News

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the National Rice Distribution for low-income families at Uva Paranagama, President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that 2.74 million low-income families would receive a monthly allocation of 10 kilograms of rice for two months.

At the event, The President symbolically distributed rice bags to 25 beneficiaries, marking the commencement of the rice allocation.

Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister Chamara Samapath Danayake, MP Vadivel Suresh and other dignitaries attended the event held at the Ambagasdowa Stadium today (21)

Sri Lankan actress Damitha Abeyratne and her husband have been further remanded over an allegation of financial fraud.

The couple was further remanded until April 24, 2024, by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today.

Earlier in April, Damitha Abeyratne and her husband were arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) after having surrendered to the Fort Magistrate’s Court over the financial scam.

The Fort Magistrate’s Court had also imposed a travel ban on the couple, while the Court of Appeal had rejected their request for an interim order preventing their arrest under the Immigrants and Emigrants Act.

Damitha Abeyratne and her husband have been accused of defrauding money amounting to nearly Rs. 3 million by claiming to provide foreign jobs.

A day of high-octane motorsports turned into tragedy at the Fox Hill Super Cross 2024 after a car veered off the track, injuring dozens and claiming seven lives.

Police Media Spokesperson DIG Thalduwa confirmed the deaths, which included five adult males – four identified as event officials – and an 8-year-old girl, according to the Sri Lanka Army Spokesperson.

The accident occurred during a race, with reports stating 21 individuals were hospitalized, four in critical condition.

The rest of the races at the event have been cancelled.

Low quality dry rations are being used in the cooking of meals for patients and staff of Colombo National Hospital, claims its deputy director Dr. Rukshan Bellana.

On occasions, vegetables that have gone bad are included in the meals.

Milk powder and sugar nearing expiry are used in the preparation of tea, he said.

Also, the contractor supplies fish unfit for consumption, added the deputy director of the CNH.

Hospital authorities cannot take action since the health ministry, which has been informed in writing following complaints by the staff, has the deciding powers, he added.

Every month, it is paid Rs. 7.6 million for dry rations and Rs. 1.5 million for fish.

The contractor also supplies to prisons, military camps and other state institutions, he said.

The distribution of fortified rice, provided by the World Food Program (WFP) on behalf of the program initiated under the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, to provide a nutritious meal for school students, commenced today, (19) at the Veyangoda warehouse complex.

In an effort to reduce iron deficiency among school children, fortified rice is provided for school meals. This distribution will be conducted under the supervision of Mr. M.H.A.M. Riflan, Director General for the Partnership Secretariat for World Food Programme Co-operation (PSWFPC), which operates under the purview of the Presidential Secretariat.

As planned, the distribution of 735 metric tons of rice to provincial-level schools commenced today as part of the first phase and will continue tomorrow (20). This rice stock is being delivered to schools under the supervision of officials from the respective Provincial Departments of Education and Public Health Inspectors (PHIs).

Meanwhile, Director General for the PSWFPC, Mr. M.H.A.M. Riflan stated that 378.835 metric tons of dhal, 412.08 metric tons of sunflower cooking oil, and 300 metric tons of dates will be distributed to schools following the start of the new school term on May 19.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Education has implemented measures to provide a main meal at school for all students in grades 1-5 across the country. Following nutritionists’ recommendations, students receive breakfast between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. daily before engaging in educational activities.

Under the theme of ‘Healthy Active Generation,’ the 2024 school meal program aims to reduce nutritional problems among students, increase daily school attendance, foster good eating and health habits, contribute to the improvement of educational achievement levels, and fulfil the fundamental objectives of promoting local food culture.

The school feeding program for this year extends its benefits to 1.6 million students, including primary students from 9,134 government schools, as well as smaller schools with fewer than 100 students. A budget of Rs. 16.6 billion has been allocated to the nine provincial councils by the government, supplemented by sponsorship from entities such as the World Food Program (WFP) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Former Deputy Minister and ex-UNP parliamentarian Palitha Thewarapperuma has tragically passed away at the age of 64. Unconfirmed reports suggest that Thewarapperuma may have succumbed to electrocution, with his body currently resting at Kalutara Hospital.

A prominent figure of the United National Party (UNP), Thewarapperuam had served as Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs in the UNP-led national government in 2015.

He is a former Chairman of the Mathugama Pradeshiya Saba (2002) and was also a member of the Western Provincial Council. He served as a Member of Parliament from Kalutara District during the period from 2010 to 2020.

He was popular amongst the local masses for his social service activities and philanthropy while the politician also rose to fame, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic for having provided food, dry rations and other necessities to the rural population of his constituency.

The Colombo District Court ordered the interim injunction issued preventing former President Maithripala Sirisena from functioning as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to be extended until May 09.

This order was issued when a case filed by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga was taken up before the court today (18).

On April 04, the Colombo District Court issued an enjoining order preventing former President Maithripala Sirisena from functioning as the SLFP chairman.

Later, the SLFP’s politburo appointed Minister of Ports, Aviation and Shipping Nimal Siripala de Silva as the party’s Acting Chairman on April 08.

Earlier in March, former President Maithripala Sirisena had stirred controversy when he claimed he was aware of the true mastermind of the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks and that he was prepared to disclose the information to the judiciary if inquired from him or if an order is issued regarding the matter.

Speaking to the media in Kandy, Sirisena said that he is ready to disclose the relevant information and that at the same time, it is the responsibility of the judges to keep the information strictly confidential.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited the Court Lodge Estate, owned by the Udupusellawa Plantation Company in Nuwara Eliya this morning (16) to explore opportunities for the revival of the tourism industry around the picturesque hills of Nuwara Eliya. Notably, the President embarked on this journey by traversing the Pekoe Trail.

The “Pekoe Trail” spans 300+ km through the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, regarded as one of Asia’s best-kept secret routes. Originating from the renowned city of Kandy, it extends south towards the Hatton and Horton Plains National Park, then east through Haputale and Ella, before meandering around the charming town of Nuwara Eliya. Originally constructed during the British colonial period to transport tea from vast plantations to factories, the trail holds historical significance.

During his walk along the Pekoe Trail covering a distance of 3.2 km, the President engaged in friendly conversation with the workers employed at the Court Lodge estate. Welcoming the President warmly, the people expressed their heartfelt wishes for a joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

The Court Lodge estate, overseen by Browns Plantations, spans 264 hectares and employs a total of 349 workers. During his visit, President Ranil Wickremesinghe personally inspected the fundamental requirements of the plantation workers, addressing issues related to education, healthcare and housing. He particularly focused on the prospects of the children within the plantation workers community, especially those set to complete their schooling after the G.C.E. Advanced level examination.

The factory at Court Lodge is known for producing “Light Bright” tea.

During his tour, President Ranil Wickremesinghe also emphasized the importance of providing Pekoe Trail tourists with the opportunity to savour a freshly brewed cup of tea. Furthermore, he explored avenues to bolster the tourism industry associated with Sri Lanka’s central highlands by leveraging the Pekoe Trail.

Mr. Miguel Cunat, the visionary behind the Pekoe Trail expedition, who has extensively explored the central mountains of Sri Lanka over the years, expressed his belief that Sri Lanka can be mapped internationally as one of the premier hiking destinations globally.

Pekoe Trail offers tourists a unique opportunity to explore a variety of terrains, delve into the region’s storied history, engage with its vibrant culture and savour authentic local cuisine and beverages. Comprising 22 stages, the Pekoe Trail can be tailored to suit one-day or multi-day excursions, catering to a range of preferences. Plans are underway to further develop the trail, enhancing it with necessary facilities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors.

The European Union (EU) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have extended their support to the Pekoe Trail project, aligning with Sri Lanka’s national tourism strategies. The initiative encompasses various aspects, including sustainable environmental development, to foster the growth of tourism in the country.

The goal of the Pekoe Trail project is to draw in a new wave of tourism, including adventure seekers, to Sri Lanka while simultaneously improving the livelihoods of rural communities. Mr. Miguel Cunat conveyed his appreciation to President Ranil Wickremesinghe for the support provided in initiating the Pekoe Trail and commended the President’s vision to revitalize the country’s economy by transforming the tourism industry.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has personally congratulated Sri Lanka cricketer Chamari Athapaththu following her historic innings in women’s cricket.

Athapaththu scored an unbeaten 195 off 139 balls, leading Sri Lanka to a stunning victory over South Africa and securing a draw in the ODI series.

The President’s call to Athapaththu not only celebrated her personal achievement but also recognized her pivotal role in elevating the profile of women’s cricket in Sri Lanka.

Under the vision of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, today marked the distribution of New Year gift parcels to children under the care of 336 child development centers nationwide in celebration of the Sinhala Tamil New Year.

Commencing this morning(13) in the districts of Colombo, Kalutara, and Gampaha, the initiative spanned the entire day, ensuring every district was covered as children received New Year sweets and gift parcels.

This endeavour, executed with collaboration from the private sector, notably the Ceylon Biscuit Company and the President’s Office, was themed “Happy New Year to Children in Orphanages,” aimed at spreading joy to every child, regardless of their circumstances.

Accompanied by the President’s New Year message, over 10,000 sweets and gift parcels were distributed among the children. Following President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s directives, the Army, under the supervision of Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army, and guidance from General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff, facilitated the distribution of these gift parcels.

This effort covered 336 centers, including 40 in the Central Province, 57 in the Eastern Province, 16 in the North Central Province, 23 in the Northern Province, 19 in the Sabaragamuwa Province, 25 in the Southern Province, 14 in the Uva Province, and 106 in the Western Province, ensuring this year’s gift parcels reached their intended recipients.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his firm conviction in his ability to shape the Sri Lanka that the nation’s youth envision. Embracing the daunting task of revitalizing Sri Lanka’s faltering economy, which many deemed challenging, the President underscored his success in stabilizing the nation’s economic trajectory within a mere two years. He emphasized that unity was the sole requisite for propelling the country towards progress.

Addressing a gathering of young Members of Parliament and emerging political figures from the Nuwara Eliya district at the Nuwara Eliya Presidential Palace today (18), President Ranil Wickremesinghe reiterated his commitment to fostering the region’s development into a premier tourist destination. Despite criticisms levelled against the government’s initiatives for Nuwara Eliya’s advancement, the President asserted that with widespread support, such efforts could catalyse a transformative shift in the nation’s economic landscape.

Furthermore, President Wickremesinghe cautioned against the pitfalls of antiquated political strategies, emphasizing the imperative of concerted efforts to attract essential investments for national development. He highlighted the people’s jubilant celebration of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year under the government’s sound economic policies, noting a marked increase in people’s livelihoods across various sectors. His overarching goal, he stated, was to ensure that these benefits reached every segment of society.

The young parliamentarians apprised the President of the challenges they encounter and presented their proposals pertaining to the nation’s development agenda.

In a bid to empower the youth demographic, the President outlined plans to establish regional youth centres in each divisional secretariat division. He pledged to nurture budding entrepreneurs through these centres, with intentions to engage bank executives and trade board members in the process.

Mr. Ashoka Herath, the candidate for Nuwara Eliya District Member of Parliament representing the Samagi Jana Balawega, expressed his endorsement of the President’s program despite his affiliation with another party during the event. He emphasized his backing for the program, highlighting its importance.

He noted that had everyone supported the “Yali Pubudamu Sri Lanka” program initiated in 2001 while the President was the Prime Minister and was scheduled to conclude in 2025, Sri Lanka would have already achieved developed status. He also lamented the undermining of the ongoing program aimed at transforming the country into a developed nation by 2048.

Furthermore, Mr. Ashoka Herath stated his commitment to providing necessary support over the next two years to extend President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s leadership for another decade, facilitating a revolutionary transformation of the nation.

The event also saw the participation of former Member of Parliament K.K. Piyadasa, Former Mayor of the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council Chandana Lal Karunaratne and a group of former municipal councillors and regional youth politicians from the Nuwara Eliya district.

The distribution of annual gift parcels to children under the care of 336 child development centers throughout the country, in line with President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s initiative, will take place across the island tomorrow (13).

Coordinated by the Office of the President, with support from the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff and the Sri Lanka Army, the distribution aims to bring joy to over 10,000 children, alongside the President’s New Year message.

Regardless of their circumstances, these centers across various provinces, including the Central, Eastern, Northern, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva, and Western, will ensure that every child feels included and valued, extending a sense of family to them.

CBL proudly sponsors this program, facilitating the delivery of these much-awaited parcels to children nationwide.