams of Human Imunoglobin BP for intracranial usage for treating patients with immunity deficiency. Six (06) bids have been forwards in this connection. Based on the recommendations of the higher level standing procurement committee, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Health and Mass Media to award the relevant procurement to M/s Reliance Life Sciences (Pvt.) Ltd. of India who has submitted the minimum substantial responsive bid to an amount of United States Dollars 6.86 million.

08.    Submission of gazette notifications for the concurrence of the Parliament.

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by His Excellency the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to submit the following notification / order / rule published in the government gazette notification to the Parliament for its concurrence:

• Notification on the revision of tax limit of luxury on moor vehicles under the Finance Act No. 35 of 2018 published in the extraordinary gazette notification No. 2421 / 41 dated 31.01.2025.

• Rule issued under the Production Levy (Special Provisions) Act No. 13 of 1989 on revision of production levy rate for vehicles operated with electricity published in the extraordinary gazette notification No. 2421 / 42 dated 31.01.2025

• Order issued under the Finance Act No. 25 of 2003 on extension of the period on which the 50% relief is active which is given to the deviation levy published in the extraordinary gazette notification No. 2421 / 30 dated 31.01.2025

09.    Obtaining approval from the new Cabinet of Ministers for the legal draft to safeguard the rights of new plant species.

Although there are legal provisions for the right to publish, technical planning, right of patent, trademarks and enterprises etc, in the Intellectual Property Act No. 36 of 2003, there are no provisions for securing the rights of plant species (relevant to breeders, researchers and farmers). In addition, no patents can be issued for flora and fauna according to the provisions of the intellectual rights act. Therefore, approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted at their meeting held on 22.05.2024 to introduce a new act for securing the rights of plant species. Wherefore, the Legal Draftsman has pointed out that policy approval of the new Cabinet of Ministers should be taken to complete the drafting of the new flora species rights securing act. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposals submitted by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation to issue approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for the preparation of the said draft bill.

10.    Amendment of the National Minimum Wage of Workers Act No. 3 of 2016.

Parallel to increase of salaries of the public officers by the budget proposals 2025, it has been proposed to increase salaries of private sector employees as well. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by the Minister of Labour to revise the national minimum monthly salary and national minimum daily wage and follow other legal actions as follows:

• To raise the minimum national monthly salary by rupees 9,500/- from rupees 17,500/- to rupees 27,000/- with effect from 01.04.2025

• To raise the minimum national monthly salary by rupees 380/- from rupees 700/- to rupees 1,080/- with effect from 01.04.2025

• To raise the minimum national monthly salary by rupees 3,000/- from rupees 27,000/- to rupees 30,000/- with effect from 01.01.2026

• To raise the minimum national monthly salary by rupees 120/- from rupees 1,080 /- to rupees 1,200/- with effect from 01.01.2026

11.   Draft bill to establish the Chartered Institute of Media Professionals – Sri Lanka

Establishment of Chartered Institute of Media Professionals of Sri Lanka has been recognized in order to accomplish the requirement of a training institute for carrying out relevant studies with the objective of presenting media intellects fortified with skills for the uplifting quality and standards of media society of this country while creating chartered professional journalists. Accordingly, approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted at their meeting held on 15.08.2022 to prepare a draft bill so that the institution can be passed in the Parliament as an act passed in the Parliament. The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal furnished by the Minister of Health and Mass Media to grant policy approval of the current Cabinet of Ministers for completion of formulating the said draft bill.

12.   Amendment of Community Based Correction Act No. 46 of 1999

Approval of the Cabinet of Ministers has been granted at their meeting held on 24.01.2024 to amend the Community Based Correction Act No. 46 of 1999. Accordingly, the Attorney General has submitted several proposals for amendments for the draft bill prepared by the Legal Draftsman. Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers has granted their approval to the proposal furnished by the Minister of Justice and National Integrity to instruct the Legal Draftsman to prepare the final draft bill for the amendment of the Community Based Correction Act including those proposed amendments.

13.   Amendment of the National Archives Law No. 48 of 1973

Approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted on 21.11.2022 at their meeting to appoint an intellects committee comprised of experts on the subjects of document management, document conservation and digital document management to submit appropriate recommendations for the amendment of the National Archives Law No. 48 of 1973. The intellects’ committee, after considering the views of the public as well as other instructions, has drafted a national policy on archiving and report management. In addition, examining the National Archives Law No. 48 of 1973 and the National Archives Act No. 30 of 1981, a fundamental draft as well have been prepared to take as a basis for preparation of a National Archives and Document Management draft bill. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to the proposal submitted by the Minister of Buddha Shasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs to pass the National policy on Archives and Document Management, and instruct the Legal Draftsman to formulate a draft bill to introduce the National Archives and Document Management Act examining the National Archives Law No. 48 of 1973 and the National Archives Act No. 30 of 1981.

14.    Recruitment of 30,000 gradates and youth to fill essential vacancies in the government service.

The policy of the new government is to make recruitments to the state sector without political interferences and with skills and qualifications. Considering the huge swell of the number of unemployed graduates and youth and, the state financial void existing with the government, approval of the Parliament has been granted to the budget proposal furnished by His Excellency the President in his capacity of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to allocate provisions of rupees 10 billion from the budget 2025 for filling 30,000 essential vacancies in the state service. An officials’ committee chaired by the Secretary to the Prime Minister has been appointed to present recommendations to make essential recruitments, by reviewing staffs of various institutions in the state sector once again. Based on the recommendations furnished by the said Committee, approval of the Cabinet of Ministers have been granted for 18,853 new recruitments to the state service by now. Accordingly, considering a proposal furnished by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Governments, the Cabinet of Ministers has decided that immediate actions should be taken by the relevant Ministry to make recruitments followed by calling applications as per the recruitment schemes prescribed under “the Programme to Recruit 30,000 Unemployed Graduates and Youth to the Government Service Proposed by the Budget 2025”.

15.    Submission of the Report on the Annual Economic Analysis of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for the year 2024 to the Parliament.

As per section 80 (3) of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act No. 16 of 2023, the Minister in – charge of the subject of Finance shall submit a report on economic situation prevailed within the particular financial year, within four months after completion of each financial year. Accordingly, the report in relation to the financial review of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for the year 2024 has been submitted to the President. The report has envisaged macro economic trends of Sri Lanka, situation of the financial system, as well as the major developments and a review of the policies of Central Bank of Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal forwarded by His Excellency the President in his office as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to submit the Report on the Annual Economic Analysis of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for the year 2024 to the Parliament.

*****

Sri Lanka has taken a major step towards digital terrestrial television broadcasting (DTTB) with the signing of an Engineering Consultancy Services Agreement under the patronage of Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa and Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mr. Isomata Akio.

The agreement was signed yesterday (April 3) at the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), Ministry of Digital Economy, Colombo. Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, and Gaku Adachi, Managing Director of Japan Engineering Consultancy Services, formally signed the agreement.

The project is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Mass Media with financial and technical support from JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), as part of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) program. It aims to modernize Sri Lanka’s terrestrial television system, replacing outdated analog technology with digital broadcasting to improve signal quality, efficiency, and spectrum utilization.

Upon completion, the analog transmission system will be phased out, allowing for more telecommunications and digital economy activities. Digital TV technology enables multiple channels on a single frequency band, providing higher efficiency and a superior viewing experience with high-definition (HD) picture and sound quality.

Speaking at the event, Minister Jayatissa emphasized that after 45 years of analog television, the transition to digital broadcasting will ensure free-to-air digital TV services nationwide, enhancing the media, entertainment, and communications industries.

The signing ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance Dr. Harsana Suriyapperuma, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Engineer Eranga Weeraratne, Ministry of Digital Economy Secretary Waruna Sri Dhanapala, JICA-Sri Lanka Chief Representative Kenji Kuronuma, Deputy Ambassador of Japan Kamoshida Naoaki, and other officials.

Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who arrived in Sri Lanka on the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, visited the Presidential Secretariat this morning (05).

Prime Minister Modi was warmly welcomed by President Anura Kumara Disanayake upon his arrival at the Presidential Secretariat.

Prime Minister Modi is currently on a state visit to Sri Lanka, reaffirming the theme of “Friendship of Centuries — Commitment to a Prosperous Future” which symbolises the longstanding ties between Sri Lanka and India. The Indian Premier is scheduled to remain in the country until tomorrow (06).

The Ministry of Mass Media recently held a ceremony to appoint a Chairman and three Board members to the Sri Lanka Press Council, with Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, in attendance.

Award-winning writer, critic, and journalist Priyan R. Wijebandara has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Sri Lanka Press Council. Additionally, Dr. Anushka Kahandagamage, a Supreme Court Advocate; journalist Mahisha Mudugamuwa; and journalist Devadasan Sendilwelawar have been appointed as Board members.

Priyan R. Wijebandara, the newly appointed Chairman, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Kelaniya and a Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of Colombo. He also holds a Diploma in Advanced English for Administration and Academic Purposes from the University of Colombo and is currently pursuing a Diploma in Cinematography from the National Film Corporation. With nearly 25 years of experience in the media sector, he has worked as a communication specialist and researcher for several World Bank-funded projects.
Dr. Anushka Kahandagamage, a sociologist with a Ph.D. in Social Sciences from the University of Otago, brings significant expertise to the Board. She has worked with various research organizations, including the Advisory Task Force on Reconciliation Mechanisms in Sri Lanka and the Law and Society Trust.

Mahisha Mudugamuwa, a Supreme Court lawyer and News Editor at The Sunday Morning, brings over a decade of media experience. She has represented Sri Lanka in international programs, including the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and the Yokohama City Journalist Fellowship Program.

Devadasan Sendilwelawar, the Editor-in-Chief of Thinakaran Daily and Thinakaran Varamanjari Weekly, brings over 30 years of experience in the media industry. He has received training in journalism worldwide and has served as President of the All Ceylon Tamil Journalists Association.

Eid-ul-Fitr, celebrated by Muslims worldwide after a month of fasting and upon sighting the new moon, holds great significance in the Islamic religious calendar.

Fasting during Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam, embodies the values of sacrifice, self-discipline and simplicity by distancing oneself from worldly desires. This period serves as a reminder of the importance of generosity towards those suffering from hunger and as an opportunity for self-restraint and spiritual growth, which devout Muslims deeply cherish.

As Sri Lanka undergoes various social, economic and political transformations, the teachings of Islam provide an excellent example for building a society rooted in freedom, equality, solidarity and human dignity. I strongly believe that these values serve as guiding principles in our collective journey toward a just and harmonious nation.

Furthermore, as we strive to foster a responsible and ethical political culture, one that values accountability over corruption and the misuse of public resources, the principles of self-restraint and sacrifice emphasized during Ramadan offer an inspiring model. They remind us of the need to cultivate a governance system that is sensitive to the aspirations and well-being of its people.
Eid-ul-Fitr is a celebration that transcends religious boundaries, promoting unity, compassion and selflessness. On this auspicious occasion, I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankan and global Muslim communities.

May this Eid-ul-Fitr bring peace, reconciliation and the fulfillment of our shared hopes for a new era of renewal and prosperity.
Eid Mubarak!

As our Islamic brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka and around the world celebrate the sacred month of Ramadan, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes for peace, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment.

Ramadan is a time of deep reflection, prayer, and self-discipline. It is a period that teaches us the values of compassion, generosity, and unity. Fasting during this holy month is not only an act of devotion but also a reminder of the struggles faced by those less fortunate. It is a time to cultivate patience, humility, and gratitude while strengthening our bonds with family, friends, and the community.

At its core, Ramadan embodies the spirit of kindness, forgiveness, and charity. The practice of Zakat and Sadaqah during this time highlights the importance of sharing with those in need and reinforcing the principle that true prosperity lies in giving and uplifting others. These values are universal and resonate deeply with all communities, fostering harmony and understanding among people of different faiths and backgrounds.

Sri Lanka is a nation rich in diversity, and it is through mutual respect and solidarity that we continue to strengthen our collective future. The spirit of Ramadan reminds us of the need for coexistence, tolerance, and the pursuit of justice and peace.

As the month of fasting culminates in the joyous celebration of Eid, let us carry forward the lessons of Ramadan—compassion, unity, and selflessness—into our daily lives. May this blessed month bring peace to our hearts, our homes, and our nation.

Ramadan Mubarak!

Dr.Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

A delegation from the Global Fund met with Sri Lanka’s Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa at the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, on Monday (25), to discuss the country’s Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS programmes and their current progress.

The Global Fund representatives arrived in Sri Lanka on March 24 with the primary objective of assessing the progress of the country’s Health programmes related to TB and HIV/AIDS. Additionally, the delegation aimed to review the Health Information and Quality Improvement (HIQI) project, the COVID-19 Response Mechanism (C19RM) Investment programmes, and other ongoing Health initiatives.

During the discussion, the Global Fund officials also highlighted their plans to strengthen Sri Lanka’s Healthcare system by meeting key stakeholders, including Government representatives and donors. They emphasised the implementation of the Global Fund’s 7th Grant Cycle (GC7) for TB and HIV/AIDS, as well as enhancing Digital Health services and Investment mechanisms for Pandemic preparedness.

Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa expressed his gratitude to the Global Fund for its over 20 years of continuous support, particularly in combating HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria in Sri Lanka. He acknowledged the Fund’s role in mobilising resources to improve Disease Prevention and Treatment and strengthening the Healthcare system.

The Global Fund, established in 2002, is a key international financing organisation dedicated to combating AIDS, TB, and Malaria. It provides financial support to eligible countries, helping them implement Health programmes that improve access to Treatment, Prevention, and Care.

Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Deputy Director General (Public Health Services 1) S.M. Arnold, Global Fund Portfolio Manager Sylwia Murray, Global Fund Specialist in Health Product Management Luckson Sichamba, Global Fund Digital Services Manager for Country Programmes, Robert Cryer, Director of Technology & Financial Transformation and Deloitte Project Manager Asanka Wasalathilaka and Executive Secretary and Monitoring Officer of Sri Lanka’s Global Fund Coordination Mechanism Dr. Kanthi Ariyarathna also participated in this discussion.

A meeting between the Thai Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Paitoon Mahapannaporn, and the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, was recently held at the Ministry of Health and Mass Media to discuss bilateral cooperation.

The Thai Ambassador commended Sri Lanka’s initiatives in the health sector and assured continued support from the Thai government to enhance healthcare services.

In celebration of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Sri Lanka, a special project focusing on orthopedic skill development at the Kandy National Hospital will be launched.

This initiative aims to facilitate surgical procedures while promoting knowledge exchange between Thai and Sri Lankan orthopedic surgeons.

Discussions also covered boosting Thai investment in Sri Lanka and sharing Thailand’s expertise in tourism development.

The Thai Ambassador pledged support to promote Sri Lanka as a prime destination for Thai tourists, particularly highlighting the country’s rich Buddhist heritage.

The meeting reaffirmed the strong ties between the two nations and underscored commitments to collaboration in key areas such as health, trade, investment, and tourism.