In response to an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayake, who is currently on a state visit to China, visited the exhibition hall on the history of the Communist Party of China today (15).
Following this, President Disanayake visited the historic Prince Kung’s Palace Museum in China.
Later, he paid his respects by offering flowers at the Mao Zedong Memorial, dedicated to the founding leader of the People’s Republic of China.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, and Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, Bimal Rathnayake, also participated in these events.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake, who embarked on a state visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, arrived at Beijing International Airport today (14) at approximately 10:25 a.m. Beijing time.
Upon his arrival, the President was accorded a ceremonial welcome by the Chinese military, and he was formally received by China’s Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong.
The route taken by President Anura Kumara Disanayake was elegantly decorated on both sides with the national flags of both nations, symbolizing mutual respect and diplomacy.
During this state visit, the President is scheduled to participate in several key engagements, including field visits focused on technological and agricultural development, as well as initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation. The visit also includes high-level business meetings and discussions.
Furthermore, several Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and China are expected to be signed during the visit.
The delegation accompanying President Disanayake includes Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake Ambassador of People’s Republic of China in Colombo H.E. Qi Zhenhong and Sri Lankan Ambassador – H.E. Majintha Jayesinghe.
The Thai Pongal festival, also known as the "Harvest Festival," is observed with profound reverence by Tamil and Hindu communities worldwide. This significant occasion is dedicated to expressing gratitude to the Sun, the Earth, rain, and cattle for their indispensable contributions to a bountiful harvest. This festival is celebrated on the first day of the month of "Thai” according to the Tamil calendar. The festival marks the commencement of the Sun's northward journey, referred to as "Uttarayana." Beyond its agricultural significance, Thai Pongal embodies the spirit of renewal and symbolizes the values of harmony and coexistence within human society, both internally and externally.
This celebration signifies not only a pivotal shift in direction but also underscores the importance of harmonious coexistence—both within society and with the environment. At a time when Sri Lanka has embarked on the transformative "Clean Sri Lanka" initiative, aimed at fostering ecological and ethical progress, the values symbolized by Thai Pongal align profoundly with the objectives of this initiative, reflecting the inseparable bond between humanity and nature.
Thai Pongal serves as a source of cultural rejuvenation, instilling renewed hope and inspiration in our collective lives. As we embrace the New Year with renewed vigor and aspirations for a "beautiful life," we are presented with a significant opportunity to collaborate toward building an environmentally conscious and culturally enriched society. By prioritizing sustainable
development and championing lasting peace and unity, we reaffirm our commitment to leading with integrity, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to fulfilling our responsibilities to the nation and its people.
I invite everyone to come together with a shared sense of purpose and commitment to ensure the prosperity and well-being of our nation, cherishing the joy and happiness that enrich the lives of all Sri Lankans. May this Thai Pongal celebration be a blessing and a guiding light, inspiring hope and optimism for a brighter future.
I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans and Hindu devotees around the world for a prosperous and joyous Thai Pongal, filled with gratitude, harmony, and abundance!
Anura Kumara Disanayake
President
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
January 14, 2025
President Anura Kumara Disanayake departed the country a short while ago to commence a four-day state visit to the People’s Republic of China.
Undertaken at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the visit will take place from January 14 to January 17, 2025. During this visit, President Disanayake is scheduled to engage in high-level discussions with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and other senior Chinese officials, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation between the two nations.
The President is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, Bimal Rathnayake and the Director General of Government Information, H.S.K.J. Bandara.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake is set to depart the country this evening (13) for a four-day state visit to the People’s Republic of China.
This visit, taking place from January 14 to 17, is undertaken at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
During the visit, President Disanayake will hold discussions with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, as well as engage with other senior Chinese officials to strengthen diplomatic ties.
The agenda includes key focus areas such as technology, agriculture, and poverty alleviation. The President is also scheduled to visit strategic facilities and participate in high-level business forums aimed at enhancing economic collaboration and investment opportunities.
A series of bilateral agreements to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation between Sri Lanka and China will be signed during the visit.
This marks President Disanayake’s second international state visit since assuming office and is considered a pivotal step in fortifying the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and China. It is anticipated that the visit will significantly advance bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
Four newly appointed Supreme Court Justices took their oaths of office before President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (12) at the Presidential Secretariat.
Accordingly, Court of Appeal Justices Hon. R.M.S. Rajakaruna, Hon. Menaka Wijesundara, Hon. Sampath B. Abeykoon, and Hon. M.S.K.B. Wijeratne were sworn in as Supreme Court Justices during the ceremony presided over by the President.
Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, was also in attendance at this occasion.
Two newly appointed Court of Appeal Justices were formally sworn in before President Anura Kumara Disanayake at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (09).
Accordingly the appointments were conferred upon Attorneys-at-Law Mr. K.M.S. Disanayake and Mr. R.P. Hettiarachchi, who took their oaths in the presence of the President.
The Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, was also present at the occasion.
- Accelerated Action Plan by the New Government to Foster Innovation
- The government has introduced a fast-tracked initiative aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship across various sectors.
- Sri Lanka Can Strengthen Its Position in the Global Market Through New Product Development
– President
Commercializing Research and Development Can Lead to a Sustainable Economy
– Senior Advisor to the President, Prof. Gomika Udugamasooriya
President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasized that Sri Lanka can enhance its position in the global market through a robust new product development strategy, which will also create new market opportunities. He made these remarks today (08) during the official launch of the “National Initiative for R&D Commercialization” held at the Presidential Secretariat.
As part of the initiative, the newly developed website nirdc.gov.lk was also launched. This platform aims to facilitate the commercialization of research and development, thereby contributing to sustainable economic growth through the production of value-added goods and services, which will ultimately drive national economic development and social progress.
The President pointed out that while grassroots-level innovators do emerge in Sri Lanka, there has been a lack of adequate mechanisms to properly support, nurture, and commercialize their ideas. He stressed the need to create an enabling environment for free and innovative thinking, backed by an efficient system to channel these ideas into productive outcomes. With such a framework in place, Sri Lanka can transform itself into a hub of innovation.
Historically, the country has allocated a mere 0.12% of its annual GDP for research and development. Despite Sri Lanka’s abundance of natural resources, there has been limited focus on utilizing research to generate economic benefits. However, with the new government in place, a significant number of local and international investors have shown keen interest in investing in Sri Lanka. The government aims to capitalize on this momentum by efficiently managing investments to spur economic growth without delay.
The recently established Ministry of Science and Technology has already begun implementing a long-term, well-structured R&D strategy. The immediate priority will be to convert near-complete or completed research projects into marketable, value-added products and services, providing a quick boost to the economy.
To support this effort, the “National Initiative for R&D Commercialization (NIRDC)” has been established, chaired jointly by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, and Senior Advisor to the President, Prof. Gomika Udugamasooriya. The initiative includes a committee comprising experts from diverse fields such as scientific research, industry, economics, law, arts, and indigenous heritage.
During the event, President Disanayake highlighted that while human needs remain constant, the methods of fulfilling those needs evolve. He noted that innovation and new product development are key to shaping those new methods.
Addressing past shortcomings, the President observed that Sri Lanka’s outdated approach to technology and innovation has hindered its ability to compete in the global market. Despite technological advancements driving a shift in global market trends, Sri Lanka remains trapped in traditional sectors like tea, coconut, and rubber.
President Disanayake further underscored that globally leading companies have succeeded by integrating innovation with technology, noting that five out of the world’s top ten companies are technology-based.
He pointed out Sri Lanka’s past neglect of technology as a key economic driver, contrasting it with developed countries that prioritized technological advancements and achieved significant economic growth.
The President concluded by stating that eradicating poverty is essential not only to eliminate social suffering but also to restore the rights of marginalized communities. He asserted that through innovation, the rural poor can be empowered by ensuring their right to economic participation and access to information, which will ultimately improve their quality of life.
Expressing his views, Senior Advisor to the President, Prof. Gomika Udugamasooriya stated:
Up to now, research and development (R&D) outcomes in Sri Lanka have not been effectively integrated into the economy. Under this new program, efforts will be directed towards commercializing R&D, enabling economic growth and fostering social development to build a sustainable economy.
The event was graced by a distinguished gathering, including Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Ministers Sunil Handunnetti and Wasantha Samarasinghe, Professor Anil Jayantha Fernando and Professor Chrishantha Abeysena, Deputy Ministers Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Mr. Russel Apponsu, university vice-chancellors and representatives, heads of state and private research institutions, investors, entrepreneurs, industrialists, and senior executives from banks and financial institutions.
The “Gem Sri Lanka – 2025” gem and jewellery exhibition was inaugurated this morning (08) at the Cinnamon Bentota Beach Hotel, presided over by President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
Organized annually by the Chinese Fort Gem and Jewellery Traders Association (CGJTA), the exhibition will be open to the public from today until January 10.
Following the opening, President Disanayake toured the exhibition booths and engaged in discussions with industry stakeholders, addressing challenges faced by gem and jewelry manufacturers while fostering a friendly dialogue with them.
He also posed for a group photograph with the organizing committee of “Gem Sri Lanka – 2025.”
This year’s exhibition features 103 booths and has attracted a significant number of both local and international buyers, highlighting the event’s global appeal.
The event was attended by a distinguished gathering, including the Minister of Industry and Enterprise Development, Mr. Sunil Handunnetti, Chairman of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, Mr. Naveen Sooriyarachchi, and Chairman of CGJTA, Mr. Marjan Faleel, alongside several diplomats and other notable guests.
• He reiterated the government’s commitment to maximizing the benefits provided to citizens, even amidst the current challenges.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake held an extensive discussion with officials from the Ministry of Finance today (07) at the Presidential Secretariat. The meeting focused on issues related to vehicle imports, withholding tax, and the digitalization of VAT collection.
A significant portion of the discussion addressed the challenges surrounding vehicle imports into Sri Lanka. The President emphasized the need for a well-balanced approach to address these concerns, taking into account the country’s financial constraints and economic priorities.
The President also highlighted the importance of establishing a mechanism to refund withholding taxes deducted from retirees who are not subject to income tax.
Additionally, President Disanayake highlighted the urgent need to digitize Value-Added Tax (VAT) collection processes to enhance efficiency and transparency. He announced plans to implement a comprehensive digital system soon, which is expected to improve tax compliance and revenue generation.
During the meeting, the President expressed optimism about Sri Lanka’s economic progress, stating that the country is steadily moving towards recovery and stability. He reiterated the government’s commitment to maximizing the benefits provided to citizens, even amidst the current challenges.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Mahinda Siriwardana, the Governor of the Central Bank Nandalal Weerasinghe, Senior Advisor to the President Duminda Hulangamuwa and senior officials from the Ministry of Finance.