News

Cabinet nod to obtain USD 200 mn. World Bank funding

Published

2 years ago

July 25, 2023

editor

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to enter into an agreement with the International Development Association of the World Bank Group in order to obtain funding for the implementation of a project to strengthen the social security system in Sri Lanka.

Earlier on May 08, 2023, the Cabinet had approved to negotiate agreements with the World Bank Group to obtain the necessary funds to implement a project that will provide better-targeted income support and livelihood opportunities to the poor and vulnerable, and strengthen the social security system.

During the negotiations held accordingly, the World Bank agreed to provide a loan amounting to USD 200 million in the form of three components including USD 185 million to support the ‘Aswesuma’ welfare benefits programme, USD 07 million to support the implementation of a pilot project to strengthen the selected beneficiaries, and USD 08 million to strengthen the overall project management and social security system.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the President as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policy to enter into the relevant agreement with the International Development Association of the World Bank Group to obtain the loan of USD 200 million from the World Bank.

News

SLAF helicopter rescues stranded fishermen

Published

1 hour ago

May 30, 2025

editor

A group of fishermen stranded at sea off the coast of Balapitiya were rescued today by a Bell 412 helicopter under the directive of the Secretary of Defence.

The fishermen were aboard a vessel that encountered distress in rough sea conditions. Upon receiving the alert, the Sri Lanka Air Force launched the helicopter to assist in the emergency rescue operation.

The Department of Meteorology has issued a Red Alert warning for strong winds and rough seas around Sri Lanka, effective from 12:30 pm today (May 30) until midnight tomorrow (May 31).

News

SLC postpones 03 domestic tournaments

Published

2 hours ago

May 30, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced the postponement of domestic tournaments due to the inclement weather conditions experienced in Sri Lanka.

According to a statement by the SLC, the decision to postpone the ongoing domestic tournaments has been taken by the SLC’s Tournament Committee.

The affected tournaments are :
– The Major Club T20 Tournament
– Tier ‘B’ T20 Tournament
– Governors Trophy

Sri Lanka Cricket further said that the revised schedules will be announced in due course.

News

Mahindananda – Nalin transferred to common ward at Welikada

Published

2 hours ago

May 30, 2025

editor

Former Sports Minister – Mahindananda Aluthgamage as well as former Trade Minister and Sathosa Chairman – Nalin Fernando, have been placed in a common ward at Welikada Prison, where they will be held with other general inmates.

Prison authorities confirmed that both individuals were issued standard-issue jumpers, along with a mat and pillow, as per prison protocol.

The two were brought to Welikada Prison yesterday afternoon following their sentencing and were subsequently subjected to medical examinations before being transferred to their assigned ward.

The Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar yesterday (May 29) sentenced the duo over their involvement in a major corruption case linked to the importation of sports equipment, which is infamously known as the ‘Carrom Board’ case.

Ex-Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage was sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment while former Trade Minister – Nalin Fernando was sentenced to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment for his involvement in the case as the Lanka Sathosa Chairman at that time.

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