All services provided by the President’s Fund to the public will be available online from June 21. The acceptance of applications for medical assistance under the President’s Fund through Divisional Secretariats islandwide commenced on February 7.

Following the successful implementation of that initiative, preparations have now been completed to expand the digital system to include all other services offered by the Fund.

The public could apply online via any Divisional Secretariat across the country for a wide range of services provided under the President’s Fund.

These include assistance for poverty alleviation, provision of educational scholarships, recognition of students demonstrating academic excellence, support for individuals with special needs, relief assistance for children affected by the wild elephant conflict, recognition of individuals for their national service or contributions to the country, Emergency and disaster relief.

This digital transformation marks a milestone, as it enables the public to access services of the President’s Fund from anywhere in the country for the first time in its 47-year history, which had previously been limited to Colombo-based operations. This move comes as a result of a decision taken by the Board of Governors of the President’s Fund, chaired by the President.

It is expected to broaden access to assistance for a larger number of beneficiaries while also minimising any misuse of the Fund.

(sundayobserver.lk)

(This story, originally published by sundayobserver.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

General Hamilton Wanasinghe, a former Army Commander and Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, passed away on Friday (June 13) following a brief illness. He was receiving treatment at the Narahenpita Army Hospital at the time of his death.

His funeral, with full military honours, will be held at the new crematorium of the General Cemetery in Borella today (15) at 5.30 pm. The remains of the late senior officer were kept in Malwana from Friday (13) for the public to pay their final respects.

General Wanasinghe served in Sri Lanka’s armed forces for four decades and was appointed as the the country’s 11th Army Commander in 1988. He also held the posts of Joint Operations Commander (from November 19, 1991 to September 6, 1993, and Defence Secretary from September 1993 to February 1995).

He began his military journey in 1954, joining the Ceylon Army as an Officer Cadet. He received his basic training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and was later commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Ceylon Artillery.

he 2025 Silver Screen Awards Ceremony held with the participation of the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The 2025 Silver Screen Awards Ceremony was held on June 13 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The aim of this year’s awards ceremony included appreciating artists who enriched the Sri Lankan cinema industry during the years 1970–1975. At the ceremony, renowned actress Iranganie Serasinghe was presented with the Sumith Bibile Memorial Gold Award by the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister also conferred awards to distinguished artists Padma Sri Kodikara, Dinesh Priyasad, and Indrani Perera.