News

Tokens issued for farmers to get fuel donated from China

Published

2 years ago

March 2, 2023

editor

The Department of Agrarian Development has arranged to issue tokens to the farmers to provide fuel donated by the Chinese government.

The Chinese government has donated 6.98 million litres of diesel to be distributed to the farmers and the stocks were handed over to Sri Lankan authorities.

However, distribution activities have been delayed, inconveniencing farmers.

Speaking during a meeting with officials from the Agriculture ministry and the Department of Agrarian Development yesterday (March 01), Agriculture minister – Mahinda Amaraweera has urged officials to take immediate action to expedite distribution activities.

Accordingly, the Department of Agrarian Development had finished issuing tokens in 20 districts within yesterday night.

Speaking, Commissioner General of the Department of Agrarian Development – Mr. H.M.A.L. Abeyratne said that measures have been taken to finish issuing tokens to the remaining 05 districts within today.

Paddy farmers cultivating from 1/2 an acre – 2.5 acres are entitled to this fuel donation with 15 liters of diesel allotted per one hectare of land.

(Source : Ada)

News

Helicopter crash during SLAF training session

Published

36 minutes ago

May 9, 2025

editor

A Bell 212 helicopter belonging to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has reportedly crashed today (May 09).

It crashed during a training session at the Hingurakgoda Air Force Base.

Further reports indicate that the helicopter crashed into the Maduru Oya Reservoir.

News

American Cardinal elected as new Pope: Pope Leo XIV

Published

42 minutes ago

May 9, 2025

editor

Following a 02-day papal conclave, American Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the new Pope yesterday (May 08) evening, Vatican time.

At 69, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the 267th Pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.

He becomes the first American to ascend to the papacy in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.

Pope Leo XIV now assumes spiritual leadership of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

The election follows the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City, a day after participating in Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.

News

Heavy rains expected in the afternoon

Published

2 hours ago

May 9, 2025

editor

The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 p.m. today (May 09).

Showers may occur in Western province and in Puttalam, Galle and Matara districts in the morning too.

Fairly heavy rains above 50 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Northern and North-central provinces.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Ampara and Polonnaruwa districts during the morning.