Lanka–South Africa Parliamentary Friendship Association holds its inaugural Ex-Co meeting

(L-R) Sri Lanka–South Africa Parliamentary Friendship Association’s Secretary, MP Sunil Rajapaksha, South African High Commission’s Chargé d’Affaires (Counsellor–Political) Nthabiseng Ramatshela and Association’s President, Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Pau…

The Sri Lanka–South Africa Parliamentary Friendship Association held its inaugural Executive Committee meeting in Parliament recently, with both countries pledging to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy, trade, investment and people-to-people relations. The meeting was chaired by the Association’s President, Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj, and attended by South African High Commission Chargé d’Affaires (Counsellor–Political) Nthabiseng Ramatshela, who reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to further enhancing bilateral ties and parliamentary engagement with Sri Lanka. Addressing the meeting, Paulraj said Parliamentary Friendship Associations played a key role in promoting bilateral relations through parliamentary diplomacy by providing legislators with opportunities to exchange knowledge, share experiences and foster cooperation in areas of mutual interest. She said the inaugural Executive Committee meeting of the Association in the Tenth Parliament marked the beginning of its activities and represented another milestone in strengthening the longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and South Africa. Recalling that the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1994, the Minister said bilateral ties had continued to flourish on the basis of shared democratic values, peace, mutual respect and sustainable development. During discussions, members stressed the importance of maintaining regular dialogue between legislators of the two countries to further strengthen parliamentary and diplomatic relations while promoting greater people-to-people exchanges. They also underscored the need to enhance cooperation between women parliamentarians of the two countries to encourage greater female participation and leadership in political decision-making. Trade and investment featured prominently in the deliberations, with members noting the untapped potential for expanding bilateral cooperation in agriculture, mining, tourism, renewable energy, manufacturing and other emerging sectors. South Africa was identified as a gateway to African markets, while Sri Lanka was recognised as a strategic link to South Asia and the Indian Ocean region. The South African delegation also expressed its intention to bring a business delegation to Sri Lanka in January next year in connection with Expo 2027. The meeting further explored avenues for strengthening sports diplomacy through cricket and rugby, while discussions also focused on expanding cooperation in education and skills development through university partnerships, scholarship programmes and academic exchanges. The South African delegation expressed its willingness to share the country’s experience in reconciliation and nation-building in support of Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national unity. The meeting concluded with an interactive discussion among Executive Committee members, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by the Association’s Secretary, MP Sunil Rajapaksha.

News Lithuania warns Lankans against falling into job offer scams

Published 7 mins agoon 2026/07/17

Kanchana Kodituwakku The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Lithuania in Sri Lanka has warned the public against fraudulent schemes involving individuals and agents claiming they can secure employment in Lithuania for Sri Lankan nationals travelling on tourist visas. The Consulate said it had received several complaints and inquiries regarding such false promises and urged Sri Lankans not to fall victim to scams offering overseas employment opportunities through illegal channels. It emphasised that individuals cannot enter Lithuania on tourist visas and obtain employment, warning that anyone demanding money while promising to arrange jobs through such means could be attempting to commit fraud. Sri Lankans seeking employment opportunities abroad have been advised to follow only legally approved procedures and seek assistance from registered foreign employment agencies recognised by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE). Applicants have also been urged to verify all information through official channels before making any payments. Kanchana Kodituwakku, Director – Public Relations, Communications, Political and Diplomatic Relations, and Consular Affairs of the Honorary Consulate, said the institution worked closely with the Embassy of Lithuania and continued to monitor reports of fraudulent job offers to protect people from financial losses and risks to their safety. He said the Consulate remained committed to guiding Sri Lankan nationals seeking legitimate opportunities in Lithuania, including higher education and lawful employment pathways. The public has been advised to refer to the official communication channels of the Honorary Consulate of Lithuania in Sri Lanka for verified information and seek clarification directly from the Embassy of Lithuania or the Consulate before pursuing any overseas opportunities.

News NPP government here to stay, says Lal Kantha

Published 7 mins agoon 2026/07/17

Minister Lal Kantha speaking to the media in Kandy on Wednesday Agriculture Minister Lal Kantha on Wednesday asserted that the NPP government intended to remain in power for the long term, claiming that it enjoyed continued public support. Addressing a press conference in Kandy, the Minister said the government had not come into power temporarily and would continue to govern the country with the backing of the people. “We did not come here to leave; we are not going anywhere, and it is we who will remain forever,” Lal Kantha said. He said the opposition was making various allegations against the government in an attempt to justify its existence, adding that criticism was a normal role of opposition parties. The Minister also criticised the SJB, questioning its electoral performance under Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. “They previously said they could not win with Ranil Wickremesinghe. Have they won with Sajith Premadasa now? How many elections has Sajith lost?” he asked, claiming that the Opposition Leader had lost public confidence. Lal Kantha further alleged that Tamil and Muslim political parties were moving towards forming a separate alliance due to a lack of confidence in the current opposition leadership. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, who also addressed the press conference, said recent surveys had indicated high levels of public approval for the government. He claimed that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake currently enjoyed the approval of around 75 per cent of the population, while the government’s approval rating stood at approximately 65 per cent. “We are not going anywhere; our government will continue to lead this nation,” Dr. Gunasena said. Text and Pic by SK Samaranayake ✍️

News Dengue cases surpass 72,000 as death toll rises to 49

Published 7 mins agoon 2026/07/17

Sri Lanka has recorded a total of 72,430 dengue cases so far this year, with the death toll rising to 49, according to the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU). The NDCU said 1,195 new dengue cases had been reported across the country during the 24-hour period ending at 6.00 a.m. yesterday (16). The highest number of cases continues to be reported from the Gampaha and Colombo districts, which remain among the worst-affected areas. According to the NDCU, 17,051 dengue cases have been recorded during the first 15 days of this month alone, highlighting a continuing surge in infections. The health authorities have identified 175 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions across the country as high-risk dengue zones. The NDCU has urged the public to take preventive measures to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds as health authorities continue surveillance and control programmes amid the rising number of cases.