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Anti-corruption units to be set up in PCs & LG bodies

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President Anura Kumara Disanayake has approved the establishment of dedicated anti-corruption investigation units within provincial councils and local government institutions, aiming to combat corruption and administrative inefficiencies. The decision follows a request by provincial governors during a high-level discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat today (May 15).

During the meeting, President Disanayake emphasised that provincial governors bear the primary responsibility for driving development initiatives and ensuring accountability within their respective provinces. He noted, “Strengthening governance mechanisms is critical to addressing systemic challenges and achieving equitable progress.”

Among the key decisions taken was the creation of anti-corruption investigation units modelled after similar bodies operating at the ministerial level. These units will be tasked with monitoring financial transactions, investigating irregularities and enforcing transparency in development projects. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader agenda to eliminate malpractice in public institutions.

The discussion also highlighted that provincial councils have received three times the financial allocations compared to the previous fiscal year. However, governors raised concerns regarding delays and bureaucratic hurdles in utilising these funds effectively. In response, President Disanayake directed officials to streamline procedures and adopt results-oriented mechanisms to accelerate infrastructure development.

Persistent obstacles in upgrading provincial infrastructure such as road networks, healthcare facilities and utility services, were also discussed. The President pledged to implement practical solutions to address these challenges and urged governors to prioritise projects that deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
The Governors further stressed the need for improved coordination between provincial councils and central ministries to avoid duplication of efforts. Acknowledging these concerns, President Disanayake underlined the importance of collaborative governance to ensure efficient resource allocation. 

“While increased funding is a positive step, its prudent management is non-negotiable. Provincial authorities must ensure every rupee is accounted for and spent efficiently,” he asserted.

The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, Kapila Janaka Bandara, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Provincial Governors: Hanif Yusuf (Western Province), Sarath Bandara Samarasinghe Abayakon (Central Province), Bandula Harischandra (Southern Province), Tissa Kumarasiri Warnasuriya (North Western Province), Wasantha Kumara Wimalasiri (North Central Province), Nagalingam Vedanayagam (Northern Province), Prof. Jayantha Lal Ratnasekera (Eastern Province), Champa Janaki Rajaratne (Sabaragamuwa Province) and Kapila Jayasekara (Uva Province). 

(President’s Media Division)

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‘Krrish’ case to be taken up again on Sep. 26

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The Colombo High Court has ordered the re-convening of the case filed by the Attorney General against Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa on September 26.

The case pertains to allegations that Rajapaksa received Rs. 70 million from the Indian company ‘Krrish’ under the pretext of promoting the game of rugby.

Rajapaksa, appeared before the court when the case was taken up today (June 27).

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2 NPP members at Weligama PS go missing (Video)

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Tensions erupted at the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha today (June 27) after 02 National Peoples’ Power (NPP) members were reportedly abducted.

The incident had occurred just before a scheduled vote to elect a new chairman.

The members, who were en route to attend the session, have reportedly gone missing, prompting the suspension of proceedings.

It has been proposed to proceed the council session if the missing members arrive.

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Customs urges to re-export substandard salt imports

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Sri Lanka Customs has recommended the re-export of 05 containers of imported salt after they failed to meet national quality standards.

According to Customs Spokesperson Seewali Arukgoda, all salt containers brought into the country are subject to rigorous standards testing. The five containers in question were found to be non-compliant with Sri Lanka Standards Certification requirements.

According to Customs, approximately 2,000 containers of salt have been imported under the relevant import permit.

Earlier, The Sri Lanka Salt Manufacturers Association has announced that salt will now be sold under newly set Maximum Retail Prices (MRP), following an agreement with the Consumer Affairs Council.

This move comes after import restrictions were relaxed, and sufficient salt stocks have arrived in the country. The MRPs are as follows :

1 kg granular salt – Rs.180
1 kg salt powder – Rs.240
400 g salt powder – Rs.120

The Association stated that while distribution has begun, it may take a few days for the packaged salt to reach outlets islandwide. Consumers can expect to purchase salt at regulated prices once full distribution is in place.

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