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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. 

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.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali ordered to further remand of former SriLankan Airlines Chairman Nishantha Wickramasinghe until July 15.

Wickramasinghe was arrested on June 27 in connection with an investigation into three allegations of corruption.

During his court appearance, Assistant Director of Legal Affairs at the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, Sulochana Hettiarachchi, explained the nature of the charges.

She stated that the investigation was initiated based on a report submitted on March 17, 2017 on an investigation carried out by a Presidential Commission of Inquiry .

Among the allegations are:

• A financial loss of USD 4,512 to the government due to the rerouting of a flight scheduled from Kuala Lumpur to Katunayake on January 22, 2014.

• A loss of USD 19,160 resulting from the transfer of 75 passengers—originally scheduled to travel from the Maldives to France via Sri Lanka on January 26, 2014—to a different aircraft.

Quoted Statement from Sulochana Hettiarachchi:

“Your Honor, on December 19, 2014, the suspect used funds belonging to SriLankan Airlines to organize a musical event at the Katunayake 18th Mile Post Grounds to support then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s election victory. This event cost the government approximately Rs 12.5 million. The suspect abused his authority by assigning extra flight duties to flight attendant Chathurika Muhandiram in a manner that provided her with undue financial benefits. He also altered flight routes to suit his personal preferences, causing significant financial losses to the government.”

Assistant Director of Legal Affairs at the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, Sulochana Hettiarachchi requested the court to remand the suspect, citing concerns that he may influence witnesses.

In response, Attorney-at-Law Asela Rekawala, representing Wickramasinghe, requested bail on medical grounds, stating that his client suffers from several health conditions.

The legal team assured the court that the suspect has no intention of leaving the country and will fully cooperate with the investigation.

After considering the submissions, the Magistrate ordered that Wickramasinghe be remanded until July 15 and instructed the Bribery Commission to conclude the investigation and report to the court on that date.

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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 National Transport Commission (NTC) has confirmed a minor reduction in bus fares under the annual fare revision, with a 0.55 % decrease set to take effect from 4 July 2025.

The adjustment applies to fares beyond the fixed tiers, offering modest relief to commuters on extended routes.

Under the new structure: Minimum fare remains at Rs 27

Second section fare remains at Rs 35

Third section fare remains at Rs 45