June 17, Colombo (LNW): As part of the ‘Urumaya’ national initiative, President Ranil Wickremesinghe today (17) has distributed 1,524 freehold deeds to eligible settlers in the Mahaweli and Walawe regions.

The distribution ceremony took place at the Embilipitiya Mahaweli office auditorium.

This programme aims to grant a total of two million freehold deeds nationwide.

Additionally, the President conducted a symbolic deed distribution event in the Mannar district, awarding 442 deeds at the Mannar Municipal Council auditorium yesterday.

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscores the Hajj celebration as a catalyst for fostering sentiments of equality and fraternity among all individuals, imparting a profound message for global peace: In his address marking the Hajj festival, the President extends his sincere wishes to the Muslim community in Sri Lanka and across the globe, encouraging a meaningful observance where collective efforts converge to realise the universal aspirations of humanity.
   
   
2. SJB MP Eran Wickramaratne says the economy of Sri Lanka cannot be developed, should the country fail to build a united nation at the social and political level: asserts the economy cannot develop if there is no political stability: reveals the people and political leaders of the North asked Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa to reactivate the Office of Missing Persons and the Office established to compensate for the losses in the North: assures these requirements will be fulfilled under a SJB-rule.
   
   
3. Ruling Party MP S.B. Dissanayake says both President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) will fail if the SLPP does not back Wickremesinghe in the upcoming Presidential Polls: suggests that the two parties, therefore, should reach a consensus, and Wickremesinghe, accordingly, too has to provide the necessary initiative for such agreement.
   
   
4. Foreign Minister Ali Sabry announces Japan plans to resume paused development projects in Sri Lanka upon the country’s debt repayment commencement: discloses plans for negotiations during his upcoming visit to Japan in July, aiming to finalise project restarts: Assurances were received that all Japanese-supported initiatives would resume post-agreement with bilateral creditors.
   
   
5. Education Minister Susil Premajayantha announces Grade 5 exam changes: 30% based on 4th and 5th-grade classroom work: emphasises need for comprehensive evaluation, proposes teacher-conducted assessments: reveals reforms at Naththandiya event; plans 2,500 smart board distribution to top schools from August.
   
   
6. The management of Colombo Lotus Tower (Private) Limited announces plans to illuminate the iconic structure in vibrant shades of green and white today (17), marking the occasion of the Eid al-Adha Hajj Festival: The initiative seeks to celebrate and honour the significant cultural and religious event within the community.
   
   
7. The Export Development Board (EDB) launches Sri Lanka’s ‘Creative Sri Lanka 2030’ export brand at London’s ‘Sourced Sri Lanka Textile & Apparel Roadshow’, promoting sustainability and national identity.
   
   
8. The National Water Supply and Drainage Board announces an interruption in water supply to several areas: Godagama, Homagama, Pannipitiya, Pelanwatta, Rukmalgama, and Mattegoda: The disruption is due to damage sustained by the transmission pipeline originating from the Kalatuwawa Treatment Plant: Reports indicate that the pipeline ruptured at Godagama near the High-Level Road following a vehicular accident earlier today, resulting in significant damage to the infrastructure.
   
   
9. Authorities urge verification of plainclothes officers’ IDs after Maradana robbery by imposters posing as police: assert the public is entitled to verify plainclothes officers’ IDs: Victims assaulted, belongings worth Rs. 200,000 stolen: Police arrest suspect linked to robbery after seizing heroin; hunt ongoing for second suspect.
   
   
10. Sri Lanka, despite being eliminated, beat the Netherlands by 83 runs in the T20 World Cup Group D match at Daren Sammy Stadium: Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka scored 46 each, setting a record 201-run total: Netherlands faltered to 118 all out, with Nuwan Thushara taking 3 wickets.

June 17, Colombo (LNW): Education Minister Susil Premajayantha has announced significant changes to the local school curriculum, including reforms to the Grade 5 scholarship examination.

Starting from the current academic year, 30 per cent of the exam marks will be based on classroom work completed during the 4th and 5th grades, according to the Minister.

There is need for a more comprehensive evaluation of children’s education, and the current examination system, therefore, requires revision, Premajayantha emphasised.

He proposed that a substantial portion of the marks should reflect performance over a two-year period, with assessments conducted by teachers.

The Minister disclosed these reforms while speaking at a school event in Naththandiya.

Furthermore, Premajayantha outlined plans to distribute 2,500 smart boards to the country’s leading schools between August and September this year, marking the initial phase of the programme.

June 17, Colombo (LNW): The public is entitled to request official identification from persons appearing as plainclothes officers before consenting to any checks, authorities emphasised.

The announcement follows an incident in Maradana area where an individual was robbed by individuals impersonating as police officers.

Two individuals on a motorcycle, claiming to be police officers, stopped a pedestrian near Ketawalamulla Junction in Maradana on Friday night, and allegedly assaulted the victim and stole his wallet and mobile phone, valued at approximately Rs. 200,000, according to reports.

The suspects then demanded Rs. 35,000 from the victim for the return of the stolen items, directing him to the Maradana Police Station.

In response to the complaint, Police initiated an investigation.

On Saturday (15), Maradana Police officers acted on information regarding a person allegedly transporting heroin on a motorcycle. They intercepted the motorcycle at Fonseka Mawatha, conducted a search, and discovered 12 grammes and 120 milligrammes of heroin in the possession of the rider.

The arrested suspect, a 28-year-old resident of Maradana, was found to be using the same motorcycle associated with the earlier robbery.

Subsequent inquiries and interrogation of the suspect led to the recovery of the stolen mobile phone concealed at the suspect’s residence.

Maradana police are currently pursuing further leads to apprehend the second suspect involved in the robbery.

June 17, Colombo (LNW): The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced an interruption in water supply to several areas.

Accordingly, Godagama, Homagama, Pannipitiya, Pelanwatta, Rukmalgama, and Mattegoda areas will experience a disruption in the supply of water until further notice.

The disruption is due to damage sustained by the transmission pipeline originating from the Kalatuwawa Treatment Plant.

Reports indicate that the pipeline ruptured at Godagama near the High-Level Road following a vehicular accident earlier today (17), resulting in significant damage to the infrastructure.

June 17, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has underscored the Hajj celebration as a catalyst for fostering sentiments of equality and fraternity among all individuals, imparting a profound message for global peace.

In his address marking the Hajj festival, the President extended his sincere wishes to the Muslim community in Sri Lanka and across the globe, encouraging a meaningful observance where collective efforts converge to realise the universal aspirations of humanity.

President’s Full Statement:

“To achieve spiritual and worldly success, individuals must abandon selfishness and embrace a life of sacrifice and harmony. Muslims celebrate the Hajj festival each year with this noble aim in mind.

On this occasion, Muslims from around the globe gather at a single place of worship, united in purpose, to pray for communal values that embody the hope of humanity. The Hajj celebration fosters feelings of equality and brotherhood among all people, delivering a profound message for world peace.

I extend my heartfelt wishes to the entire Muslim community in Sri Lanka and around the world for a meaningful Hajj celebration, where everyone comes together to fulfill the aspirations of humanity.”

June 17, Colombo (LNW): The management of Colombo Lotus Tower (Private) Limited has announced plans to illuminate the iconic structure in vibrant shades of green and white today (17), marking the occasion of the Eid al-Adha Hajj Festival.

This initiative seeks to celebrate and honour the significant cultural and religious event within the community.