News

Misuse of plantation funds and lands exposed!

Published

1 month ago

March 15, 2025

editor

Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure – Samantha Vidyarathna has alleged that numerous associates and officials, including former ministers, have recently received substantial sums of money and government lands under the pretext of various cultivation projects, which were subsequently not implemented.

Speaking in Parliament, Vidyaratne announced that investigations will be initiated into these matters.

Minister Vidyarathna accused former Minister Salinda Dissanayake of acquiring 76 acres of fertile land from the Kurunegala Plantation Company through a company the latter had personally established.

Additionally, he claimed that a friend of former Minister Arundika Fernando was allocated 21 acres of fertile land belonging to the same company, misrepresented as barren land, with the transaction allegedly authorized by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The Minister further alleged that Anoma Gamage, wife of former Primary Industries Minister Daya Gamage, received 14 million rupees purportedly for an agricultural project, which was never executed.

These allegations were presented during the debate on the expenditure head of the Ministry of Plantations and Community Infrastructure.

He also stated that former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda was granted 18 million rupees for a cultivation project, and that 8.2 million rupees were given to the son of former Ministry Secretary Bandula Wickramarachchi for a similar initiative.

News

This week’s Cabinet decisions

Published

35 seconds ago

April 22, 2025

editor

A number of decisions have been taken at the Cabinet meeting held yesterday (April 21).

The decisions taken by the Cabinet of Ministers are as follows :

Cabinet decision on 21.04.2025 (English)Download

News

Devotees in Kandy urged to be more environmentally friendly

Published

48 minutes ago

April 22, 2025

editor

The Clean Sri Lanka programme respectfully urges all devotees visiting the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) for the veneration of sacred relics, to avoid bringing non-biodegradable items, such as polythene and to prioritize cleanliness within and around the temple premises.

Visitors are kindly reminded to dispose of waste responsibly, using only the designated disposal areas.

As a flagship government programme, Clean Sri Lanka seeks to inspire a collective awakening in environmental, social and ethical consciousness, striving to uplift the nation towards a cleaner and more responsible society.

This programme places special emphasis on creating a waste-free environment and encouraging proper waste management practices.

In alignment with the commencement of the Siri Dalada Dekma (Sacred Relic exposition), a series of activities under the Clean Sri Lanka programme have been launched around the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to support this cause.

(President’s Media Division)

News

Mahabodhi Society mourns Pope Francis’ passing

Published

56 minutes ago

April 22, 2025

editor

The Maha Bodhi Society of Sri Lanka has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis.

The head of the Maha Bodhi Society of Sri Lanka and Chief Sanghanayaka of Japan, Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thero has conveyed deep condolences on behalf of the organization.

The Thero, who had met Pope Francis on several occasions, described him as a humble and deeply insightful leader, dedicated to religious coexistence and compassion for the poor. The Thero praised Pope Francis as a venerable disciple of Jesus Christ, who embodied humility and love.

In a significant move during his visit to Sri Lanka in 2015, Pope Francis visited the Maligakanda Maha Bodhi Viharaya. The Pope had remarked back then that he was the first Pope to visit a Buddhist temple.

Venerable Upatissa Thero concluded his message by praying for Pope Francis to attain heavenly bliss, acknowledging his lifelong dedication to spreading true Christianity and peace worldwide.