Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Disaster Management Centre has taken significant steps to enhance community awareness and preparedness for tsunami risk reduction, with programs scheduled for November 5th and 6th, 2023.

Sri Lanka has a poignant history with tsunamis, notably the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami that caused widespread loss of life and displacement.

In 2006, the Government of Sri Lanka passed a Cabinet Memorandum to commemorate the victims of the 2004 Tsunami disaster, designating December 26th as “National Safe Day.”

Recognising the global importance of tsunami preparedness, the United Nations General Assembly designated November 5th as World Tsunami Awareness Day in December 2015.

The Sri Lanka Disaster Management Centre continues to engage in critical activities for tsunami risk reduction, emphasising its mandatory nature.

Notably, the center conducted the Indian Ocean Wave Exercise in 2023 (IOWave23) on October 4th, 2023. It included tsunami readiness programmes across 14 coastal districts and concluded with a large-scale evacuation exercise in three coastal districts at high risk of tsunamis, with a particular focus on rural, school, and fishing communities.

Further initiatives have encompassed online tsunami awareness programmes for 38 scout groups throughout Sri Lanka, marking International Tsunami Awareness Day.

These programmes also involve scout groups as volunteers in reducing disaster risk in rural communities.

Given that November 5th falls on a Sunday and various religious places conduct educational activities, the disaster awareness programs have been directed towards utilising these locations to reach a broader audience.

Colombo (LNW): The Mawbima Janata Party (MJP) led by prominent Sri Lankan business magnet Dilith Jayaweera held its first ever district conference on November 05 in Galle at the Galle City Hall.

High-profile attendees, including Dr. Hemakumara Nanayakkara, a senior leader of the MJP, and Party President Dr. Sarath Amunugama, graced the event.

In his address, Jayaweera revealed that he had an indirect involvement in in politics for the past three decades, representing the nationalist perspective in Sri Lanka. He expressed his decision to directly enter politics to safeguard these values, which he believes have been compromised by leaders driven by personal ambitions.

The Party Leader emphasised that the Nationality Camp represents patriots who deeply care for the country and that he will ensure no one else claims this mantle. Any affiliation with the Nationality Camp will only occur through the MJP, he added.

Following the conference, Jayaweera engaged in friendly discussions with attendees.

This series of district conferences for the MJP is centred on the theme “Creating A Happy World Through An Entrepreneurial State.”

The government initiated measures to establish a Social Intelligence Unit to ensure the protection and social security of the young generation through the creativity of the students and this would facilitate the students to rid themselves from the drug menace.

Efforts are also being made to popularize and promote the activities of our talented children and National Cadet Corps (NCC) Cadets through modern technical methods.

State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon made these remarks at the NCC Training Centre at Rantembe while gracing the passing out parade of the NCC Hermann Loos and De Soysa Championship 2023 as the Chief Guest two days ago (Nov 02).

NCC Director Brigadier Sudantha Fonseka warmly welcomed the State Minister and the dignitaries on the arrival to the premises.

This year’s Parade which was also attended by Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne as a special dignitary, is the maiden annual spectacle held since the President’s Colours and the Corps Colours were awarded to the NCC in 2023 this year by President Ranil Wickremasinghe recognising the national value of the National Cadet Corps.

Hermann Loos and De Soysa Trophies – 2023 were won by Colombo Ananda College Cadet Platoon and Girls’ High School Kandy Cadet Platoon.

During the ceremony, the Chief Guest pinned medals on the winners of the Hermann Loos and De Soysa platoons followed by the presentation of awards to the winners.

Subsequently, State Minister Tennakoon addressed the Cadets and the audience. During the speech, the Minister emphasised the measures initiated to uplift the NCC.

During the ceremony, the State Minister also extended his special gratitude to Hon. President for spearheading the NCC for the benefit of the education sector  and amalgamating the NCC with the Education Ministry when Wickramasinghe was the then Minister of Education.

Minister Tennakoon also congratulated the national champions as well as other Cadet Platoons who performed admirably in the competition. Further, he thanked their parents for directing these children for NCC training activities and for being a source of continuous support for them.

Religious dignitaries including Venerable Maha Sangha, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Additional Secretary – Civil Security and Development, Commander of the Air Force, Chief of Staff of the Navy, Military Liaison Officer of the Defence Ministry, members of the diplomatic corps, state officials, the Commandant and the training staff of the NCC Training Centre, Armed Forces and Police Officers, Provincial and Zonal Directors of Education, Principals, invitees and parents also attended the event.

Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is anticipating the arrival of 54 essential medicines, including those for critical conditions like cancer and kidney diseases, within the next week, Health Minister Ramesh Pathirana said.

The Minister disclosed that these medicines, valued at US $58,000, will provide much-needed relief to the healthcare system.

Additionally, the Health Ministry in Bangladesh has promised a further one million US dollars worth of medical aid for Sri Lanka, he noted.

This generous commitment was conveyed during a meeting between the High Commissioners of both nations and the Minister of Health.

The officials also discussed the prospect of a long-term collaborative program between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to alleviate the current medicine shortage in the country.

Colombo (LNW): The All Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association is expressing concerns over the bakery industry’s viability as gas prices continue to surge.

Sales of bakery products have dropped significantly, with a 25 per cent decrease, Association Chief N.K. Jayawardena disclosed.

Despite the mounting gas costs, Jayawardena stresses that the industry will avoid raising the prices of bakery products.

Earlier, state-run LP gas provider Litro Gas announced higher rates for its domestic gas cylinders, with a 12.5 kg domestic gas cylinder being sold for Rs. 3,565, a 5 kg cylinder for Rs. 1,431, and a 2.3 kg cylinder, Rs. 668.

Colombo (LNW): The Welfare Benefits Board is preparing to launch the second round of Aswesuma applications in January.

The first round of payments is scheduled to be finalised by December, according to Board member Kamal Padmasiri.

Aswesuma beneficiaries can expect to receive their September payments by November 15th, with October payments set to be disbursed by the end of November.

Additionally, a special “Aswesuma” week is commencing tomorrow, aimed at streamlining and addressing ongoing concerns within the benefit programme.

This special week will extend until the 11th.