Sri Lanka High Commission Singapore

Sri Lanka now looks to future with renewed hope and enthusiasm - President at NAM

For 27 long years my people were gripped by mortal fear. A great sigh of relief has now swept across the entire nation being finally released from the grip of the fear of terrorism. The Sri Lankan Nation now looks to the future with renewed hope and enthusiasm. We have faith that all our friends who stood by us in our hour of need will continue to stand by us and walk with us in our journey to develop Sri Lanka for the benefit of all our people, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his statement at the 15th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement being held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt on July 15, 2009. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

New appointments of Chief of Defence Staff, Army Commander and Navy Commander

Former Commander of the Army, General Sarath Fonseka, now the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) assumed duties in his office at the Joint Operations Headquarters (JOH) on Wednesday, 15^th July 2009. The Sri Lanka Army’s 19th Commander, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya USP, ndu, psc also took office on the same day, amidst religious blessings and formal military honours. The President appointed Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe as the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy with effect from 15th of July 2009. (Lankapuvath)

New Economic Zones for the North

The establishment of Economic Zones in the North was another milestone in the massive task undertaken by the Government to uplift the economy of the North. The Economic Zone launched in Vavuniya for the benefit of the civilians of the North liberated from the terrorists, has become a busy centre. Measures are also underway to build two mega Economic Centres in the North. Senior Presidential Advisor and Parliamentarian who is steering the “Uthuru Wasanthaya” Task Force, Basil Rajapaksa had already issued guidelines for the establishment of these Economic Centres. The Trade Ministry has planed to undertake the initial work in relation to the building of these new Economic Centres in Omanthai and Medawachchiya. It will prepare a wide market for the purchase and marketing of the agricultural produce of the farmers, in these areas. (Lankapuvath)

Hambantota Port to Start Operations in 2010

The Hambantota Port is scheduled to start operations by November 2010 and nearly 55% of the construction of Hambantota Port has already been completed, Chairman of the Ports Authority, Dr. Priyath B. Wickrema told a special media briefing. He pointed out that the first phase of the construction work is to be completed by October 2009. According to the Ports Authority, the project is being built at a cost of US $ 437 million. The first phase is a joint venture between China Harbour Engineering and Syno Hydro Corporation. The Government of China is to provide 85% of financial assistance.(Dept. of Information)

Sri Lanka Steady Progress - UNPF

Sri Lanka has made steady progress to achieve universal access to primary education and health care,the United Nations Population Fund states in its' latest report.The country's literacy rate stands at 89.2 per cent with a life expectancy of 77 years for women. The maternal mortality ratio is 44.3 per 100,000 live births. According to the report, Sri Lanka could if properly invested to promote women well being achieve high levels of economic development.The UN Population Fund has opined that women well being should be a priority in social and economic development in the island nation. (Dept. of Information)

Last updated on February 2009