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China donated fuel to be distributed from today!

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Arrangements have been made to distribute 6.98 million liters of diesel donated by the Chinese Government for agricultural activities in Sri Lanka to paddy farmers from today (09).

At the request of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Chinese Government donated 10.06 million liters of diesel after considering the economic difficulties faced by the people engaged in the agricultural and fishing sectors.

Accordingly, 6.98 million liters of diesel was given for agricultural activities and the rest of the fuel would be utilized for fishing activities.

Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera instructed the officials to provide fuel free of charge at the time of harvesting, since the farmers had already finished their cultivation by the time the fuel stock was received.

Commissioner General of Agrarian Development A. H. M. L. Aberathne said fuel will be distributed from today since some farmers will commence harvesting by the end of January.

This stock of fuel is planned to be given to each farmer through a special voucher online and the official issuance of the voucher will be done today (09) at 11.00 am at the Ministry of Agriculture by Minister Mahinda Amaraweera.

Under this programme, steps have been taken to provide free fuel to the farmers who cultivate paddy from half an acre to two hectares.

Accordingly, arrangements have been made to provide 15 liters of diesel for one hectare and 30 liters of diesel for two hectares.

According to Minister Amaraweera, a subsidy of Rs.150,000 has been given to a farmer who cultivates one hectare including the subsidies received from the government and the international community.

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Civil Defence officer arrested over shooting of Perahera elephant

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A Civil Defence Department officer attached to the Mapakada Wewa Wildlife Regional Office has been arrested in connection with the shooting of a female elephant that had participated in the annual Randoli Perahera of Mahiyanganaya Rajamaha Viharaya.

Police spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa said a statement is being recorded from the said officer.

The incident has taken place at around 3:30 a.m. this morning.

It was reported that following the procession, the female elephant had been tied to a tree on the banks of the Mahaweli River.

The mahout, who said he was having breakfast when the incident happened, accused the officer of shooting the elephant despite people telling him that ‘Sita’ was not a wild elephant.

The officer in question had shot ‘Sita’ after mistaking it for a wild elephant that had crossed the river.

The injured 48-year-old elephant was later treated by veterinary surgeons of the Wildlife Conservation Department.

In a statement, the Director General of the Wildlife Conservation Department, M.G.C. Sooriyabandara had clarified that one of the wildlife officers at the site had mistakenly fired rubber bullets at the female elephant ‘Sita’ while trying to scare off the wild elephants in the vicinity.

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Landslide warnings extended

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The Department of Irrigation says that the water levels in the Kelani River and Attanagalu Oya are rising to levels that requires attention.

Director of the Hydrology and Disaster Management Division of the Irrigation Department S. P. C. Sugeeshwara says that the Gin, Nilwala and Kalu Ganga remain at the flood level.

Many roads in the vicinity of the rivers have been inundated.

S. P. C Sugeeshwara warns that people should refrain from further using the rivers.

The landslide warnings issued to seven districts have also been extended, due to the prevailing weather conditions.

The Met Department predicts that the heavy showers in the South West will continue.

Heavy showers of about 75 mm can be expected in some areas.

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“SLPP Leadership can change if needed”

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Former President Mahinda Rajapaska yesterday said that there should be a change in the leadership of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), if the need arises.

When the former President was asked about the veracity of the news on social media about imminent change of the SLPP leadership, said that he is not aware of any change in the leadership. 

The President was speaking to the media after calling on Mahanayake Thera of the Rammanya Maha Nikaya Most Ven. Makulewe Sri Wimala Thera at the Vidyawasa Pirivena in Meerigama yesterday.

Commenting on the impending regulations on social media, the former President said that there are pros and cons in the social media. “I don’t have any issue with the social media,” he said. 

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa also visited the Sacred Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya and participated in religious activities. The Former President also met Chief incumbent of the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya Ven. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkitha Thera and received his blessings.

Speaking to the media on the occasion, the former President said that he is physically fit despite social media reports to the contrary.

(dailynews.lk)

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