Sri Lanka and India today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide modern medical equipment worth Rs. 600 million for the new Deniyaya Base Hospital. 

According to the Ministry of Health, the agreement was signed at the Ministry under the patronage of Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, with Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe and Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha placing their signatures.

The initiative forms part of India’s “Aftermath Cyclone Ditwah Project”, aimed at rehabilitating health infrastructure affected by the cyclone. The project will supply essential equipment to the relocated Deniyaya Base Hospital, enhancing safer, higher‑quality, and more efficient healthcare for residents of Deniyaya and surrounding areas.

Minister Jayatissa described the MoU as a reaffirmation of the decades‑long friendship and cooperation between the two nations. He expressed gratitude to the Government of India and the Indian High Commission in Colombo for their financial support, noting that the donation will significantly expand treatment services, improve diagnostic and therapeutic quality, and strengthen healthcare delivery in the Matara District.

The relocation of the hospital comes as the current site is prone to landslides and lacks space for expansion. A new location has been identified at Handford Estate, about three kilometers from Deniyaya town, following geological and technical assessments.

The Ministry of Health has planned a 300‑bed modern hospital, to be built in two phases with an investment of Rs. 6 billion (Rs. 6,000 million). The first phase will include male, female, pediatric, and maternity wards, operating theatres, an intensive care unit, accident and emergency facilities, and a blood bank. The design also incorporates separate transport access for patients and official quarters for health staff.

Construction is expected to begin this year and be completed within three years. The hospital is planned as a modern, environmentally friendly, disaster‑resilient institution, with capacity for future expansion. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka is set to sign several agreements and memoranda of understanding with the Republic of Belarus during an official visit by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath from May 12 to 15.

The Cabinet has granted approval for the signing of three key documents aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in air services, higher education, and health.

• An Air Services Agreement between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of Belarus.
• A Memorandum of Understanding on Higher Education Cooperation between Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education and Belarus’s Ministry of Education.
• A Memorandum of Understanding on Health Services Cooperation between Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health and Mass Media and Belarus’s Ministry of Health. (Newswire)

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The President of Vietnam is scheduled to undertake a State Visit to Sri Lanka on May 7 and 8, 2026, at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

During the visit, the two countries are expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation across several sectors, with Cabinet approval granted for the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).

The agreements include:

• Cooperation in information and communication between Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medicine and Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
• Cultural cooperation between Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
• Religious cooperation between Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Vietnam’s Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, covering development, welfare of religious students, and protection of religious practices.
• Collaboration in science and technology between the two countries’ respective ministries.
• Police training and scientific research cooperation between the Sri Lanka National Police Training Institute and Vietnam’s People’s Police Training Institute. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka and the Maldives today signed seven memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering key sectors, including tourism, education, higher education, health, sports, youth development, archives, and defence, following the official state ceremony welcoming Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu.

The agreements were announced at a joint press conference chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake after bilateral talks held at the Presidential Secretariat. 

President Dissanayake expressed gratitude to his Maldivian counterpart for accepting the invitation to visit Sri Lanka and for the humanitarian assistance extended during the recent disaster periods.

Highlighting global climate change as a shared challenge, the Sri Lankan President pointed to rising sea levels and increasing global temperatures as pressing concerns for both nations. 

He also invited the Maldives to explore investment opportunities in information technology, artificial intelligence, fisheries, agricultural processing, tourism, real estate, and urban infrastructure.

President Dissanayake noted that President Muizzu is scheduled to participate in a business forum tomorrow (May 5), which he expects will strengthen economic ties.

Marking the occasion, Sri Lanka has allocated land in Colombo for the Maldives High Commission office, while the Maldives has reciprocated by setting aside land for Sri Lanka’s High Commission. (Newswire)

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The government has announced that several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed during the upcoming state visit of the President of the Republic of Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, to Sri Lanka.

President Muizzu will visit Sri Lanka from May 3–5, 2026, at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the signing of MoUs aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors. These include:

• An MoU between the Maldives Ministry of Defence and National Service and Sri Lanka’s General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University to organize training programmes, staff exchanges, and joint research.
• An MoU between the Maldives Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education to enhance teacher and school leader training.
• An MoU between the Maldives Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare and the University of Colombo on academic cooperation.
• An MoU between the Republic of Maldives and Sri Lanka to promote cooperation in tourism.
• An MoU between the National Archives of Maldives and Sri Lanka’s Department of National Archives to strengthen collaboration in archival work.
• An MoU between the Maldives Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to advance youth and sports development.

The agreements reflect the commitment of both countries to deepen ties in defence, education, health, tourism, culture, and youth development, while fostering long‑term cooperation between institutions. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka–United States Defence Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which had earlier drawn criticism for not being made public, has now been officially released, detailing the scope and objectives of the agreement signed between the two countries.

The landmark MOU, signed on November 14, strengthens defence cooperation under the State Partnership Program (SPP) between Sri Lanka’s Armed Forces and the Montana National Guard, along with the U.S. Coast Guard District 13.

The agreement was signed at the Ministry of Defence by US Ambassador Julie Chung and Brigadier General Trenton Gibson on behalf of the United States, while Sri Lanka was represented by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd).

Following public criticism and concerns over transparency, the full content of the MOU was released, outlining collaboration in joint training, disaster response, maritime security, cyber defence, humanitarian assistance and professional military education.

According to the official statement, the MOU formalises a defence partnership aimed at improving interoperability, regional stability and preparedness in the Indo-Pacific region. It also includes cooperation in maritime domain awareness to address trafficking, migration and narcotics interdiction, as well as military-civil coordination in disaster readiness and response.

US Ambassador Julie Chung said the agreement marks a historic milestone in bilateral relations, noting that it strengthens mutual trust and long-term cooperation aimed at peace and regional security.

Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha stated that the MOU represents a progressive step in enhancing Sri Lanka’s defence capabilities, adding that it opens new avenues for capacity building and strengthens the longstanding partnership with the United States.

The agreement also places Sri Lanka within the global network of over 115 nations partnered under the US State Partnership Program, with the first joint activities expected to begin in mid-2026, focusing on disaster response and maritime security. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court has decided to dismiss, without hearing, two fundamental rights petitions requesting an order to nullify seven memoranda of understanding signed between the Governments of Sri Lanka and India.

This order was issued by a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Achala Wengappuli and Priyantha Fernando, following an extensive review of the facts.

The petitions had been submitted by a group, including Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara and the ‘Vinivida Foundation’.

The seven MoUs were inked between India and Sri Lanka, covering several key sectors, including energy, digitalization, defence, healthcare, and development assistance during Indian Premier Modi’s visit to the island in April. (Newswire)

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A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between STEMedical of the USA and the Sri Lanka Institute of Biotechnology (SLIBTEC) to establish a laboratory with internationally recognised accreditation.

The MoU for this $15 million investment project, conducted under the guidance of the National Initiative for Research and Development Commercialisation (NIRDC), was signed this morning (15) at the Presidential Secretariat. 

It was signed by Professor Hans Keirstead, founder of the American company STEMedical and on behalf of the Sri Lanka Institute of Biotechnology (SLIBTEC), by its Chairman, Professor Samitha Hettige and Chief Operating Officer, Amali Ranasinghe.

For a long time, there has been a need to enhance the capacity of laboratories with internationally recognised accreditation for testing purposes across many sectors in Sri Lanka, including health, agriculture, cosmetics and Ayurveda, as well as in the import and export fields.

Attending the occasion, Senior Presidential Advisor on Science and Technology, Professor Gomika Udugamasooriya, said that today is a special day for Sri Lanka and that accreditation is very important for a country. Prof. Udugamasooriya emphasised the significance of a laboratory project with such accreditation facilities in achieving the government’s objective of doubling the country’s export revenue by the year 2030.

This laboratory is expected to function as a main lab, working in conjunction with existing laboratories across the island, to ensure the quality of goods and services in various fields.

Professor Hans Keirstead, founder of STEMedical, stated that he is pleased with the current leadership in Sri Lanka, which he said has a broad vision for the scientific sector and has been able to identify developmental needs such as enhancing laboratory capacity. He also said that this project would bring many benefits to the country, not only clinically but also economically. Keirstead further mentioned that it would attract the attention of economic experts and generate revenue by bringing items, such as medicines, from other countries to Sri Lanka for accreditation.

Professor Hans Keirstead, the founder of STEMedical in the United States, is an internationally recognised stem cell expert. He is also a respected entrepreneur in the field of regenerative medicine in the USA. It is also noteworthy that Professor Hans Keirstead, who currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Human Immunome Project, is among the top 100 scientists in the world, as listed by Discover Magazine. (Newswire)

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South Indian politician Vaiko has condemned the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and Sri Lanka for defence cooperation during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Sri Lanka.

According to Indian media, The Hindu, the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) General Secretary said in a statement that Modi visited Sri Lanka and held talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, adding that the two sides signed seven MoUs, which included cooperation between the defence forces of the two nations.

“It was the Sri Lankan defence forces that massacred over 1.37 lakh Sri Lankan Tamils [during the civil war] and sexually assaulted thousands of women. It also suppressed the liberation movement by brutally killing several persons,” Vaiko said.

“At a time when the Tamil community wanted to bring the Sri Lankan Army before the International Court of Justice in Hague to investigate the genocide, the defence agreement between India and Sri Lanka is highly condemnable,” he added. (The Hindu)

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A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) and the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) for the operational management and maintenance of the Research Vessel (RV) Samuddrika.

According to the Sri Lanka Navy, the MOU was signed on Thursday (27 Mar) as a significant step towards enhancing Sri Lanka’s maritime research and operational capabilities.

The MOU between SLN and NARA is a vital step toward ensuring that Sri Lanka’s maritime research endeavours are equipped with the necessary tools and expertise to address challenges and opportunities. 

With the collective support of Sri Lanka’s leading maritime authorities, the research vessel is now set to play a key role in the future of marine science and development in Sri Lankan waters.

The MOU was formally signed by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda and the Chairman of NARA, Prof. Sanath Hettiarachchi. National Hydrographer of Sri Lanka, Rear Admiral Kosala Warnakulasooriya and a group of officials from NARA were also present on this occasion. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka and China signed several key MoUs aimed at strengthening collaboration in areas such as economy, social development, and industry, during an official meeting between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his Chinese Counterpart Xi Jinping. 

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, currently on a four-day state visit to China, held an official meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing this afternoon (Jan 15).

Upon President Dissanayake’s arrival at the Great Hall, he was warmly received by President Xi Jinping. The welcoming ceremony was conducted with great honour, including a ceremonial gun salute. 

Following the initial cordial discussions between the two leaders, bilateral talks commenced. 

During the discussions, President Xi Jinping emphasized China’s readiness to work closely with Sri Lanka in ushering in a new era of development. He also recalled the longstanding relationship between the two countries, highlighting the close friendship that has existed for decades.

President Xi reiterated China’s commitment to continuing its cooperation with Sri Lanka in the future. 

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake, and Director General of the Government Information Department H.S.K.J. Bandara were also part of the delegation accompanying President Dissanayake. (Newswire) 

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A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed on the tourism management project in the area around the Nine-Arch Bridge and the Demodara Railway Station in Ella.

The MOU was signed between the Ministry of Transport and Highways, the Urban Development Authority, and the Central Cultural Fund under the patronage of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the PM’s Office on Monday.

According to the PM’s Office, under the agreement, an ambulance service is to be commenced adjoining a national heritage site for the first time in Sri Lanka. 

As the second step of this project, it has been proposed to start a tourism management project in connection with the Demodara Railway Station.

Addressing the occasion, the PM expressed his appreciation for developing tourism hubs through such projects and working to increase tourist attraction. 

Pointing out that the Nine-Arch Bridge in Ella was an engineering marvel in that era, the Prime Minister emphasized that while carrying out these projects, the existence and stability of the natural environment should be protected and the heritage of the future generations should also be taken into consideration.

Also addressing the event, Minister of Transport Bandula Gunawardena said the Ella Odyssey, Dunhinda Odyssey and Calypso trains are important steps in promoting tourism. 

He further stated that the proposal to modernize and develop the railway service, which is very important in connection with these projects, has already been submitted to the President. (Newswire)

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The Governments of Sri Lanka and Jordan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on a Political Consultation Mechanism to establish a framework for expanding cooperation and exchanging views on a variety of areas of mutual interest.

According to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Amman, the agreement was signed by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Jordan J.A.D.S. Priyangika Wijegunasekara and Secretary General of Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Majed Thaliji Alqatarneh in Amman recently (July 10).

The Secretary-General said that the signing of this agreement will deepen engagements and facilitate greater people-to-people contacts between Jordan and Sri Lanka.

Expressing her gratitude to Secretary General Alqatarneh and the Government of Jordan for their commitment to enhancing cooperation and their desire to explore new avenues for collaboration between Sri Lanka and Jordan, Ambassador Wijegunasekara highlighted that the signing of this MOU marked a significant milestone in several decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries. 

The Ambassador emphasized that this MOU will establish a mechanism to officially hold regular political consultations to review bilateral cooperation in various areas between the two countries and exchange views on regional and international issues of common interest.

Head of the Asia and Pacific Division Ambassador Mohammad Abu Wendi, Head of the Legal Division of the Jordanian Foreign Ministry Ambassador Motaz Hiasat and officials of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Amman were present at the signing ceremony. (Newswire)

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The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of Sri Lanka has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) to exchange information relating to investigations and prosecutions of money laundering, bribery or corruption, and other related offences. 

According to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), the new Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023 has empowered the CIABOC to share information relevant to any investigation with any local law enforcement authority or any other Government authority. 

In terms of the Financial Transactions Reporting Act, No. 6 of 2006 (FTRA), the FIU can enter into MOUs with any domestic government institution to exchange information. The MOU between the CIABOC and the FIU would enable both institutions to exchange information, which is vital for the prevention, detection and prosecution of money laundering, bribery or corruption, and other related offences. 

Since 2008, the FIU has entered into 44 MOUs with foreign counterparts as well as 13 MOUs with domestic government agencies including Sri Lanka Customs, Department of Immigration and Emigration, Inland Revenue Department, Department for Registration of Persons, Sri Lanka Police, Excise Department of Sri Lanka, etc., in order to share information to strengthen the AML/CFT framework of the country.

The MOU was signed by Mr. Chethiya Goonasekera, PC, Commissioner of the CIABOC and Mr. Kanishka Wijeratne, Director General of the CIABOC on behalf of the CIABOC, and Dr. Subhani Keerthiratne, Director of the FIU on behalf of the FIU. 

The MOU signing was chaired by Dr. P Nandalal Weerasinghe, the Governor of the CBSL, in the capacity as the Chairman of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) National Coordinating Committee. Mrs. K M A N Daulagala, Deputy Governor of the CBSL, a member of the AML/CFT Task Force, also attended the occasion. (Newswire)

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