Sri Lanka has signed a loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to obtain USD 100 million for the development of the country’s health sector, the Ministry of Finance announced this week.

The funding, provided through the ADB’s Ordinary Capital Resources window, is aimed at supporting the National Strategic Framework for the Development of Health Services, with a focus on enhancing the efficiency and quality of secondary health services — the key component of first referral care within the country’s drive toward universal health coverage.

Sri Lanka will also receive an externally financed grant of USD 6.9 million from the Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response Trust Fund, further strengthening the country’s capacity to manage public health emergencies.

The program will target three core areas:

Enhancing first referral care services to improve access to quality secondary healthcare;

Boosting pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response mechanisms;

Improving technical capacity within the health sector and strengthening pharmaceutical supply chain management.

The agreement was signed by Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Harshana Suriyapperuma and Country Director for the ADB Takafumi Kadono.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday (17) that he was glad to welcome Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya for bilateral discussions in New Delhi.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Modi said their talks covered a wide range of areas, including education, women’s empowerment, innovation, development cooperation, and the welfare of fishermen.

“As close neighbours, our cooperation holds immense importance for the prosperity of our two peoples as well as the shared region,” Modi stated.

During the ceremony for the Presentation of the President’s Colours to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) and the Commissioning of Cadet Officers, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed the newly commissioned officers, emphasizing the significance of their responsibilities.

The President stated,

“Today, you are joining a prestigious, respected, and highly professional organization in Sri Lanka – the Sri Lanka Air Force. Your foremost responsibility is to uphold this proud history and honor, as well as to respect and support your seniors. Any misconduct by a single officer can affect the reputation of the entire Air Force. In addition, you are entrusted with the duty of protecting our country, and we have full confidence in your ability to do so.”

President Dissanayake highlighted the importance of safeguarding the nation’s coastline, particularly against illegal immigration, the smuggling of goods, drugs, and weapons.

He emphasized that “We are aware that some individuals within political and state machinery are involved in drug-related activities, which have now extended to rural areas. Therefore, implementing effective maritime surveillance is of utmost importance. Protecting our nation and providing support during disasters are critical responsibilities that now rest upon your shoulders.”

The President also acknowledged the challenges facing state institutions, stating that “while professionalism in many areas of the state machinery has significantly deteriorated, the Sri Lanka Air Force continues to maintain its professionalism with pride and dedication.”

Concluding his address, President Dissanayake expressed confidence in the officers’ ability to fulfill their duties, stating, “As President, I am confident that you will discharge your responsibilities with diligence and integrity.”

The Terrorism Investigation Division (TID), on Friday (17), informed Colombo Additional Magistrate Lahiru Silva that an inquiry has been initiated into 15 suspects identified as having allegedly provided financial and logistical support to extremists linked to the Easter attacks, and worked to expand ISIS terrorist networks within the country.

The TID told the Court that complaints have been filed against 15 individuals, and a formal investigation has commenced based on a complaint received by the Head of the Terrorism and Financial Investigation Division.

According to the investigation, these suspects are alleged to have assisted members of the organisation responsible for the Easter attacks by facilitating extremist lectures and providing financial support, including assistance to foreign ISIS-affiliated terrorist organisations attempting to establish a presence locally.

Investigating officers told the Court that some of these suspects had already been indicted before the High Court in connection with their alleged role in supporting the Easter Sunday terror attacks in 2019.

The inquiry will also examine their participation in Al-Qaeda and ISIS-related extremist lectures, as well as any financial contributions made to these terrorist groups.

After reviewing the submissions, the Additional Magistrate instructed the TID to ensure rapid progress in the investigation and to submit regular updates to the Court.

Sri Lanka reiterated its support for the Global Governance Initiative of Chinese President Xi Jinping, during talks held between Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and President Xi Jinping.

Amarasuriya who is on a visit to China held wide-ranging discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

The discussion focused on further deepening Sri Lanka’s engagement with China, further consolidating the longstanding friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries. Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya is visiting China on an invitation extended by President Xi Jinping to attend the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women.

The discussions in Beijing progressed on the outcomes of the State Visit of the President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, to China earlier this year.

Referring to the centuries old friendship between the two nations, the Prime Minister commented that President Xi’s vision on China’s modernization is not only for China but also for other nations emphasizing the importance of building up a shared future for mankind.

China as one of Sri Lanka’s important development partners, Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya stressed the continued assistance of the Chinese Government in the high quality Belt and Road Initiative highlighting the steadfast progress achieved in the flagship projects in Sri Lanka.

President Xi conveyed his sincere wishes to the President and the Government of Sri Lanka on the recent achievements in economic revival and assured continued support to Sri Lanka in the sectors of trade, tourism, education and people to people cooperation emphasizing the importance of carrying forward the momentum of the cooperation between the two countries.

Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya reiterated Sri Lanka’s support for the Global Governance Initiative of President Xi which plays a pivotal role in the contemporary Global Governance.