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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized that no matter the extent of economic growth reflected in statistics, if the advantages of this growth do not extend to the rural communities, then such growth holds no significance.

The President further stated that while it is important to achieve national economic growth, it is equally essential to expand the economy in a way that creates opportunities for rural communities and makes them active participants in the economic process. He stated that this is a responsibility of the government.

The President made these remarks today (04) attending the launch of the “Prajashakthi” National Programme held at Temple Trees, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said in a statement.

The “Prajashakthi” National Programme has been launched as a key initiative of the current government, aiming to empower communities and ensure the fair distribution of economic benefits across society, according to the PMD.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Mr. Sampath Manthrinayake, welcomed participants to the programme. The Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake outlined the objectives of the initiative.

Following this, the Chairman of the “Prajashakthi” National Operations Committee and Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Dr. Upali Pannilage, introduced the national movement.

The official “Prajashakthi” website was also launched by President Anura Kumara Disanayake during the event, the PMD added.

The full speech delivered by President Anura Kumara Disanayake:

“A few years ago, our country experienced a severe economic collapse. While there were various contributing factors to this collapse, we must not forget that ordinary people in rural areas, who played no part in its cause, endured the greatest hardships.

They were affected in areas such as food affordability, access to quality healthcare, educational opportunities and the development of rural infrastructure. Therefore, the present government has both a responsibility and a challenge to uplift rural lives. This is a duty that cannot be abandoned.

One of the top priorities of our government is to eradicate rural poverty as a key step towards national progress.

Today, we have managed to bring the economy to a relatively stable state. We have maintained the dollar’s value close to Rs. 300, steadily raised foreign reserves, directed treasury revenue to meet our goals and reduced interest rates to single digits. These are notable indicators of economic stability. We have also been able to gradually restore investor confidence in the country.

Numerous stalled projects have been successfully renegotiated and restarted. In addition, we have received a substantial number of proposals for new investment projects, many of which were approved at the recent Cabinet meeting. Therefore, our focus is now on new investments and development projects. Through these effective and results-driven investments, we can simultaneously achieve economic stability and economic growth.

However, if these economic benefits do not flow to the rural population, then even achieving growth in statistical terms is insufficient. This is why we must pursue economic growth on one hand and economic expansion on the other. If rural people are not given economic opportunities and included as stakeholders in the economy, they will become marginalised. Our core approach must therefore be to expand the economy and integrate rural communities into it.

This is possible only if the current rural economic activities are transformed into more productive, efficient and profitable ventures. These sectors should be developed to become thriving businesses. Widening their access to economic opportunities is also vital. Hence, we are prioritising the creation of new economic avenues for the rural population, making them active players in the economy.

Poverty has gone beyond being an economic issue and become a deep-rooted social problem. Poor communities have become isolated from society. Therefore, eliminating rural poverty is one of the government’s primary responsibilities. Education plays a key role in this. There is a direct correlation between poverty and lack of education. Thus, we must expand educational opportunities further. Despite all efforts, every society has a segment of people who will face difficulties. Even in so-called developed nations, such communities exist. A welfare system is required to support these groups.

Welfare is not inherently a bad tool. If a population is vulnerable at a given time, it is the government’s responsibility to protect them. However, welfare has often been misused, turning into a political tool. This has led to growing criticism of such programmes due to their politicisation.

Our policy under the National People’s Power government is to provide targeted welfare. Assistance must be given to the right people for the right reasons. I believe the government holds this responsibility and society must also understand its importance. In our society, there is a belief that anything given by the state must be received by all. That is a mistaken belief. Our state is not built on such a culture of entitlement. Our culture is to protect those who need protection. Because of distortions in past practices, those who don’t need aid often compete to obtain it, making it harder to support those who truly do.

We must therefore foster a new culture. People must be self-aware enough to recognise whether they truly deserve government support. Even if you have the ability, the person next door mat doesn’t have that ability. It is essential to cultivate a sense of responsibility to assist others. But today’s mentality is to claim whatever is available, regardless of whether one needs it or not. This is the reason we strive to create a strong data system, ensuring that support is provided solely to those who truly require it.

However, we all know that a society cannot rely forever on welfare programmes. There will always be a need for welfare systems, but they must not serve the same individuals or communities indefinitely. Others too must be enabled to become contributors to the economy.

Significant government funds have been expended for this purpose. Approximately, Rs. 230 billion has been allocated solely for the ‘Aswesuma’ programme. Large sums of money have also been spent on other aid programmes. However, have these funds reached the targeted communities? Have the intended benefits been realised from these funds? The answer is no.

Various international organisations implement aid programmes in this country. Looking at these, more than 50% of the expenditure goes towards establishing the mechanism for delivering the aid. An official waits to see how they can personally benefit from a project once it is received. They have their job, but the project is not within their purview. They then claim that an allowance is required to implement the project. Consequently, a substantial portion of these aid funds is spent on the aid delivery mechanism rather than reaching the intended beneficiaries. Furthermore, a significant amount has been spent on training within this mechanism. These practices must cease. As a government and as state officials, you have a responsibility to ensure that aid reaches the targeted communities.

We assure you that we will absolutely not allow any misuse of these funds. An operation must be launched to ensure that aid reaches those who are deserving.

Similarly, there is a tendency for every Ministry to believe they must provide something. However, based on a very accurate data system, it should be determined what should be provided and for what purpose. But what is happening now is not in that manner. Every institution and department is inclined to provide aid. Yet, all aid flowing to rural communities and programmes aimed at empowering their economies must be integrated. A large portion of our aid has been provided merely for subsistence. It has not succeeded in improving the living standards of these people. That is why an integrated operation is necessary. We are launching the ‘Prajashakthi’ programme as that operation. It is a targeted operation. The programme must be structured down to the Divisional Secretariat level.

Currently, a significant administrative structure has been built. I do not believe a child will be born without a birth certificate anymore. When they reach the appropriate age, they obtain an identity card. In the next two years, we will move towards a digitisation mechanism. So, what is the responsibility of the lowest administrative unit in this mechanism? The responsibility of the lower administrative unit is to understand the nature of its unit and to create a plan to advance that unit based on its characteristics. We must advance the Divisional Secretariat from this point onwards. A programme should be prepared for that. There is a need to spend money there and we are prepared for it.

I also acknowledge that our state mechanism is largely dilapidated. If you consider all the vehicles owned by state officials, they are all more than 15 years old. More than 50% of the buses on the road are vehicles unfit for road use. The computers in offices are significantly outdated. The systems in our institutions have not been updated. Buildings are deteriorating. From every angle, we have a dilapidated state mechanism. We come to the office like ordinary villagers. That is the honest truth. In the last budget, salaries were increased and necessary support was provided to human resources.

Therefore, in the upcoming budget, we will work to build the physical resources of the state mechanism. Relative to building physical resources, we will introduce new software systems and modernise the state mechanism. However, this is for the benefit of the citizens. If, within that modernised state, the same old person is sitting in the old chair, there is no benefit. Therefore, within this modernised state mechanism, we need a new public servant.

This is the only way we can overcome this challenge. Otherwise, if we scatter, thinking this is a political task, a job for the political authority, or for the Grama Niladhari , the Development Officer, or the Divisional Secretary, it cannot be achieved. To do this, an unyielding, integrated operation involving both the political authority and the state mechanism is required. The objective of the ‘Prajashakthi’ programme is to bring together the state mechanism, state officials and citizens into an integrated framework. Without this, nothing can be accomplished. Our aim is not merely to maintain the existing state; if that were the case, the current situation would suffice.

To rebuild a fallen state, the political authority, the state mechanism and the citizens must be brought together into an integrated operation. Therefore, there is a community that has lost economic opportunities in this fallen state. An integrated operation is needed to create economic opportunities for that community. I urge all of us to work together to make this ‘Prajashakthi’ project a success.

Dr. Upali Pannilage, Convenor of the ‘Prajashakthi’ National Policy Council and Chairman of the National Operations Committee, Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community empowerment :

When discussing poverty in our country, the village holds a special place. Not only in Sri Lanka, but internationally, especially when looking at Asia, Africa and Latin American regions, we cannot discuss poverty by forgetting the village. That is why the United Nations declared July 6th as World Rural Development Day.

Although rural poverty in our country has been a subject of discussion for decades, various attempts have been made to change it. However, for example, looking at the statistics for the year 2000, 1.1 million people in our country were dependent on aid. By 2010, this number had increased to 1.5 million. By the end of 2024, the number of people dependent on aid had reached close to 1.8 million.

These statistics confirm that despite numerous programmes implemented to eradicate poverty, the impoverished community in our country is growing steadily. Although the world’s population is rapidly urbanising, nearly 79% of our country’s total population lives in rural or estate areas. Therefore, as the National People’s Power government, when planning our policies, we made the eradication of rural poverty a central theme.

Before launching this programme, we thoroughly studied the weaknesses of the poverty eradication programmes implemented in our country. We designed this programme by addressing those weaknesses and providing answers to the question: How can we truly eradicate poverty in our country? Primarily, we expect to achieve several objectives through this programme."

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya; Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development; Professor Chandana Abeyratne, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Samantha Viddyarathna, Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure; Saroja Paulraj, Minister of Women and Child Affairs; Mahinda Jayasinghe, Deputy Minister of Labour; along with other Ministers and MPs; Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank; Provincial Governors; Ministry Secretaries; state officials; and representatives from international organisations were among those who attended the occasion.

--PMD

Former Minister Mervyn Silva, along with two other individuals, has been released on bail following a hearing at the Gampaha High Court.

The bail application, submitted by Silva, was considered today (3) before High Court Judge W.K.D. Wijayaratne.

The two other individuals granted bail are Jayanta Cabraal and Naveen Weerakoon.

Each suspect was released on a cash bail of Rs. 200,000 and five sureties amounting to Rs. 500,000. The court also imposed several conditions to ensure compliance with the ongoing investigation.

Judge Wijayaratne issued a travel ban on all three suspects, prohibiting them from leaving the country.

Additionally, the court sternly warned them against attempting to influence witnesses and ordered them to appear before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) every Sunday.

The Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC) has donated Rs. 100 million to the President's Fund.

Mr. Dipak Das, Managing Director of Lanka Indian Oil Company, handed over the relevant cheque to Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, at the Presidential Secretariat today (04).

It is noteworthy that this donation is in addition to the contributions Lanka Indian Oil Company already makes to the education, health and cultural sectors in the country.

Mr. Roshan Gamage, Senior Additional Secretary to the President and a group of representatives from Lanka Indian Oil Company were also present at the occasion.

One of the two persons who were injured in the Kandana shooting incident this morning has reportedly succumbed to injuries at hospital.

Two individuals who arrived on a motorcycle had carried out the shooting, targeting two people traveling in a car near the Kandana Public Market this morning (03).The suspects reportedly fled the scene afterward.

The Police Media Spokesman’s office stated that the two injured individuals were admitted to Ragama Hospital.

It was also reported that Sameera Manahara, who was the private secretary of the late Minister Mangala Samaraweera, is one of those injured in the Kandana shooting, police said.

However, a short while ago it was reported that one of the two injured persons had died at hospital, and Sameera Manahara is currently receiving further treatment at Ragama Hospital.

The deceased has been identified as a 50-year-old resident of the Kandana area. The firearm used in the shooting has not yet been identified, and the motive for the shooting remains unknown.

(adaderana)

The three-day stakeholder awareness programme on the Draft National Research and Development Policy, jointly organised by the Presidential Secretariat and the Ministry of Science and Technology, successfully concluded at Temple Trees in Colombo on Thursday.

This Draft National Research and Development Policy has been prepared under the guidance of Professor Gomika Udugamasooriya, Senior Presidential Advisor on Science and Technology, and Professor G.W.A. Rohan Fernando, Chairman of the National Science and Technology Commission, with the facilitation of the National Science and Technology Commission.

According to the President’s Office, it has received contributions from numerous local and international experts.

In line with the government’s policy of “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life,” the objective of this programme is to secure stakeholder participation in formulating the necessary National Research and Development Policy framework to guide Sri Lanka towards a prosperous knowledge-based economy.

During the programme, ideas and suggestions from experts in the research and development field were gathered to ensure that the National Research and Development Policy, when practically implemented, aligns with national needs. Accordingly, this aims to formulate a futuristic policy to establish a centralised mechanism essential for successfully addressing current challenges in that field.

Accordingly, this Draft National Research and Development Policy has been prepared based on 10 objectives, including creating a conducive environment for research and innovation within the country, encouraging researchers and innovators, identifying national development priorities and establishing a broad platform for inventions and research focused on these, allocating adequate financial provisions for these research and development activities, and ensuring proper commercialisation.

This programme will be implemented with seven principles: promoting equity, effective governance, ensuring trustworthiness and transparency, embracing diversity, and inclusivity. Notably, gender considerations have also been taken into account during the drafting of this policy. The programme will be implemented as a joint initiative involving four sectors: the government, the private sector, the general public and international stakeholders.

Furthermore, the research and development sector has been categorised under 7 main themes: Agriculture and Food Security, Health, Science and Education, Technology Sector, Natural Resources, Economy and National Security and Arts and Human Development.

Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President; G.P. Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance; Y.L. Mohamed Nawawi, Secretary to the Ministry of Science and Technology; and Senior Advocate J.M. Wijebandara, Director General of Legal Affairs at the Presidential Secretariat, participated as invitees in this three-day programme.

During this programme, Professor Gomika Udugamasooriya, Senior Presidential Advisor on Science and Technology, briefed the participants on the Draft National Research and Development Policy.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Gomika Udugamasooriya pointed out that there is currently visionary leadership that prioritises and values the research and development sector. He stated that economic progress, social well-being and environmental sustainability are the main objectives of formulating this national policy. He further added that according to United Nations reports, only about 60% of Sri Lanka’s human capital is utilised, and since the country has a highly intelligent population, this policy approach is crucial for properly leveraging their potential.

Professor Udugamasooriya stated that developed countries allocate between 3% and 5% of their GDP to the research and development sector, while countries like Sri Lanka have so far allocated a very small percentage to this sector. He expressed satisfaction that this situation is changing under the current government and further mentioned that investment in the research and development sector is essential for the advancement of innovation and for achieving high economic growth.

Professor G.W.A. Rohan Fernando, Chairman of the National Science and Technology Commission, in his inaugural address, stated that this Draft National Research and Development Policy proposes both a legal framework for research and an ethical framework of international standards. He further added that this is expected to strengthen Sri Lanka’s research and development sector, bringing it on par with those in countries such as India, China, Malaysia and Korea.

The concluding address of the programme was delivered by Mr. Y.L. Mohamed Nawawi, Secretary to the Ministry of Science and Technology, who stated that this programme should be implemented not individually but collectively, as a team, with collaboration, and he invited all stakeholders to participate.

At the end of the awareness session, which was held from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on all three days, stakeholders were given the opportunity to present their ideas and suggestions. Professor Gomika Udugamasooriya and the panel of experts provided answers and clarifications for these.

Over 650 individuals participated in this three-day programme, including Ministry Secretaries, Heads of Departments, and other senior government officials; Vice-Chancellors, Deans, and Heads of Departments from government and private universities; representatives from public and private sector research institutions; and independent researchers.

A discussion was held today (2) at the Presidential Secretariat between Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President and Bonnie Horbach, the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Sri Lanka.

The talks focused on the possible return to Sri Lanka of ancient artefacts and manuscripts currently in the possession of the Netherlands, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).

Ambassador Bonnie Horbach expressed her gratitude for the cooperation extended by the Government of Sri Lanka in this endeavour. She also remarked that this initiative presents a significant opportunity to further strengthen the cultural ties between the two countries.

The government of the Netherlands has adopted a policy position that colonial-era artefacts should be returned to their countries of origin as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation with formerly colonised nations, the PMD said.

In line with this, they have initiated a research programme as a first step towards the restitution of such cultural objects. An agreement has been reached with Sri Lankan authorities to conduct joint research on colonial-era artefacts currently held in the Netherlands.

As an initial step, it is expected that researchers from both countries will conduct studies on the collection of these ancient manuscripts held in the Netherlands, under the leadership of Sri Lanka’s Department of National Archives, the statement added.

Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamange and Krishen Mendis, Cultural Affairs Advisor to the Netherlands Ambassador, also attended the meeting.

Former Minister S.M. Chandrasena was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

The Commission confirmed that the arrest is linked to an ongoing investigation into corruption and irregularities surrounding a maize seed distribution program.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son, Yoshitha Rajapaksa, and his grandmother Daisy Forrest Wickramasinghe were formally indicted today (2) before the Colombo High Court on charges under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The indictments, presented before High Court Judge Pradeep Abeyratne, allege that the accused were involved in laundering approximately Rs. 59 million through three private bank accounts.

The Attorney General’s Department claims the funds were acquired through means that could not be legally justified, constituting a violation of anti-money laundering laws.

Following the indictment, both Yoshitha and Daisy Forrest were released on bail, each posting Rs. 1 million in personal surety.

Representing the state was State Counsel Oswald Perera, while President’s Counsels Sampath Mendis and Anil Silva appeared for the defense.

The case has been scheduled to be heard again on August 4.

The foundation stone for a new five-storey building at the Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama was laid this morning (July 3), marking the beginning of a major expansion project.

The construction will be carried out under the full supervision and labour support of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

Financial support is also provided by Indra Kumar Silva, founder and chairman of the Indra Traders Group.

The new facility, spanning 50,000 square feet, will include two inpatient wards capable of accommodating 80 patients, a paediatric intensive care unit, and a paediatric outpatient chemotherapy unit.

The ceremony was attended by Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, senior Air Force officials, and members of the hospital staff. 

Elon Musk announced via X, (Formerly known as Twitter) that Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency satellite internet service is now officially available across the island nation.

“Starlink now available in Sri Lanka! 🇱🇰”, and included a screenshot from Starlink’s official account confirming the launch. The image featured a map of Sri Lanka, shaded entirely in blue, indicating nationwide coverage, with key cities marked to highlight accessibility.

The distribution of sanitary napkins among schoolgirls has been handed over exclusively to four trading institutions registered with the Sri Lanka Standards Institution, said the Education Ministry.

These four institutions will visit the schools for the distribution of sanitary napkin packets, it said in a statement.

Minister of Transport and Highways Bimal Rathnayake says the Cabinet has approved the implementation of an islandwide online traffic fine payment system.

He made this statement during a media briefing near the Kottawa Expressway entrance, following a public awareness programme on mandatory seat belt use for vehicles travelling on expressways.

“The Cabinet approved the proposal today. At present, the online fine payment system is available only between Kurunegala and Anuradhapura. Now, we’re providing all police units with mobile devices, so that from this year, traffic fines can be paid from anywhere via mobile phones,” the minister said.

He emphasized that while the government is making it easier to pay fines, the real objective is road safety. “Rather than paying fines, we urge everyone to drive carefully, wear seat belts, and avoid violations. Our core message is simple, travel safely,” he added.