India to consider its ties with SL, when taking a decision in Geneva – Krishna

India’s stand at the ongoing U.N. Human Rights Council meet in Geneva on the resolution against Sri Lanka over alleged war crimes would be taken based on the overall ties between the two neighbors and the sentiments in the country, External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna said on Thursday.
“Certainly we will take into account the [...]

Misleading References to U.S. Special Forces in Sri Lanka – US Embassy

References in the press to U.S. Special Forces being stationed in Sri Lanka are misleading, says the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka
The release points out that the members of the U.S. military present here, are the ones assigned to work in the U.S. Embassy in Colombo as part of the bilateral engagement between the United [...]

Certain groups plan to hoist the Indian flag in Sri Lanka’s Kachchathivu Island

Certain elements and cadres of a few fringe political parties of Tamil Nadu are planning to hoist the Indian flag in Kachchathivu Island, an Indian media report said.
According to India’s “The Hindu”, the attempt is expected to be made during the St. Anthony’s Church festival which will be held in the Island on the 3rd [...]

Maldivian President appreciates Sri Lanka’s neutral stand

Maldivian President Mohamed Waheed Hassan has commended Sri Lanka for taking a neutral stand on the Maldives issue, says a media report.
According to the Xinhua news agency, Waheed has sent a letter to President Mahinda Rajapaksa appreciating the stand taken by Sri Lanka.
The report says, the letter was handed over to the Sri Lankan president [...]

Sri Lankan General banned from taking part in a UN advisory group meetings

Major General Shavendra Silva has been banned from taking part in meetings of a UN special advisory group, of which he is a member.

Media reports say, the Group’s Chair who is the former U.N. deputy secretary-general Louise Frechette has advised Major General Shavendra Silva that his participation is not necessary.
“Following careful consideration and consultation with [...]

Sri Lanka wants non-tariff barriers removed to increase intra-regional trade

Sri Lanka says removal of non-tariff barriers and the implementation of effective trade facilitation measures are vital to make the South Asia Free Trade Agreement, a success.
Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen says reducing or elimination of tariffs alone is not sufficient to increase intra-SAAC trade.
He is of the view that member countries should [...]

Singapore business delegation to arrive in Sri Lanka during the 2nd quarter

A Singapore business delegation will arrive in Sri Lanka during the second quarter of this year looking for business opportunities, here in the country, says a media report.
The delegation will look for investment opportunities in the areas of infrastructure, education, health care, manufacturing and trading and logistics.
The move is a part of the MOU signed [...]

Premature to talk about an exemption for Sri Lanka to buy oil from Iran – USA

United States says it is premature to talk about providing any kind of exemption to Sri Lanka to buy oil from Iran, despite the US sanctions on Iranian oil imports.
US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Robert O Blake made this point when he addressed the media in Colombo yesterday.
During the [...]

Sri Lankan President’s Pakistan visit – Highlights

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s visit to Pakistan which concluded yesterday saw both nations focusing on strengthening bilateral tries in a number of areas.
During the meetings held between Rajapaksa and the Pakistani leaders, both countries agreed to improve relations on many areas ranging from economic, trade, education, banking, tourism and many more.

Highlights of the visit

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President Rajapaksa arrives in Pakistan to strengthen ties

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has arrived in Pakistan, starting a 3 day official visit.
His visit is aimed at strengthening economic, trade and defense ties between the two nations.
During his stay in Pakistan, Rajapaksa will hold meetings with the Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, the country’s Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and several others.
“Discussions will [...]