Immigration Department welcomes 50 new officers

The Immigration Department has hired 50 new ‘Operational Assistant’ officers. This new Grade III position was created to help ease the department’s workload and improve efficiency at airports, ports, and detention centers. The appointments were made under the guidance of Minister Ananda Wijepala, who stated that the government is focused on recruiting based on talent and qualifications, free from influence. …

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30% U.S. Tariff: Sri Lanka’s Tea and Rubber exports under threat

The Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA) has voiced serious concerns following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 30% tariff on all goods imported from Sri Lanka, effective August 1, 2025. The U.S. is one of Sri Lanka’s key markets for both tea and rubber. In 2024, the U.S. bought 6.4 million kg of Ceylon Tea worth USD 45 million. …

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Japan grants Rs.687M for public sector scholarships

The Government of Japan has granted Japanese Yen 332 million (approximately Rs. 687 million) to Sri Lanka under the Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resources Development Scholarship (JDS) Programme for 2025. An Exchange of Notes and a Grant Agreement were signed yesterday, 24 July 2025, at the Ministry of Finance by Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Treasury, Ambassador ISOMATA …

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Sri Lanka and Thailand aim to boost trade ties

The Ambassador of Thailand to Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Paitoon Mahapannaporn, expressed hope for the full implementation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries during a meeting with Sri Lanka’s Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, on July 22 at the Parliamentary premises. The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties, highlighting the strong cultural and religious links …

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