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$1.8 mn from Japan to provide essential services for children in SL

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The Government of Japan has provided a new contribution of over $1.8 million to UNICEF’s emergency response for the most vulnerable children in Sri Lanka. The new contribution will enable over 600,000 children to access clean water, good hygiene and sanitation, and treatment for malnutrition.

Sri Lanka faces an economic crisis which is disproportionately affecting the poor and vulnerable households, with dire implications for children. Access to a nutritious diet has emerged as a potent threat to children. The practice of proper hygiene through handwashing with soap has been identified as inconsistent especially among the most vulnerable, further compounding the situation of children.

Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka – Mr. Mizukoshi Hideaki said, “We are pleased to announce that the Government of Japan has decided to provide additional humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka in this critical situation. With this latest contribution, the total amount of assistance provided by the Government of Japan through UNICEF has exceeded USD 3.8 million since the beginning of the economic crisis last year. Japan continues to stand by and support Sri Lanka.”

UNICEF has remained agile in its work to address the needs of children in Sri Lanka and ensuring that the most vulnerable and their families are cushioned from the worst effects of poverty, COVID-19 and now the economic crisis.

“The Government of Japan has made a significant contribution to support the efforts of UNICEF collaborating with the Government of Sri Lanka in responding to both the long- and short-term needs of children”, said Christian Skoog, UNICEF Sri Lanka Representative. “UNICEF appreciates and relies on such contributions for its work for children”.

This contribution will enable UNICEF and partners to among others:

Treat 9,000 children with severe acute malnutrition through provision of therapeutic food and support access for children with complications to effective care in 97 hospitals where in-patient treatment is prioritized.

Procure and distribute multiple micronutrient powders for 200,000 children under two years to address deficiencies.

400,000 children and their parents/caretakers reached with accurate information on proper sanitation and hygiene information.

Support 100,000 people mainly women through provision of safe and adequate water supply, sanitation, and hygiene facilities in identified Maternal and Child Health clinics.

This contribution is in line with the Japanese Government’s commitment that people live in dignity, free from want and fear through the provision of basic social services for the most vulnerable populations, including access to essential lifesaving WASH and nutrition services.

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Won’t allow any breach of law & order during my tenure – President

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that during his presidency, no one will be allowed to breach the law and order of the country. He emphasized that he will prioritize doing what is right over doing what is popular, and that presenting popular ideas can lead to the destruction of the country.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said this during his address to the Tri Forces & Police officers and other rankers at the Air Force Base, Anuradhapura, as the Commander in Chief of the armed forces.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe asserted that no one is entitled to engage in violent protests on the streets, but all political parties have the right to express their opinions or criticize him in a peaceful manner.

He emphasized the importance of doing the right thing, and mentioned that they presented the International Monetary Fund agreement to the parliament to assess whether the parliamentarians had the courage to make the right decisions for the betterment of the country.

The President referred to the International Monetary Fund agreement as an example and expressed his expectation for everyone’s assistance in making the IMF program successful. He also stated that if the country adopts a fresh approach and embarks on a new journey, it can achieve significant development within the next 25 years.

The President asserted that Sri Lanka will win the economic war, similar to the successful fight against terrorism, adding that measures would be taken to establish economic independence in the country.

The President acknowledged that the armed forces and police will continue to play a crucial role in achieving economic independence, and also assessed the actions of the armed forces and police in maintaining law and order during the previous year.

The President expressed gratitude towards the armed forces for fulfilling their responsibility, as without their efforts, Sri Lanka would have become an anarchic state. He also mentioned that the ongoing competition between world powers is affecting the Indian Ocean, and he intends to take action as the President to protect Sri Lanka from this influence.

The President emphasized that future military situations can be shaped by technology and knowledge, unlike in the past. He highlighted the need for the armed forces and police to be equipped with modern technology and knowledge to overcome future challenges. The President initiated the Defence 2030 program, aiming to strengthen the defence forces of Sri Lanka.

The President also announced that stringent laws will be introduced to combat the drug scourge, and no amnesty will be granted to drug offenders. 

The President said that he had instructed the Minister of  Law and Order Tiran Alles, and Justice Minister Wijayadasa Rajapaksha to take strict action against such offenders and to utilize the support of the armed forces in this effort.Minister of State for Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff to the President Mr Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence GeneralKamal Gunaratne (Rtd), Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Army Commander Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Sudarshan Pathirana, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Inspector General of Police Mr. C.D. Wickramaratne and around 1200 other rankers of the Tri Forces and Police were present on this occasion.

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39 Chinese nationals arrested over online financial fraud

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At least 39 Chinese nationals have been arrested by the Aluthgama police in connection with an online financial fraud.

Police said the suspects had defrauded millions of money over several months through the internet from the accounts of people in different countries.

The group had been staying in a tourist resort in the Kaluamodara area in Aluthgama and Police said they were arrested based on complaints received through several embassies.

While the arrested Chinese nationals were taken to the Alutgama police, several smartphones and cash in their possession were also taken into custody by police.

(dailymirror.lk)

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2 students killed during big match vehicle parade

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Two students were killed and seven others injured after a cab toppled during the vehicle parade held in view of the big match between Uva Paranagama Maha Vidyalaya and Dharmadutha College this afternoon, Police said.

The injured were admitted to the Badulla Hospital.

The accident occurred when the vehicles paraded around the ground during the match.

Further investigations are underway

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