December 23, Colombo (LNW): Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, Eranga Gunasekara, has announced that Sri Lanka will begin an ambitious initiative to digitise the public sector in 2025.

Speaking at a recent event at the National Library and Documentation Services Board in Colombo, the Deputy Minister highlighted the significance of the project, which he believes will play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s future.

Gunasekara stressed that the move towards digital transformation is a crucial step for Sri Lanka’s development, with far-reaching implications for both governance and society.

“By digitising key sectors of our public service, we aim to improve efficiency, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and make public services more accessible to the general public,” he explained.

The Deputy Minister also revealed that this initiative is not an isolated endeavour but part of a larger, nationwide push to embrace modern technology. One of the key components of this digital shift is the launch of the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme, which Gunasekara described as a complementary effort to ensure environmental sustainability alongside technological progress.

The digitisation of public services is expected to streamline various government operations, from documentation and administrative processes to the delivery of services, making them more transparent and effective.

Additionally, the government aims to empower citizens with greater access to information and services through digital platforms.

December 23, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Health has announced that it has initiated a process to collect blood samples from mammals in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province as part of ongoing investigations into a recent spike in leptospirosis cases.

The samples, gathered by the Epidemiology Unit, are being analysed to help understand the spread of the disease in the region.

The blood samples have been sent to the laboratory of the Department of Veterinary Services for further examination.

The move follows a concerning increase in leptospirosis-related fatalities, with at least eight reported deaths in the Jaffna District alone in recent days.

Health authorities have raised alarm over the potential for a further surge in leptospirosis cases due to the prevailing rainy weather conditions in the Northern Province, which could exacerbate the spread of the disease.

Over the course of the past year, Sri Lanka has reported approximately 12,000 cases of leptospirosis, and nearly 200 people have died from the disease in 2024 alone.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that is typically transmitted through direct contact with the urine of infected rodents, or through open wounds exposed to contaminated water. Common symptoms of the disease include fever, severe headache, eye redness, muscle pain, and a decrease in urine output.

The Ministry of Health is urging the public to remain vigilant and to seek immediate medical care if any of these symptoms arise.

In addition, officials have stressed the importance of taking preventive measures, particularly in areas prone to flooding or where there may be a higher concentration of rodents.

Public health campaigns are also being intensified in affected regions to raise awareness about the risks of leptospirosis and encourage early intervention.

December 23, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government has announced the official withdrawal of tri-forces personnel assigned to provide security for former presidents, effective from today (23).

This decision marks a significant shift in the security arrangements for former heads of state.

In a statement delivered during a parliamentary session last week, Minister of Public Security, Ananda Wijepala, explained that the move to scale back the security provided by the military was made after careful consideration.

From now on, the responsibility for safeguarding former presidents will solely rest with the police force. While this marks the end of tri-forces involvement, the number of police officers dedicated to this task has also been reduced.

However, the government reassured the public that sufficient personnel would remain in place to ensure the continued protection of former presidents.

The decision to decrease the security detail comes as part of broader cost-cutting measures, with the government citing the significant financial burden of maintaining such extensive protection for former leaders.

In response, the authorities have promised that the security arrangements will be periodically reviewed, with reassessments conducted every six months.

If deemed necessary, additional security measures will be implemented to guarantee the safety of the former heads of state.

Despite the reduced presence of military personnel, the Ministry of Defence has assured the public that the security of the former presidents will not be compromised.

The government is confident that the police, with their expertise in domestic security, will be able to manage the protection of former presidents effectively.

December 23, Colombo: The Sanchi Maha Bodhi Festival has been added to the National Festival Calendar issued by the Government of India by naming the various religious and cultural festivals held in India as National Festivals from this year.

Accordingly, the Sanchi Mahabodhi Festival, based on the annual exhibition of the relics of Saryut Mughals, which has been held for 72 years, is considered a national festival in India from this year. It was held recently (November 30 December 01) with the participation of a large number of Buddhist devotees from India, Sri Lanka and other foreign countries.

The two-day event was centered around the Sanchi Chetiyagiri temple built in the Sanchi Stupa complex. The Chetiyagiri temple had been bult by emperor Asoka. Mr. Prahalad Singh Patel, Minister of Rural Development and Panchayat Sabha, along with Mr. Kiran Rijiju, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs of India, attended the Sanchi Maha Bodhi Festival with the special greetings of the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi.

The Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, in his congratulatory message to Venerable Banagala Upatissa Thero on the occasion of the Sanchi Maha Bodhi Festival said, “The Sanchi Maha Bodhi Festival showcases our civilizational roots and rich traditions held annually to allow Buddhist devotees and pilgrims from all over the world to worship the relics of two great disciples of the Buddha, Sariputta Maharahat and Mahamogallana Maharahat.

The Mahabodhi Society’s efforts to preserve and popularize the Dharma buddha and playing an important role in bringing our culture and values ​​to the youth.Also The eternal teachings of the Buddha connect many nations and societies with others. A strong example of this is the Sanchi festival, which brings together people of different races”

I congratulate the Mahabodhi Association for the success of the Sanchi Mahabodhi Festival. I am sure that such events will strengthen our cultural heritage and inspire future generations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi further stated in the message.

Buddhists led by Dr. Supachai Verapuchong from Thailand, Vietnamese devotees including Bodhi Chitta Theraniya from Vietnam, Japanese Buddhist monks and nuns, Buddhist monks and devotees from Sri Lanka joined this event.After centuries of forest cover and ruins, it was discovered in 1918 by Alexander Cunningham and General Macy in 1851 First time at Sanchi shrine.

Excavations were made and then in 1912, Sir General John Marshall restored the ruins and restored the sanctum sanctorum to its present venerable state after the excavations, the relics of the great Mughals, who had been taken to England, built the Sanchi Chetiyagiri temple and worked with irresistible courage to bury it there.Most Venerable Banagala Upatissa Thero, President of Sanchi Chethiyagiri Vihara, President of Sri Lanka Mahabodhi Society, said that Hadigalle Pannathissa Thero.

As the chief guests of this year’s event, Venerable Vihara of Sanchi Chetiyagiri Vihara, Kandy Wattegama Maliadeva International Buddhist Center Director of Vietnam Bodhichitta Theran, Central Government of India Panchayat Sabha and Rural Development Minister Prahalad Singh Patel (Sri Prahalad Singh Patel).Dr. Supachal Verapunchong, one of Thailand’s foremost Buddhist leaders, Member of Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha (State Legislative Assembly) Dr. Prabhuram Chaudhary Raisan District Collector Aravind Kumar Dubey – Collector & District Magistrate – Raisan District) participated.

Cultural groups including famous Japanese singer MyU, Sri Lanka’s Thushara Hettiarachi, and Buddhist artists representing various parts of India joined the cultural concert held in conjunction with the Sanchi Mahabodhi Mahotsa.Also, nearly 100,000 Buddhist devotees from Orissa, Andhra, Telangana, Ladakh, Uttar and Uttarakhand, Assam, Kerala, Himachal, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and other states participated in the Mahabodhi festival on these two days, Chetigiri vihara resident Udugama Tapassi Thero said.

The relics of Saryut Mughal Agrasravaka, which were kept in the fragrance chamber of the crypt of Chetiagiri Vihara, were brought to the upper floor from that chamber on the 30th of November (30), and after being placed in the temple building, the people were given the opportunity to pay obeisance.Presbyter Banagala Upatissa said that the request of the late Prime Minister of India, Sir Jazablalala Nehru, was fulfilled 72 years ago.

A special alms giving was held at the Maha Bodhi Vandana Niketan premises for the Indian monks coming to this event, and a large number of dansals were organized for the pilgrims.

December 23, Colombo (LNW): The All Ceylon Poultry Traders’ Association has reassured the public that there will be no shortage of chicken or eggs during the upcoming festive season.

Chairman Ajith Gunasekara confirmed that sufficient stocks are being distributed to meet the anticipated demand throughout the holidays.

He further emphasised that the poultry industry has been actively managing supply chains to ensure consistent availability of products in the market.

As of today, frozen chicken with skin is priced at under Rs. 1,000 per kilogramme, offering affordable options for consumers.

Eggs are currently being sold at prices ranging between Rs. 30 and Rs. 33 each, remaining accessible for the majority of households.

Gunasekara also noted that the poultry sector has been monitoring the market closely and adjusting supply accordingly, ensuring that there will be no disruption in the availability of these essential items during one of the busiest periods of the year.

In addition to addressing concerns over potential shortages, the association has assured customers that quality standards are being upheld across the board, with rigorous checks in place to maintain the integrity of poultry products.

December 23, Colombo (LNW): In anticipation of the Christmas season, the Sri Lankan authorities have announced enhanced security measures to ensure the safety of worshippers and the general public during festive celebrations.

Special security arrangements will be put in place at churches across the country, with police, the Special Task Force (STF), and the military standing by to provide support as necessary.

According to Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manathunga, the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) has directed all senior officers and Officers-in-Charge (OICs) to make comprehensive security preparations for the upcoming Christmas services.

As part of this initiative, over 6,500 police officers will be deployed in the Western Province alone, focusing on maintaining safety in areas with the highest concentration of worshippers.

Reports indicate that over 2,000 churches nationwide are expected to hold Christmas services, and local police officials, including Senior Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs), and OICs, will work closely with church authorities and civil committees to coordinate security measures.

The authorities aim to ensure a safe environment for all attending the religious services during this important time.

Additionally, the Special Task Force will be actively involved in securing high-risk areas, and should the need arise, the police will seek support from the Sri Lankan Army or other security forces to maintain peace and order.

The Police will also conduct special operations aimed at curbing reckless driving and other traffic-related offences, which often increase during the holidays.

To further bolster safety efforts, more than 500 plain-clothes officers will be stationed near religious sites and busy commercial areas, such as shopping centres, to monitor potential criminal activities and ensure the public’s safety during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

The authorities have assured the public that these measures are part of a comprehensive programme fostered to ensure peace and security for all during the holiday season.