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The digitalisation and decentralisation of the President’s Fund through Divisional Secretariat offices have resulted in a significant rise in requests for medical assistance, with applications increasing by 59% within a year, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).

Issuing a statement, the PMD said that 5,277 applications were submitted to the President’s Fund in 2025, compared to 3,313 applications in 2024 and 3,456 in 2023. This marks an increase of 1,964 applications from the previous year, attributed largely to the recent reforms.

More than 70% of applicants have already received medical assistance, the PMD noted, adding that applications are now accepted at every Divisional Secretariat office across the island, making the process more accessible to the public.

Regionally, applications recorded notable growth in 2025, with a 253% increase in the Northern Province, 135% in the Eastern Province, 116% in the Central Province, and 108% in the Uva Province.

The acceptance of medical assistance applications through all Divisional Secretariats began on February 7, 2025. Encouraged by the success of this initiative, authorities have begun extending digitalisation to other services offered by the President’s Fund.

As a result, for the first time in its 47-year history, all services of the President’s Fund—previously accessible only in Colombo—can now be applied for at any Divisional Secretariat office, significantly improving nationwide access to benefits, the PMD added.

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has confirmed that residents in selected areas of the Kandy District will experience a 22-hour interruption to the water supply today (February 8).

According to a notice issued by the Water Board, water services will be suspended from 6.00 a.m. today until 4.00 a.m. tomorrow (February 9). The temporary shutdown is necessary to carry out urgent maintenance work at the Polgolla Reservoir.

The NWSDB stated that the water supply will be affected in the following locations: Asgiriya (within the Municipal Council limits), Wegiriya, Pallemulla (both old and new areas), Yatihalagala, Kondadeniya, the Rajapihilla Service Reservoir area, the Medawala (Old) Service Reservoir area, Kahawatta, Kurugoda, Bulugohotenna, Girakaduwa, Kahalla, Thelambugahawatta, Nugawela, Balanagala, the Medawala (New) Service Reservoir area, Galagedara, and Mawathagama.

Consumers in these areas have been advised to make necessary arrangements in advance to minimize inconvenience during the period of the water cut.

Indian refiners are avoiding Russian oil purchases for delivery in April and are expected to stay away from such trades for longer, refining and trade sources said, a move that could help New Delhi seal a trade pact with Washington.

The U.S. and India moved closer to a trade pact on Friday, announcing a framework for a deal they hope to conclude by March that would lower tariffs and deepen economic cooperation.

Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Reliance Industries are not accepting offers from traders for Russian oil loading in March and April, said a trader who approached the refiners.

These refiners, however, had already scheduled some deliveries of Russian oil in March, refining sources said. Most other refiners have stopped buying Russian crude.

TRUMP SAYS INDIA ‘COMMITTED’ TO HALTING PURCHASES

The three refiners and the oil ministry did not respond to requests for comment. The trade minister on Saturday referred questions about Russian oil to the foreign ministry.

A foreign ministry spokesperson said: “Diversifying our energy sourcing in keeping with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics is at the core of our strategy” to ensure energy security for the world’s most-populous nation.

Although a U.S.-India statement on the trade framework did not mention Russian oil, President Donald Trump rescinded his 25% tariffs on Indian goods, imposed over Russian oil purchases, because, he said, New Delhi had “committed to stop directly or indirectly” importing Russian oil.

New Delhi has not announced plans to halt Russian oil imports.

India became the top buyer of discounted Russian seaborne crude after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, spurring a backlash from Western nations that had targeted Russia’s energy sector with sanctions aimed at curtailing Moscow’s revenue and making it harder to fund the war.

INDIA’S RUSSIAN-OIL IMPORTS A FRACTION OF 2025 LEVELS

One regular Indian buyer is Russia-backed private refiner Nayara, which relies solely on Russian oil for its 400,000-barrel-per-day refinery. Sources said Nayara may be allowed to keep buying Russian oil because other crude sellers pulled back after the European Union sanctioned the refiner in July.

Nayara also does not plan to import Russian crude in April due to a month-long refinery maintenance shutdown, a source familiar with its operations said.

Nayara did not respond to an email seeking comment.

Indian refiners may change their plan and place orders for Russian oil only if advised by the government, sources said.

Trump’s order said U.S. officials would monitor and recommend reinstating the tariffs if India resumed oil procurement from Russia.

Sources said last month that India was preparing to cut Russian oil imports below 1 million bpd by March, with volumes eventually falling to 500,000–600,000 bpd, compared with an average 1.7 million bpd last year. India’s Russian oil imports topped 2 million bpd in mid-2025.

The intake of Russian oil by India, the world’s third-biggest oil consumer and importer, declined to its lowest level in two years in December, data from trade and industry sources show.

Indian refiners have been buying more oil from Middle Eastern, African and South American countries as they scale back Russian oil purchases.

Source:adaderana.lk

The Department of Meteorology has forecast a temporary reduction in the prevailing rainy conditions across the country from today (February 8) through February 11, 2026.

Despite the overall decrease in rainfall, isolated showers may still occur in the Uva Province and in the districts of Matale, Nuwara Eliya, Ampara, Batticaloa, and Polonnaruwa. In addition, the Met Department said that a few locations in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as in Galle and Matara districts, could experience showers or thundershowers after 2.00 p.m.

Fairly strong winds, with speeds ranging between 30 and 40 kilometres per hour, are expected at times along the eastern slopes of the central hills and across the Northern, North-Central, and North-Western provinces. Similar wind conditions are also likely in the Matale, Trincomalee, and Hambantota districts.

Misty conditions are forecast during the early morning hours in parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Central provinces, along with Galle, Matara, and Badulla districts.

The public has been advised to remain cautious and take necessary safety measures to reduce potential damage from localized strong winds and lightning associated with thundershowers.

Police have launched an investigation after a body was discovered in a canal near Delgas Junction along the Matugama–Agalawatta main road.

The deceased has been identified as a 41-year-old resident of Ittapane, according to police sources. At this stage, authorities say the exact cause of death has yet to be established.

The body has been transferred to the Nagoda Hospital morgue, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine further details.

Matugama Police are continuing inquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

A police constable taken into custody in connection with the assault of a colleague in Bogawantalawa, Hatton, has been remanded by court, police said.

The Hatton Magistrate’s Court ordered that the suspect be held in remand custody until February 10. Following the court’s decision, the officer has also been suspended from active duty.

According to police reports, the incident occurred after a dispute between the two constables while they were on duty at the police barracks. The argument reportedly escalated, resulting in one officer attacking the other with a sharp weapon.

The injured constable sustained serious injuries to the abdominal area and is currently receiving treatment at the Nawalapitiya Hospital.

Police have launched further investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism has reaffirmed that Sri Lanka’s foreign policy is increasingly driven by economic objectives, with a strong emphasis on expanding trade, attracting investment, promoting tourism, and fostering innovation.

Addressing the COYLE Diplomats’ Evening 2026 on Thursday (January 5), the Minister said Sri Lanka’s overseas diplomatic missions are playing an active role in boosting exports, drawing foreign direct investment, supporting tourism growth, and enabling the transfer of technology and expertise.

He stressed that closer collaboration between diplomacy and the business sector is essential to opening new economic pathways and securing greater access to international markets.

The Minister also highlighted Sri Lanka’s strategic geographical position along key global maritime routes, noting that it provides the country with a natural advantage as a regional hub for trade, logistics, and connectivity within the Indian Ocean.

In addition, he pointed to the country’s skilled human capital, improving infrastructure, and growing digital capacity as key strengths that offer opportunities for cooperation across sectors including manufacturing, renewable energy, information and communication technology, agriculture, tourism, and logistics.

Reiterating the Government’s policy direction, the Minister said reforms are being pursued to strengthen transparency, improve the ease of doing business, and build investor trust. He added that Sri Lanka continues to engage closely with international partners and multilateral organizations to maintain macroeconomic stability and ensure sustainable long-term growth.

Japanese voters were casting ballots on Sunday in an election expected to hand Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi a resounding win, although record snowfall in parts of the country could keep many voters at home.

The conservative coalition of Takaichi, the nation’s first female leader, could win more than 300 of the 465 seats in the lower house of parliament, according to multiple opinion polls, a large gain from the 233 it is defending.

If the coalition of Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party with the Japan Innovation Party, known as Ishin, wins 310 seats, it would be able to override the opposition-controlled upper chamber.

#newShe has vowed to step down if the coalition loses its majority.

TAKAICHI RIDES ‘SANAKATSU’ WAVE AMONG YOUNG VOTERS

Takaichi, 64, who became prime minister in October after being selected LDP leader, sought a mandate from voters in a rare winter election as she rides a wave of popularity.

With a straight-talking style and an image as a hard worker that have won her support, especially with younger voters, Takaichi has accelerated military spending to counter China, which she sparked a diplomatic row with, and pushed economic stimulus and tax cuts that have rattled financial markets.

“If Takaichi wins big, she will have more political room to follow through on key commitments, including on consumption tax” cuts, said Seiji Inada, managing director at FGS Global, a strategic advisory consultancy. “Markets could react in the following days, and the yen could come under renewed pressure.”

She has promised to suspend the 8% sales tax on food for two years to help households cope with rising prices, partly driven by the yen’s sharp fall.

Takaichi has generated a social media-led wave, mostly among younger voters, of a Sanae-mania called “sanakatsu” for products she uses, such as her handbag and the pink pen she scribbles notes with in parliament.

A recent opinion poll found voters under 30 favouring her by more than 90%. That young cohort, however, is less likely to vote than the older generations that have long been the bedrock of LDP support.

On Thursday, Takaichi received the endorsement of U.S. President Donald Trump, a signal that may appeal to right-leaning voters but could also put off some moderates.

WHITEOUT COULD BOOST ORGANISED VOTING BLOCS

With up to 70 cm (28 inches) of snow forecast in northern and eastern regions on Sunday, some voters will have to battle blizzards to pass their verdict on her administration. It is only the third postwar election held in February, with elections typically called during milder months.

In Nagaoka in the rural northern prefecture of Niigata, where snow was piled more than 1 metre (3 feet) high along the roadsides on Saturday, campaigners urged people to vote early to avoid expected snow storms.

“It’s bad enough here in the towns, but in the mountains there’s twice as much snow. 

It’s hard just to leave the house,” said Takehiko Igarashi, a volunteer for the Japanese Communist Party, which he said was calling up supporters and offering to drive them to polling stations.

Turnout in recent lower house elections has hovered around the mid-50% range. Any slump on Sunday could amplify the influence of organised voting blocs.

One of those is Komeito, which last year quit its coalition with the LDP and has merged into a centrist group with the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. Komeito has close ties to the lay-Buddhist Soka Gakkai group, which claims at least 8 million members nationwide.

Voters will pick lawmakers in 289 single-seat constituencies, with the rest decided by proportional-representation votes for parties. Polls close at 8 p.m. (1100 GMT), when broadcasters are expected to issue projections based on their exit polls.

Source:adaderana.lk

Police in Norway have opened a corruption investigation into the country’s former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland over his alleged links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

A special Norwegian police unit which is analysing newly released Epstein files in the US said the 75-year-old was suspected of “aggravated corruption”.

Police said they had already asked the country’s foreign ministry to lift his immunity, which he enjoys because of his past role as a senior foreign diplomat.

Jagland is also a former head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee and spent 10 years as secretary general of the Council of Europe.

His lawyer said they would fully co-operate with the investigation.

Pål K. Lønseth, head of Økokrim - the economic crime unit investigating Jagland - said: “We consider there are reasonable grounds for investigation, given that he held the positions of chair of the Nobel Committee and Secretary General of the Council of Europe during the period covered by the released documents.

“Among other things, Økokrim will investigate whether gifts, travel and loans were received in connection with his position.”

The police added that further details would be given “at a later stage”.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said it was “important that the facts of this case are brought to light”.

He added that Oslo would ask the Council of Europe for Jagland’s immunity to be revoked.

Jagland’s lawyer Anders Brosveet welcomed the opening of the investigation.

“Based on what we have found so far, we are confident of the outcome,” he told Reuters news agency.

Separately, Brosveet told Norway’s VG news site that he and his client would submit “the key findings and documentation we have to Økokrim as soon as practically possible”.

Jagland was Norway’s prime minister in 1996-97, and the secretary general of the Council of Europe in 2009-19.

He also chaired the Norwegian Nobel Committee in 2009-15.

Source:adaderana.lk

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday, as the two countries look to bolster trade and explore potential collaborations in semiconductors, defence and other fields.

Modi is on a two-day visit to Malaysia, his first since the two countries elevated ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in August 2024.

His meeting with Anwar will take place at the Malaysian premier’s official residence in the administrative capital Putrajaya, where the pair will also witness the signing of several cooperation agreements in areas including health care, national security and labour, Malaysia’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Friday.

India’s foreign ministry said on Thursday the two countries were in the process of establishing a multi-layered arrangement to collaborate in the semiconductor sector.

India is also seeking to boost defence ties, and was in talks with Malaysia on a potential sale of Dornier aircraft as well as servicing and upgrades to Scorpene-class submarines and Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets, a ministry official said.

Malaysia’s total trade with India amounted to $18.6 billion last year, comprising exports of palm oil as well as electrical and electronic goods, while imports from India mainly consisted of agricultural, petroleum and chemical products, according to government data.

Source:adaderana.lk

The government has approved an allocation of Rs. 1,925,010,000 from the President’s Fund to grant a Rs. 10,000 allowance to schoolchildren in districts affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

In a statement, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said the required funds have been released and distributed to Divisional Secretariats through the respective District Secretariats to facilitate payments.

The assistance forms part of a broader relief initiative designed to help students continue their education following the disaster. Under the programme, each eligible student will receive a total of Rs. 25,000 in financial support. Of this amount, Rs. 15,000 will be provided by the General Treasury, while the remaining Rs. 10,000 will be disbursed from the President’s Fund.

According to the PMD, the Rs. 10,000 allowance has already been fully paid to schoolchildren in the districts of Ampara, Hambantota, Polonnaruwa, Monaragala, Mannar, and Vavuniya.

#newSteps are currently being taken to extend the same financial assistance to students in other cyclone-affected districts in the coming days.