News

China – SL inks pact for housing project

Published

1 year ago

November 27, 2023

editor

An agreement was signed today (Nov. 27) for a housing project under Chinese funding.

The project aims to build 1,996 houses for persons of low income (1,888 houses) as well as for artistes and journalists (108).

A sum of RMB 552 million (around Rs. 24.48 bn) will be granted for the project.

Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka – Mr. Qi Zhenhong and Minister of Housing in Sri Lanka – Prasanna Ranatunga signed the agreement at the auditorium of the Urban Development Authority today.

Speaking, Minister Ranatunga said that construction work is expected to kick off in March 2024.

Noting that China has been a true friend of Sri Lanka that has continued to aid the island nation in numerous ways over the years, the Minister thanked the Chinese President and the government.

Speaking, Chinese ambassador – Mr. Qi Zhenhong has said that China would always support the development of the socio-economic situation in Sri Lanka. The ambassador also stated that there are over 100 Chinese funded social upliftment programmes initiated in Sri Lanka and would continue to do so in the future as well.

News

Special allowance for policemen on duty at ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’

Published

2 hours ago

April 18, 2025

editor

A special transport allowance and a combined allowance will be provided to police personnel assigned to ensure the safety of devotees attending the exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Siri Dalada Vandanawa) in Kandy, the police said.

The measure has been taken over the instructions of the Acting IGP, in consideration of the fact that these police personnel will be on continuous day and night duty for over 10 days, away from their regular stations and incurring additional personal expenses.

News

Ravi K’s Bill to repeal Online Safety Act, gazetted

Published

2 hours ago

April 18, 2025

editor

The Bill to repeal the Online Safety Act, No. 9 of 2024, and other regulations concerning the Act, has been gazetted.

The Online Safety Bill was passed by a majority vote in Parliament on Jan. 24, 2024.

The Bill that has been gazetted was submitted by opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake.

On Feb. 28, 2025, MP Karunanayake submitted a private member’s Bill to the Parliament Secretary-General, aiming to repeal the controversial Online Safety Act.