Sri Lanka First

Sri Lanka First !
Positive.
Information about Sri Lanka to the world
#VisitSriLanka #SriLanka #LKA #SoSriLanka #SLnews

[Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 @SriLankaTweet]

Sri Lanka Easter Sunday Attacks: 15 Convicted, Sentenced to 220 Years

A Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar has sentenced 15 defendants to 220 years of rigorous imprisonment each for their involvement in Sri Lanka’s 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks.

The court also ordered the confiscation of the convicts’ movable and immovable assets, effective from September 22.

The attacks on April 21, 2019, killed 269 people and injured more than 500 others.

The court acquitted and released nine other defendants who had faced charges in connection with the attacks.

[Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 @SriLankaTweet]

A digitally manipulated image is being shared falsely, claiming that the Minister of Fisheries, Ramalingam Chandrasekar, recently attended a Thileepan commemoration event in the North.
Via @factcrescendosl

False ❌
ධීවර, ජලජ හා සාගර සම්පත් අමාත්‍ය රාමලිංගම් චන්ද්‍රසේකර් මහතා පසුගිය දා උතුරේ පැවති තිලීපන් සැමරුම් උත්සවයකට එක්වී ඇති බව කියමින් හුවමාරු වන්නේ ව්‍යාජ ලෙස සිදුකළ ඡායාරුප සංස්කරණයකි.

Full https://t.co/wGNGnIL7V7

[Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 @SriLankaTweet]

Silver for Sri Lanka 🥈 🇱🇰

Sri Lanka Women finish with the silver medal at the Asian Games after India secured the Gold 🥇 medal with a 147-run victory in the final in Nisshin, Japan.

🇱🇰 Sri Lanka 69 all out
🇮🇳 India 216/3

[Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 @SriLankaTweet]

Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court has determined that the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution does NOT require a referendum and can be passed by Parliament with a special majority, Speaker announces.

[Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 @SriLankaTweet]

September 21, 2024 🇱🇰 - A historic moment in Sri Lanka’s political history.

Two years ago today, Anura Kumara Dissanayake was elected President of Sri Lanka in the 2024 Presidential Election, marking a significant moment in the country’s democratic journey.

[Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 @SriLankaTweet]

Sri Lanka Weather Alert 🌀

Depression developing over the Bay of Bengal is NOT expected to have a direct impact on Sri Lanka.

However, expect heavy rainfall of around 100 mm and strong winds some areas.

🌬️ Winds of 40–50 kmph may occur at times in several areas, including the Central hills, North Central, North Western, Trincomalee, Hambantota and Matale.

⚡ Public advised to take precautions during thunderstorms.

Full News 3 languages 👇🏻

The low-pressure area that was prevailing over the sea area of the Bay of Bengal, to the northeast of the island, has now developed into a depression. It is expected to further develop into a deep depression within the next 24 hours. Although this system will not have a direct impact on Sri Lanka, the prevailing rainy conditions in the southwestern part of the island are expected to continue due to the wind flow towards the system.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara Districts.

Heavy falls about 100 mm are likely at some places in the above areas.

Several spells of showers may occur in North-central province and Mannar district.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Uva province and in Batticaloa and Ampara districts after 2.00 p.m.

Strong winds of about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the Central hills, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee, Hambantota and Matale Districts.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

දිවයිනට ඊශාන දෙසින් බෙංගාල බොක්ක මුහුදු ප්‍රදේශය ආශ්‍රිතව පැවති අඩු පීඩන කලාපය මේ වන විට පීඩන අවපාතයක් දක්වා වර්ධනය වී ඇත.එය ඉදිරි පැය 24 තුළ දී ගැඹුරු පීඩන අවපාතයක් දක්වා තවදුරටත් වර්ධනය වනු ඇතැයි අපේක්ෂා කෙරේ.මෙම පද්ධතියේ සෘජු බලපෑමක් ශ්‍රී ලංකාවට නොමැතිවුවද එම පද්ධතිය වෙත ඇදීයන සුළං ප්‍රවාහය හේතුවෙන් දිවයිනේ නිරිතදිග ප්‍රදේශයේ පවතින වැසි තත්ත්වය තවදුරටත්අපේක්ෂා කෙරේ.

බස්නාහිර, සබරගමුව, මධ්‍යම සහ වයඹ පලාත්වලත් ගාල්ල සහ මාතර දිස්ත්‍රික්කවලත් විටින් විට වැසි හෝ ගිගුරුම් සහිත වැසි ඇති වේ. ඇතැම් ස්ථාන වලට මි. මී. 100 ක පමණ තද වැසි ඇති විය හැක.

උතුරු-මැද පළාතේ සහ මන්නාරම දිස්ත්‍රික්කයේ වැසිවාර කිහිපයක් ඇතිවිය හැක

ඌව පළාතෙත් මඩකලපුව සහ අම්පාර දිස්ත්‍රික්කවලත් පස්වරු 2.00 න් පසුව තැනින් තැන වැසි හෝ ගිගුරුම් සහිත වැසි ඇති වේ.

මධ්‍යම කඳුකරයේ බටහිර බෑවුම් ප්‍රදේශවලත් උතුරු-මැද සහ වයඹ පළාත්වලත් ත්‍රිකුණාමලය, හම්බන්තොට සහ මාතලේ දිස්ත්‍රික්කවලත් විටින් විට හමන පැ.කි.මී. (40-50) ක පමණ තද සුළං ඇතිවිය හැක.

ගිගුරුම් සහිත වැසි සමග ඇතිවිය හැකි තාවකාලික තද සුළං වලින් සහ අකුණු මඟින් සිදු වන අනතුරු අවම කර ගැනීමට අවශ්‍ය පියවර ගන්නා ලෙස ජනතාවගෙන් කාරුණිකව ඉල්ලා සිටිනු ලැබේ.

நாட்டிற்கு வடகிழக்காக வங்காள விரிகுடாவில் உருவாகிய குறைந்த அழுத்தப் பிரதேசம் ஒரு தாழமுக்கமாக வலுவடைந்துள்ளது. அது அடுத்த 24 மணித்தியாலங்களில் ஒரு ஆழமான தாழமுக்கமாக வலுவடையக் கூடிய சாத்தியம் காணப்படுகின்றது.

இத் தொகுதியினால் இலங்கைக்கு நேரடித் தாக்கம் ஏதும் இருக்காது என்றாலும், இத் தொகுதியை நோக்கிய காற்று வீசுகை காரணமாக, நாட்டின் தென்மேற்குப் பகுதிகளில் தற்போது நிலவும் மழை நிலைமை மேலும் தொடரும் என எதிர்பார்க்கப் படுகிறது.

மேல், சப்ரகமுவ, மத்திய மற்றும் வடமேல் மாகாணங்களிலும் காலி, மாத்தறை, கண்டி மற்றும் நுவரெலியா மாவட்டங்களிலும் அவ்வப்போது மழையோ அல்லது இடியுடன் கூடிய மழையோ பெய்யக் கூடிய சாத்தியம் காணப்படுகின்றது. இந்தப் பிரதேசங்களில் சில இடங்களில் 100 மி.மீ அளவான பலத்த மழைவீழ்ச்சி எதிர்பார்க்கப் படுகின்றது.

வடமத்திய மாகாணத்திலும் மன்னார் மாவட்டத்திலும் பல தடவைகள் மழை பெய்யும் என எதிர்பார்க்கப் படுகின்றது.

ஊவா மாகாணத்திலும் மட்டக்களப்பு மற்றும் அம்பாறை மாவட்டங்களிலும் பல இடங்களில் பி.ப. 2.00 மணிக்குப் பின்னர் மழையோ அல்லது இடியுடன் கூடிய மழையோ பெய்யக் கூடிய சாத்தியம் காணப்படுகின்றது.

[Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 @SriLankaTweet]

A crucial day in Sri Lanka’s history 🇱🇰

The Colombo High Court is scheduled to deliver its verdict today in the main case over the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, more than seven years after the bombings.

More https://t.co/TPTa5jZDfB

[Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 @SriLankaTweet]

Justice M. Sri Mevan Anthony Edirimannasooriya Corea has been appointed as the Acting President of the Court of Appeal. - PMD

[Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 @SriLankaTweet]

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met the parents of Sivarasa Anojan, a Sri Lankan sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia, at the Presidential Secretariat today.

The President said the Government is pursuing legal and diplomatic efforts to secure a pardon, including a formal written appeal to the King of Saudi Arabia.

@anuradisanayake @PMDNewsGov

Full news

President meets parents of Sri Lankan facing death sentence in Saudi Arabia

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met the parents of Sivarasa Anojan, a Sri Lankan national sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia, at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (21).

The President said the Government is making every possible effort to secure a pardon for Anojan through legal and diplomatic channels.

He said steps would be taken to submit a formal written diplomatic appeal to the King of Saudi Arabia seeking a pardon for Anojan.

The parents were also briefed on the official measures already taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the submission of appeals. The President said the Government is continuously and closely monitoring the progress of these efforts.

[Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 @SriLankaTweet]

Commencement of Construction of Moragahakanda Bridge 👏 👏

Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka and Bimal Rathnayake, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, jointly laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Moragahakanda Bridge in Matale today.
🇮🇳 🇱🇰
@IndiainSL @BimalRathnayake @santjha

The ceremony was also attended by Members of Parliament; senior officials of the Road Development Authority; and other dignitaries.

The Moragahakanda Bridge is the first of 13 permanent bridges to be constructed across different provinces of Sri Lanka under grant assistance from the Government of India. The project forms part of India’s wider USD 450 million reconstruction and rehabilitation package announced following Cyclone Ditwah, aimed at restoring critical infrastructure in affected areas.

The Moragahakanda Bridge has been accorded priority following a special request from the Government of Sri Lanka, given its importance in restoring connectivity in the region. The new bridge, over 175 metres in length, will provide an important link between the Matale and Polonnaruwa districts and facilitate the movement of local communities.

The bridge will be constructed by IRCON International Limited, an Indian Public Sector Undertaking with a longstanding presence in Sri Lanka.

Following commencement of work at Moragahakanda, construction at the remaining 12 permanent bridge locations is expected to commence over the coming weeks.

India has already constructed 11 Bailey bridges at 10 locations across Sri Lanka to provide immediate restoration of transport links disrupted by Cyclone Ditwah. The commencement of the permanent bridge programme marks the transition from emergency restoration to the construction of permanent and resilient infrastructure.

In addition to the bridge projects, several railway-related connectivity projects are also expected to commence soon under the INR-denominated USD 250 million long-term Line of Credit. These include a new railway bridge at Peradeniya and rehabilitation of railway lines, along with associated signalling systems.

The commencement of the Moragahakanda Bridge reflects India’s continued commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in building resilient infrastructure and strengthening connectivity. These initiatives are part of India’s longstanding, people-centric development partnership with Sri Lanka, aimed at delivering tangible benefits to communities across the island.

[Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 @SriLankaTweet]

A prayer for rain from the skies above 🛫 💧🌧️ 🇱🇰🙏

Buddhist monks chanted Pirith as a Sri Lanka Air Force aircraft carried and dispersed blessed Pirith water from the skies on Sept. 19, in a symbolic prayer for rain and relief as Sri Lanka faces dry weather conditions.

@airforcelk 🙏

[Sri Lanka First @SriLankaFirst]

Gold 🥇 or Silver 🥈 ?

[Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 @SriLankaTweet]

SRI LANKA WOMEN ARE INTO THE FINAL🇱🇰🔥 🏏

Sri Lanka qualify for the FINAL of the Asian Games Women’s Cricket Competition

🇱🇰 SL Women 181/2 (17.5 overs)
🇵🇰 Pakistan Women 177/4

[Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 @SriLankaTweet]

SRI LANKA WOMEN ARE INTO THE FINAL🇱🇰🔥 🏏

Sri Lanka qualify for the FINAL of the Asian Games Women’s Cricket Competition

🇱🇰 SL Women 181/2 (17.5 overs)
🇵🇰 Pakistan Women 177/4

[Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 @SriLankaTweet]

Today is Snakebite Awareness Day 🐍 🪱

An estimated 5.4 million people worldwide are bitten by snakes each year, around 130,000 people die each year because of snake bites

[Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 @SriLankaTweet]

Weather Alert ‼️
Expect rough seas, stronger winds and increased rainfall around parts of Sri Lanka and the surrounding seas due to a low pressure

[Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 @SriLankaTweet]

Proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution is set for a crucial week, with the Supreme Court’s confidential determination on the Bill scheduled to be presented to Parliament on September 22
https://t.co/ULzrvnCM6Q

[Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 @SriLankaTweet]

Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu are both suffering from the growing drug menace 🚨

The Palk Strait should not only be seen as a source of disputes, but also as a space for cooperation.

Now is the time for Sri Lanka and India to work together to combat drug trafficking, strengthen maritime security and protect communities on both sides.
🇱🇰🇮🇳

@pathfinderSL @MilindaMoragoda

Drug menace is a shared threat for Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka—and a new opportunity

By Milinda Moragoda

The Print 2026.09.17

A high-level political dialogue between Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu, supported by the Indian government, followed by a joint mechanism for cooperation would be a useful first step.

The waters of the Palk Strait have long connected India and Sri Lanka, but they have also been a source of tension. Today, they could provide an opportunity for a different kind of cooperation.
India and Sri Lanka have a good relationship and maintain a regular political dialogue. Defence, maritime, and economic cooperation have expanded in recent years. The more complicated dimension has historically been the relationship between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.
The legacy of the separatist conflict continues to influence that relationship, while the fisheries dispute has periodically created tensions between communities on both sides of the Palk Strait. These are sensitive matters that require patience and political understanding.
There is, however, another issue that crosses the Palk Strait and affects both societies: drugs.
The growing narcotics problem in Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu is a serious challenge. It could also provide an opportunity for cooperation in an area where their interests are fundamentally aligned.
Sri Lanka’s drug problem is no longer simply an urban phenomenon. It has spread into communities across the country, including rural areas. Jaffna and the Northern Province, which have had to contend with the long social consequences of the war, are also facing serious concerns about drug use among young people.
The emergence of synthetic drugs, particularly crystal methamphetamine, or ice, has added a new dimension to a problem previously more closely associated with heroin and cannabis.
Tamil Nadu faces its own substantial challenge. Its large population, transport networks, ports, and proximity to Sri Lanka create vulnerabilities to international trafficking, while the state is also dealing with consumption and addiction within its own communities.
The two situations are not identical. But their geography means they cannot be looked at entirely separately.
A practical initiative
The issue is already receiving attention at the highest political levels on both sides of the Palk Strait. Sri Lanka has made combating the drug menace a national priority, while Tamil Nadu has also intensified its campaign against narcotics. During the recent visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Colombo, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake sought India’s support for Sri Lanka’s efforts against drug trafficking.
This creates an opening for a practical initiative.
At the highest political levels, Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu could begin a direct dialogue on the narcotics challenge, with the involvement of the Indian central government. A joint mechanism could then bring together relevant authorities from both sides.
Read more https://t.co/lgeAiJ79jt

[Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 @SriLankaTweet]

PM Harini Amarasuriya met China’s newly appointed Ambassador Wei Huaxiang at Temple Trees, discussing stronger bilateral ties 🇱🇰🇨🇳 ahead of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027, school uniform assistance, digital education and scholarships for Sri Lankan students.

@Dr_HariniA @ChinaEmbSL

China-Sri Lanka Cooperation Discussed Ahead of 70th Anniversary

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya held discussions with China’s newly appointed Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Wei Huaxiang, at Temple Trees on September 16.

The talks focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation ahead of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027, including a 3–5 year plan for the timely provision of school uniforms, support for digitalising education, and scholarship opportunities for Sri Lankan students.

[Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 @SriLankaTweet]

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath’s official visit to Thailand has opened up 10,000 employment opportunities for Sri Lankan workers through new agreements on labour cooperation and employment.

🇱🇰🇹🇭

The visit also advanced cooperation in tourism, investment, education, maritime security and visa facilitation, while promoting stronger business and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

@MFA_SriLanka @HMVijithaHerath

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath Concludes successful Official Visit to Thailand opening up 10,000 employment opportunities for Sri Lankans

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath concluded his official visit to Thailand from 14 to 16 September 2026, following an invitation from the Thai Minister of Labour Julapun Amornvivat. 

During the two-day visit, Minister Herath and Thai Minister of Labour Amornvivat signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Labour Cooperation and a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on the Employment of Sri Lankan Workers in Thailand, opening up 10,000 employment opportunities to Sri Lankan workers. The agreements establish a structured framework for the recruitment and employment of Sri Lankan workers in Thailand, while promoting their rights, welfare and protection. The agreements also contribute to diversifying Sri Lanka’s foreign employment destinations and expanding access to skilled and decent foreign employment opportunities for Sri Lankans.

Minister Herath also held discussions with the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Sarun Charoensuwan, focusing on further advancing bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly in economic cooperation, investments and tourism, education, maritime security and cultural exchanges. The discussions also entailed efforts to finalize the proposed bilateral visa exemption agreement for ordinary passport holders with a view to facilitating seamless travel between the two countries.

As part of his official programme, Minister Herath held discussions with the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), during which the two sides exchanged views on tourism development and destination promotion, with particular attention to Thailand’s experience and best practices. The engagement provided valuable insights into innovative approaches to destination development, application of technology and promotion of cultural heritage, with a view to further strengthening cooperation and sharing best practices in tourism between Sri Lanka and Thailand.

The visit also included engagements with prominent private sector business leaders in Thailand to identify potential business opportunities in Sri Lanka and facilitating greater engagement between the business communities of the two countries. 

The visit provided opportunity to advance practical cooperation in tourism and employment, migration and labour mobility, strengthen people-to-people links, and enhance bilateral economic engagement between Sri Lanka and Thailand. 

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand, Wijayanthi Edirisinghe and the senior diplomatic officers of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Thailand were associated with Minister Herath during the visit.

[Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 @SriLankaTweet]

Ayubovan ආයුබෝවන් வணக்கம்🙏
Welcome to Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 🙏

Warm greetings to David Myers, who has assumed duties as the new Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka.

🇺🇸🇱🇰