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Agriculture & Plantation Research University to be set up!

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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.

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08 Dansals suspended over health concerns

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Steps have been taken to suspend eight ‘Dansal’ that failed to meet with proper health and safety procedures, the Public Health Inspectors’ (PHI) Union said.

PHI Union Secretary Chamil Muthukuda stated that permission was granted for another 17 Dansals to operate after complying with guidelines.

The union says that Dansal inspections will continue today (May 13) as well.

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Teen found dead in house fire

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A 19-year-old female has been found dead under suspicious circumstances at a house on Vihara Mawatha in Kottawa.


According to police, the body of the young woman was found burnt beyond recognition while the roof of the house had sustained significant damage from the fire.

The girl’s mother and two brothers were away from home at the time of the incident, police said.

Firefighters from the Kotte Sri Jayewardenepura Fire Department, assisted by local residents had attempted to douse the flames but the girl had already died by the time they arrived.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. 

The Nugegoda Crime Scene Investigation Unit is conducting further inquiries.

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3 police teams deployed to arrest ‘Teacher Amma’

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Three police teams have been deployed to arrest Hayeshika Fernando, a popular private tutor known as “Teacher Amma,” over allegedly kicking a young man in the lower abdomen and groin.

According to police sources, the suspect is in hiding with her daughter and has switched off her phone.

Investigations have revealed that the assault was in retaliation over a Facebook post by the victim’s sister about Hayeshika. She, along with her husband and her institute’s manager, had allegedly assaulted the youth.

Katana police have already arrested two said to be Hayeshika’s husband and the institute’s manager.  They were produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court and remanded until May 14.

The assaulted youth has been admitted to the Negombo hospital for treatment.

Reportedly, Hayeshika had instructed the youth to train a female employee in computer use. During the session, he allegedly behaved inappropriately, prompting Hayeshika’s husband, and the institute manager to accompany the female employee to file a complaint with the Katana Police.

Following statements from both parties, it was revealed that Hayeshika, her husband, and the manager had physically assaulted the youth.

Although her husband and the manager were taken into custody, Hayeshika Fernando fled with her daughter when police attempted to arrest her at her residence.

Under the instructions of Senior DIG Sanjeewa Dharmaratne and the supervision of SSP Ashoka Dharmasena, Chief Inspector Wasantha Sudasinghe and other officers from Katana Police are conducting further investigations.

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