US Secretary of State cancels Sri Lanka visit

Mahinda slams Sirisena over allegations on Lotus Tower

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today accused President Maithripala Sirisena of making false allegations on the Colombo Lotus Tower project. He also accused the President of insulting China in the presence of the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Colombo Lotus Tower, the President made a statement to the effect that back in 2012, one of the Chinese contractors involved in the project – a company named ALIT – had taken the advance payment of Rs two bill

18 Sep, 2019

Lotus Tower opening marred by claims of major scam in 2012

The opening of the Colombo Lotus Tower was marred by claims of a major scam linked to the deal in 2012. Speaking at the opening of the tower, President Maithripala Sirisena said that in 2012 a Chinese company had been paid Rs. 2 billion by the then Government as part of the deal for the project. He said that the money had been paid to Aerospace Long-March International Trade Co. Ltd (ALIT) in China. However, Sirisena, who was elected President in 2015, said that by 2016 there was no sign of A

16 Sep, 2019

US asserts it respects Sri Lanka?s culture

The United States has asserted that it appreciates and respects Sri Lanka?s culture. The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alaina B. Teplitz officially opened the Anuradhapura Department of Archeology Museum on September 12, marking the completion of a decade-long, U.S.-funded museum renovation project, which includes upgraded preservation techniques and equipment for its collection. The collection consists of archeologically significant rare objects, including gilded statues, bronze statues, ancient

16 Sep, 2019