News

Additional Rs. 50mn. allocated for flood relief

Published

8 months ago

October 14, 2024

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized the need for a specific and sustainable program to address the recurring flood situation in the country. He noted that frequent flooding requires long-term solutions for effective control.

During a meeting today (Oct. 14) with officials from the Ministry of Disaster Management and the Ministry of Finance at the Presidential Secretariat, the President directed officials to prioritize immediate relief for those affected by the recent inclement weather in Colombo, Gampaha, Puttalam, and Kalutara. Following the relief efforts, attention should then shift to repairing damaged properties.

President Dissanayake also instructed the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance to allocate additional funds if necessary for flood relief measures. Rs. 50 million had already been added to the flood relief budget to support relief efforts for those impacted by the disaster under President Dissanayake’s instructions.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardena, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuiyakontha (Retired), Disaster Management Ministry Additional Secretary K.G. Dharmathilaka, Disaster Management Division Director General (Planning) W.W.S. Mangala, National Building Research Organization Director General Dr. Asiri Karunawardena, Meteorological Department Director General A.K. Karunanayake, Senior Assistant Secretary of the National Disaster Relief Service Center Namal Indika Liyanage, and Acting Director General of the Disaster Management Center W.G.A.K. Tillakaratne.

(President’s Media Division)

News

Nearly 2,000 deaths so far due to road accidents in 2025

Published

29 minutes ago

June 20, 2025

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Police report that nearly 2,000 individuals have lost their lives in fatal road accidents during the first 06 months of 2025.

He pointed out that January 01 – June 15, 2025, a total of 1,133 fatal accidents were reported, resulting in the deaths of nearly 2,000 individuals.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the Department of Government Information, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police for Traffic Control and Road Safety, Indika Hapugoda has stated that the primary causes of these accidents are unroadworthy vehicles and reckless driving.

He added that 7,152 people suffered serious injuries from road accidents last year, in addition to the fatalities.

DIG Hapugoda further noted that starting July 01, 2025, authorities will begin removing unauthorized and unnecessary vehicle modifications and spare parts, which contribute to traffic hazards.

He further announced that, starting July 1, 2025, authorities will begin removing unauthorized and unnecessary vehicle modifications and spare parts, which contribute to traffic hazards.

News

Convicted murderers found to be ‘pardoned’ & released

Published

1 hour ago

June 20, 2025

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Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya states it has been revealed that prisoners who are murder convicts have been released under the Presidential Pardon without proper approval.

This has been revealed during the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) investigations and questioning of Justice Ministry officials.

Police noted that 247 inmates were released in this manner on 03 occasions coinciding with Christmas, Independence Day, and Vesak.

The prisoners have been released between the day documents were submitted for approval and the scheduled release date, claiming that conditions for granting a general amnesty had been met.

News

China-South Asia Expo kicks off in Kunming

Published

2 hours ago

June 20, 2025

editor

The 9th China-South Asia Expo opened yesterday (June 19) in Kunming, the capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province.
The five-day event is a key platform for economic and trade exchanges between China and South Asia. Exhibitors from over 50 countries are expected to participate, including full representation from all South Asian nations.

This year, Sri Lanka has been designated as the Guest of Honor Country at the Expo.

Notably, China-Sri Lanka bilateral trade reached a record high of USD 5.36 billion in 2024, representing a 13.4% year-on-year increase. This makes Sri Lanka China’s fastest-growing trade partner in South Asia.

The Sri Lankan pavilion was officially declared open by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Trade and Commerce – Wasantha Samarasinghe and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment – Arun Hemachandra, who jointly led the country’s high-level delegation to the prestigious regional event.