News

Agriculture & Plantation Research University to be set up!

Published

1 year ago

July 25, 2023

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Steps will be taken to establish an Agriculture and Plantation Research University by merging all institutions connected to the plantation industry and agricultural sector, as per President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s concept, Plantation Industries and Industries Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said.

Speaking during a press conference themed ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country’ held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) yesterday (24), he said the fundamental draft related to this has already been prepared, and that the basic work is expected to be completed this year.

Dr. Pathirana further said that the government is prepared to offer the assistance required to expand the plantation industry’s value chains and that the Ministry will provide technological know-how and financial resources.

New laws to improve coconut industry!

Meanwhile, a law will be brought in the near future that states that a special permission must be obtained to divide coconut lands of more than one acre in order to improve the country’s coconut industry.

“For that, we hope to follow up again on the instructions of President Wickremesinghe. Additionally, the law requiring the authorization of the Divisional Secretariat and the Grama Niladhari shall be enforced if more than two coconut trees are to be cut down,” he said.

In recent times, apart from tea and rubber, coconut-related products have seen the highest growth. Compared to 2020, the market has expanded by approximately 15%-20% in 2021 and 2022. Accordingly, in 2022, it was able to earn an export income of 836 million dollars.

It can reach a value close to that this year as well. Within the next five years, there is a high probability of increasing the export income of coconut-related products to 1.5-2.00 billion dollars.

News

Hingurakgoda runway expansion moves forward

Published

37 minutes ago

January 15, 2025

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The next phase of construction for the Hingurakgoda runway, which includes an additional 850-metre extension, is set to commence today (15).

The project aims to upgrade the runway to international standards, enabling operations of A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft.

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) is leading the design and construction efforts, with the Road Development Authority (RDA) providing consultations and the Civil Aviation Authority and Airports and Aviation Sri Lanka offering regulatory guidance.

Officially inaugurated on August 19, 2024, the project is divided into four phases.

The first phase focuses on constructing the main runway and includes seven stages. So far, stages one and two have been completed, covering 850 metres of the total 2,500-metre runway with an asphalt binder course.

A key milestone was achieved on Monday (13) when a Y-12 aircraft, piloted by Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, conducted a successful test landing on the completed section.

The event was attended by Air Vice Marshal Sumedha Silva and Air Commodore Dinesh Jayaweera, among other officials.

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2 Chinese nationals arrested at BIA with gems worth over Rs. 17 mn.

Published

12 hours ago

January 14, 2025

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Two Chinese nationals have been nabbed at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) last night (Jan. 13) after attempting smuggle a stock of gemstones out of the country.

The customs officers had apprehended the 45-year-old male and his 21-year-old daughter who had hidden gemstones in their undergarments, reports say.

According to Sri Lanka Customs, he stock of gemstones includes Moonstones, Hessonite Garnets, Star Sapphires, Cats Eyes and Emeralds weighing around 689.5 grams in total and valued around Rs. 17,450,875.

News

100 families in Suduwella village, evacuated

Published

12 hours ago

January 14, 2025

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100 families residing in Suduwella village, Gal Oya have been evacuated to safety, District Secretary of Ampara District, Chinthaka Abeywickrama says.
Noting that the Gal Oya is near to breaching its banks, Mr. Abeywickrama has said that the evacuation was done in the face of a possible flood situation.

Meanwhile, the banks of the Gal Oya have been severely eroded in the Kota Vehera area.