A Cabinet approval has been granted for a unified proposal presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Minister of State Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government.
The proposal aims to create a suitable strategy for the effective economic utilization of government properties, including residences allocated to former presidents, deputy ministers, and various state institutions. Under the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, there are 50 government bungalows located in Colombo 07 and Colombo 05. In addition, there are several Presidential Residences under the administration of the Presidential Secretariat, situated in Colombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Mahiyanganaya, Anuradhapura, Kataragama, Jaffna, Embilipitiya, and Bentota. Apart from the Presidential Residences in Colombo and Kandy, which are in continuous use, the remaining Presidential residencies and the “Visumpaya” in Colombo 02, formerly the official residence of several state leaders and now managed by the Urban Development Authority, the official residence of the Prime Minister in Nuwara Eliya which is under the Prime Minister’s Office, and the aforementioned government bungalows are set to be used in a more economically productive manner.
Currently, these properties are not being used to their full potential, and the proposal aims to remedy this situation by ensuring that these assets are utilized in a more productive and economically beneficial manner.
The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has assured that there will be no fuel shortage in the country under any circumstances.
According to the CPC Chairman – D.J. Rajakaruna, the CPC has already placed and confirmed orders for the fuel required for the next 02 months and there is absolutely no reason to anticipate a fuel shortage in the country.
He said however there are concerns about where the fuel shipments will originate from and whether there is an impact due to the war.
Rajakaruna also warned that legal action would be taken against those found hoarding fuel illegally.
According to CPC data, the majority of Octane 92 petrol is sourced from Malaysia, Singapore, or India, and not from conflict zones in the Middle East, with only one shipment expected from Oman, CPC Chairman said.
He further noted that even in the event of the Strait of Hormuz being closed, the CPC has alternative supply routes in place. Diesel stocks are also sourced from non-conflict zones, he added.
The bodies of 02 youth who were shot and killed with a pistol-type firearm have been discovered in Thorakolayaya, Middeniya.
According to police, the deceased were between 25 and 30 years old.
The shooting occurred this morning (June 25), and currently police have launched an investigation, with 03 special teams now collaborating with the Middeniya Police.
The motive behind the shooting and the identities of the perpetrators are yet to be determined.
In light of the ongoing Iran-Israel ceasefire, authorities are expected to lift the ban on public gatherings and celebrations soon, with an official announcement anticipated shortly, according to Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel – Nimal Bandara.
On a Facebook post updated yesterday (June 24), he added that several Israeli airlines have resumed a limited number of international flights from Tel Aviv International Airport, and regular international flights are expected to resume on June 25, depending on the security situation.
He has further said :
“Several Israeli airlines have resumed a limited number of international flights from Tel Aviv International Airport. Depending on the overall situation, regular international flights are expected to resume from tomorrow.”
“Three individuals who departed Israel today have safely arrived in Colombo via Cairo Airport, Egypt.”
“Those currently in Sri Lanka are advised to check with their respective agencies regarding flight arrangements to Israel. Due to high demand, there may be delays or congestion in securing tickets as many individuals are expected to travel at the same time.
For further information regarding flights to Tel Aviv or the situation at Tel Aviv Airport, please contact the Embassy.”