Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath concluded a successful official visit to the Republic of Belarus from May 12-15, 2026. A key highlight of the visit was the signing of a bilateral Agreement on Air Services and two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Field of Higher Education and in the Field of Health Care, between Sri Lanka and Belarus.
At an industry event attended by senior government officials, industry leaders and representatives of participating financial institutions, the Prime Minister welcomed PayPal’s entry into Sri Lanka as the country advances its digital economy ambitions.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, currently on an official visit to the Belarus, held bilateral discussions with Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov and senior officials in Minsk aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two countries.
A Special Coordination Committee meeting for the Badulla District was held yesterday afternoon (13) at the Badulla District Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to review the progress of measures taken to restore normalcy to the lives of people affected by the cyclone “Ditwah” and to develop infrastructure in the district.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the guidance or religious leaders is essential to further strengthen harmony and solidarity among communities in multicultural areas such as Anamaduwa, where Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities live together in harmony.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the official ceremony of presenting the Sannas Patra to confer the title of Chief Sanghanayaka of the Rajavanni and Kumaravanni two provinces upon Venerable Dharmakeerthi Sri Pangnananda Nayaka Thero of Anamaduwa. The ceremony was held yesterday (13) at Sudampaya, Anamaduwa.
The event was held under the patronage of the Anunayaka Thero of the Malwathu Chapter, Most Venerable Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thero. During the ceremony, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya formally presented the official declaration appointing Venerable Dharmakeerthi Sri Pangnananda Nayaka Thero as the Chief Sanghanayaka of the Rajavanni and Kumaravanni provinces. The ceremonial Vijinipatha was presented by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:
Venerable Dharmakeerthi Sri Pangnananda Nayaka Thero of Anamaduwa is a distinguished member of the Maha Sangha who has rendered invaluable service to both the Buddha Sasana and the education sector through the country nearly 50 years of monastic life and 35 years of service as an educator.
His service is not confined merely to religious observances. He has sheltered the children and people of the area in times of both hardship and happiness. In particular, it is important to remember the humanitarian leadership he demonstrated in providing relief to the people of the Puttalam District affected by cyclone Ditwah, which became a source of strength for the entire region.
His dedication towards restoring and preserving historic religious sites, including the Paramakanda Rajamaha Viharaya, for future generations is commendable.
As the government strives to lead the country towards ‘a new era of renaissance’ built upon compassion and solidarity, the guidance and blessings of religious leaders such as him are of immense value to the government.
The occasion was graced by the presence of members of the Maha Sangha representing the three Nikayas, clergy of other religions, and attended by the Governor of the North Western Province, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Chandana Abayarathna, Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela Bandara, Members of Parliament, government officials, and a large number of devotees.
President instructs relevant authorities to construct temporary houses on the allocated lands until permanent housing is built for estate community
President instructs relevant authorities to construct temporary houses on the allocated lands until permanent housing is built for estate community
A special narcotics testing programme for bus drivers and conductors has been launched with the aim of improving safety and service quality in public transportation.
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