The ‘Attaché Case’, Presidential Dispatch Bag of international standard designed by the Directorate of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers of the Sri Lanka Army, was handed over to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, by Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (02).
This Attaché Case was designed over a special direction by the President. It is a renowned tradition to accompany world leaders with a sophisticated briefcase with international standard, commonly called an ‘Attaché case’ that carries important and secret documents wherever they travel.
Introducing this world-famous tradition to our country, the President tasked the Sri Lanka Army to fabricate the Presidential Dispatch Bag in line with international standards.
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Commander of the Army, a group of experts in the field headed by the Director General Electrical and Mechanical Engineers designed the Dispatch Bag as a unique creation incorporating high-end technology, as per specifications given by the Presidential Secretariat.
Addressing the event, the President said that this initiative could contribute to cutting down on filing costs and would be introduced to all ministries as well. On a daily basis, piles of files are sent to the Presidential Secretariat by the ministries to obtain the signature of the President. Hence, the President said that these dispatch bags could be used by the ministries for this purpose, cutting down on the cost of files. He said that the Army could produce these bags for the relevant ministries.
The bag offers a combination of well-thought-out features for keeping the bag’s content safe and organized and it is made of premium leather which ensures its durability as it is expected by the President to hand over the Dispatch Bag from one President to the next in line.
The President, after accepting and inspecting the high quality and neatly finished Presidential Dispatch Bag, commended the Commander of the Army, the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and particularly, the skilful and versatile craftsmen of the Sri Lanka Army.
The National Transport Commission (NTC) says a decision on revising bus fares following the recent fuel price adjustment will be made within the next 02 days.
NTC Director General – Naomi Jayawardena stated that the Commission will convene to finalize the decision.
She added that although the annual bus fare revision was scheduled to take effect today (July 01), it will not be enforced due to the fuel price change since midnight yesterday (June 30).
No increase in school transport or trishaw fares
Despite the increase in fuel prices, key transport unions in Sri Lanka have decided not to raise fares for school children and three-wheeler passengers.
All Island School Children Transport Association Chairman – Malshri de Silva has announced that it will maintain current fare levels.
Meanwhile, Nishantha Kumara, Secretary of the Professional Three-Wheeler Owners’ Association, has also stated that their members will not increase fares in response to the fuel price hike.
A few showers will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in the Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts today (July 01), the Department of Meteorology.
Fairly strong winds of about 30-40kmph can be expected at times over the Western slopes of the central hills and in the Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in the Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.
The general public has been requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.