Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Army under the leadership of Army Spokesperson Brigadier Ravi Herath is providing essential support to combat dengue, which as of now has been declared as a pending epidemic.
Accordingly, the Army is providing essential support to the Anti-Dengue Task Force appointed by the government and their operations include the conduction of a thorough dengue inspections and contributing to the battling of the disease.
Meanwhile, the National Dengue Control Unit has announced the initiation of comprehensive measures to prevent the transmissions of dengue, with rigorous inspections of various premises, particularly those at risk of becoming breeding grounds for carrier mosquitoes.
It is also reported that the National Dengue Control Unit has deployed drones to inspect areas that are difficult to surveil, and a special dengue control programme is set to launch in the North-Western Province tomorrow (22), in parallel with the ongoing islandwide initiative to battle the disease.
As of now the National Dengue Control Unit has identified 57 MOH divisions as high-risk areas, and these areas will be subject to dengue control, ensuring prompt and targeted actions to mitigate the contagion.
PMD: President Ranil Wickremesinghe instructed the immediate establishment of an Agricultural Modernisation Secretariat to address the issues arising in the Agricultural Modernisation Programme. This directive was given during a discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat two days ago (19) to formulate a policy framework for modernising the agriculture sector.
President Wickremesinghe instructed the President’s Secretary to appoint additional secretaries from the President’s Office, Ministry of Agriculture, and other line ministries, along with officials of equivalent ranks, to serve in the Agricultural Modernisation Secretariat. He emphasised the importance of involving the private sector in these activities.
The President highlighted that the armed forces are also contributing to the agricultural modernisation programme. He instructed officials to publicise the activities of the Agricultural Modernisation Secretariat, which should include collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors. These activities will be based on research conducted in key areas such as tea, coconut, rubber, paddy, cinnamon, and fisheries.
President Wickremesinghe suggested implementing pilot projects in the respective fields, involving officials from local government institutions and the private sector, with the guidance and technical support of the public sector.
The President requested a progress report from the officials of the Agricultural Modernisation Secretariat by July. Additionally, he advised submitting requests for required land to the Secretariat and proposed appropriate solutions.
President Wickremesinghe was briefed on the decisions made by the Agriculture Modernisation Committee, led by Senior Professor Gamini Senanayake, on agricultural innovation projects. He emphasised the involvement of private sector academics, researchers, experienced officials, and the youth community in implementing these projects.
The President stressed the need to modernise all sectors, including plantation industries, fishing, fish production, ornamental flower cultivation, vegetable and fruit production, grain production, milk, and egg production.
Officials were instructed to keep the President informed about decisions made by sub-committees, chaired by Ministry Secretaries, involving the business community in relevant fields, as part of the agriculture sector modernization programme, aimed at building a developed Sri Lanka by 2048.
The discussion was attended by Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake, Senior Advisor to the President on Economic Affairs Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, heads of government and private institutions related to the agriculture sector, and secretaries of relevant ministries.
Colombo (LNW): Several Police personnel have been interdicted and transferred over the death of a woman who was in Police custody.
Accordingly, a Sub-Inspector, two Sergeants and a Police Constable attached to the Welikada Police Station were interdicted, and two Women Police Constables were transferred over the incident, revealed Police Spokesman Thalduwa.
The deceased, R. Rajakumarai, was a 41-year old resident of Badulla who served as a domestic worker at a local producer’s residence.
She was arrested on May 11, based on a complaint by her employer accusing her of stealing gold jewellery.
01. President Ranil Wickremesinghe instructs the immediate establishment of an Agricultural Modernisation Secretariat to address the issues arising in the Agricultural Modernisation Programme; further instructs to appoint additional secretaries from the President’s Office, Ministry of Agriculture, and other line ministries, along with officials of equivalent ranks, to serve in the Secretariat; assures the armed forces are also contributing to the programme.
02. The Inter-University Students Federation appoints Madhushan Chandrajith of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Peradeniya as its new Convener.
03. The Sri Lankan Army under the leadership of Army Spokesman Brigadier Ravi Herath provides essential support to the Anti-Dengue Task Force: Their activities include conducting thorough dengue inspections and contributing to the fight against the disease.
04. Four Police personnel interdicted with three others transferred over the death of a 41-year old woman who was in Police custody: The deceased was arrested on May 11, 2023 based on a complaint made by the deceased employer, claiming that she had stolen gold jewellery.
05. The AG’s Office announced that Sri Lanka will honour the compensation limit claim ruling issued by a UK Court, despite having filed a lawsuit in Singapore seeking compensation for the eco-damages caused by the X-Press Pearl Maritime Disaster; adds it intends to submit a motion to the London Court concerning the compensation limit claim and seek expert advice from legal professionals in the UK.
06. Japan’s Upper House Lawmaker Mizuho Umemura dismissed from a parliamentary committee after making a controversial remark involving the death of a Sri Lankan woman at an immigration facility two years ago: The victim, Wishma Sandamali, was found dead in March 2021 at Nagoya Regional Immigration Services Bureau after repeatedly pleading to authorities to be taken to a hospital as she was ill: Umemura without proof claimed she may have died ‘as a result of a hunger strike.’
07. State Minister Rohana Dissanayake accused of posing death threats to a manager of the SLTB depot in the Matale District over the deployment of a bus on the route that runs to Laggala, Weligama, Mahiyangana through Ratthota – Riverston, Matale: The said bus was deployed based on a request by State Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon for the convenience of school children and residents of the area.
08. Sri Lanka’s tea production despite hopes of a turnaround with fertiliser records increased exports in the first four months of 2023: January – April, 2023 earnings have increased sharply by 11% to US$ 407 million compared to US$ 367 million in the corresponding period a year earlier: April earnings alone have increased by 16% to US$ 93 million compared to US$ 80 million in the corresponding period a year earlier.
09. The Indian government agrees to promote and strengthen renewable energy sector cooperation between India and Sri Lanka: Cabinet grants approval to enter into a MoU between the two nations with regard to energy sector cooperation: Public and private entities in both India and Sri Lanka to work on this project.
10. Sri Lanka Football Captain Sujan Perera says he will step down from his position after FIFA’s ban on Sri Lanka Football is lifted; accuses the past and present administrations of not focusing on protecting the players; adds his services as a player will be available until he retires and will consider his decision if the administration takes relevant steps to protect the players.
High Commissioner Veluppillai Kananathan presented the Letter of Credence appointing him as the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Federal Republic of Nigeria with residence in Kenya to His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, the President of Nigeria, at the State House in Abuja on May 18, 2023. The President and the High Commissioner exchanged views during the private meeting that followed the official ceremony, where at the outset the High Commissioner conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe to the President of Nigeria. While recalling the recent gathering of the Heads of State of the Commonwealth countries in the United Kingdom, President Buhari extended his friendly greetings to the President of Sri Lanka.
High Commissioner Kananathan briefed President Buhari on the current political and economic situation in Sri Lanka and the efforts being taken by the Government towards economic recovery. In response, President Buhari stated that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was severe in many countries, and his country followed the developments in Sri Lanka with keen interest while expressing satisfaction on the progress being achieved.
High Commissioner Kananathan said that the current government headed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe attaches great importance to Sri Lanka’s relations with Africa, including with Nigeria, which is one of the leading economies in Africa, and to strengthening cooperation between the regions and the two countries.
As members of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Global South, the G77, and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), High Commissioner Kananathan highlighted that Sri Lanka and Nigeria share common interests on global issues and he appreciated the support extended by Nigeria to Sri Lanka in international fora. The High Commissioner expressed his desire to consolidating existing ties between the two countries to further strengthen bilateral relations.
President Buhari, in response, conveyed that there is a huge potential to develop economic cooperation between the two countries and highlighted the rewarding opportunities for investment, particularly in renewable energy, oil and gas, agro-allied industries, telecommunications, solid minerals, etc. The President added that the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), which is mandated to encourage and assist investment in Nigeria, functions as a one-stop investment center with the close cooperation of 27 governmental and state-owned agencies in order to consolidate and streamline administrative procedures for new businesses and investments.
High Commissioner Kananathan, while appreciating the excellent defence cooperation existing between Sri Lanka and Nigeria, proposed to identify other avenues for cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
Further, the High Commissioner apprised the Nigerian President of his long experience and knowledge in Africa and recalled his role as a member of the International Election Monitoring Team in the recently held presidential elections in Nigeria.
In conclusion, while wishing the High Commissioner every success in promoting bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nigeria, the President assured the Nigerian government’s fullest support and cooperation towards that end.
Nigeria, a country located on the western coast of Africa, has abundant natural resources, notably large deposits of petroleum and natural gas. The Nigerian economy is one of the largest in Africa. Sri Lanka High Commission in Kenya is now concurrently accredited to Nigeria.
High Commission of India, Colombo invites applications from eligible Sri Lankan students (excluding OCI Card holders) for Undergraduate Courses in MBBS, BDS, BE, B.Tech, B.Pharm, B.Arch, Diploma level Technical courses and Diploma in Pharmacy course under the Self Financing Scheme for academic year 2023-24.
2. Candidates who wish to apply for MBBS/BDS courses need to have at least 50th percentile in NEET exam and 50% each in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English in A/L.
3. BE/B.Tech and Diploma in Engineering candidates require a minimum of 60% each in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and 50% in English in A/L.
4. For B.Pharmacy and Diploma in Pharmacy, minimum of 60% each in Physics, Chemistry and Biology and 50% in English in A/L are required.
5. B.Arch aspirants have to mandatorily clear the aptitude test prescribed by the Council of Architecture, New Delhi.
6. Interested candidates could obtain the application forms from Education Wing of the High Commission of India, Colombo on any working day between 1400 and1600 hrs on production of G.C.E. O/L, A/L certificates and Birth Certificate.
7. Last date of receipt of completed application forms with all supportive documents at the High Commission is June 16, 2023.
The prestigious Mahatma Gandhi Scholarships were awarded to 300 Advanced Level school students from all 25 districts across Sri Lanka by High Commissioner H.E Gopal Baglay, Minister of Education Hon. Dr.Susil Premajayantha and State Minister of Education Hon. A. Aravindh Kumar at a special ceremony held in Ministry of Education on 18 May 2023.
2. An amount of LKR 2500 per student is being provided to Advanced Level students on merit cum means basis to the top six students from each district every month under this Scholarship. This year, scholarships were awarded to two batches simultaneously due to COVID during the year 2021 – 2022.
3. Congratulating students for their achievement, High Commissioner stressed the importance of bilateral cooperation in education sector for bright future of youth in both the countries. Drawing parallels between The Buddha and Mahatma, he stated that the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi hold good even in the fast-changing world. Underlining the close cultural links between India and Sri Lanka, he called on the young students to utilize the opportunities available in India, where rapid advances are taking place in the field of education. He expressed confidence that the young students of Sri Lanka would be a great source of strength for both India and Sri Lanka in future.
4. Minister Hon. Dr.Premajayantha thanked Government of India for providing not only Mahatma Gandhi Scholarships, but also various other Scholarships and opportunities in prestigious institutions including IITs. He said that these initiatives proved to be instrumental to the growth of Sri Lanka’s Human Resource. Minister also paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi for his ideas and thoughts about education. Further, he expressed gratitude to Government of India for extending support for text book printing in Sri Lanka for school children.
5. Apart from Mahatma Gandhi scholarships, Government of India offers around 210 scholarships annually in various fields including Engineering, Technology, Arts, Science, Indigenous medicine etc. to Sri Lankan students. More than 400 fully paid Scholarship slots are also available under ITEC scheme for Government officials in Sri Lanka to enhance their domain knowledge. In addition, thousands of seats are also available to Sri Lankan students in India under “Study in India” programme.
PMD: Emphasising the need to develop Kandy as a state-of-the-art city by developing the infrastructure, the President said that the development activities related to the Kandy Metropolitan Plan will be started this year, and that all major city development plans in the country are planned to be implemented and completed promptly.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe mentioned that Pathahewahata and Kundasale local councils are expected to be converted into municipal councils and it will be implemented under the Kandy city development plan.
The President also stated that plans to develop Kandy’s old prison and post office as a tourist attraction will be implemented in the future while preserving historical values.
Also, the possibility of extending the expressway from Kurunegala and Galagedara to Katugastota, and the benefits of it, was also focused on.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe further stated
My intention is to develop Kandy City immediately under the municipal plan. I believe that the country’s economy will be able to be brought to a certain stable level by next September after the debt restructuring programme is successful. There after a lot of investment is needed to strengthen the country’s economy. Also, more tourists should be brought to this country. The Trincomalee New Town Plan is now in effect. We are working to commence the Kandy Metropolitan Development Plan this year. After that, Jaffna will be developed.
It is also expected to establish the Maha Vihara University to study Theravada Buddhism under Japanese aid. In particular, a programme should be developed to teach Artificial Intelligence (AI) and developing the mind.
Also, we have focused on modernising agriculture. It has the potential to harvest 8 metric tons per hectare in the future. The ability to get 10 litres of milk from one dairy cow can be done through this agricultural modernisation programme.
Arrangements should also be made to retain visitors in Kandy for a day or two. It is also critical for tourist guides to be registered. It is necessary to improve their knowledge about the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic ‘Dalada Maligawa’, the Buddhist history and the history of the Upcountry.
Following that, President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited the Asgiri Maha Vihara and met with the Chief Prelate of the Asgiri Chapter, Venerable Sri Gnanarathana Thero, and engaged in a brief conversation.
The President inquired regarding the development operations of the Asgiri Maha Viharaya and Maha Sangha led by the Chief Incumbent of the Asgiri Chapter chanted Pirith, and offered his blessings to the President and the delegation.
The leading Executive Sangha Committee led by Chief Incumbent of the Asgiri Chapter expressed their gratitude to the President for establishing the appropriate social framework to host the last Vesak festival in a grand manner.
Central Province Governor Attorney-at-Law Lalith U. Gamage, and Secretary of the Ministry of Buddhasashana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Somaratne Vidanapathirana were also present on this occasion.
Colombo (LNW): The heat index is expected to further increase up to ‘caution’ level at some places in Northern, North-Central and Eastern Provinces, announced the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology in a statement.
The public, accordingly, is advised to stay hydrated, check up on the elderly, the sick and children, and limit strenuous outdoor activities and find shade.
Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western province and in Galle and Matara districts, and showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Sabaragamuwa, Central, Eastern and Uva provinces during the evening or night, the Department said in its daily weather forecast today (21).
Strong winds about 40 kmph can be expected at times over North and North-central provinces and in Puttalam district.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain: Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Matara via Galle.
Winds: Winds will be south-westerly over sea area around the island and speed will be (20-30) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (40-50) kmph at times in the sea areasoff the coast extending from Puttalam to Kankasanthurai via Mannar and in the sea areas off the coast extending from Hambantota to Pottuvil.
State of Sea: The sea areasoff the coast extending from Puttalam to Kankasanthurai via Mannar and in the sea areas off the coast extending from Hambantota to Pottuvil will be rough at times. The sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle will be fairly rough.
Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
Colombo (LNW): The Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF) has appointed Madhushan Chandrajith as its new Convener.
Chandrajith’s appointment as the new Convener comes in replacing his predecessor Wasantha Mudalige at the IUSF’s Authority Board meeting held in the University of Rajarata yesterday (20).
Chandrajith is a student of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Peradeniya.
