News

Cricket can also be revived if country’s collapsed economy can be rebuilt

Published

2 years ago

November 14, 2023

editor

President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored his desire for a resurgence of cricket in the country, linking its revival to the broader economic recovery.

He made these remarks in response to a journalist’s inquiry during a meeting with heads of media organizations at the Presidential Secretariat this afternoon (14).

The President has further answered to journalists as follows :

Question : 1.4 billion has been allocated for the development of cricket in this year’s budget, but it has been banned so far. Do you have a plan to lift the ban on cricket?

Answer: The discussion with the International Cricket Council has been delegated to the Cabinet Sub-Committee appointed by the Cabinet regarding Cricket. Efforts are underway to negotiate and reinstate the suspended matches. The allocated 1.4 billion in this year’s budget is intended for the development of cricket skills among school children. While there are no issues in the Western Province, our focus is on fostering cricket development in other provinces. We aim to allocate funds in a similar manner until 2030 with the goal of attaining the top position in the world.

We won the World Cup in 1996 because of the program led by Mr. Gamini Dissanayake. During that time, I undertook initiatives for school cricket players, and Sir. Garfield Sobers came to Sri Lanka to assist us. If the fallen economy of this country can be rebuilt, cricket can also experience a revival.

(Excerpts : President’s Media Division)

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

6 hours ago

May 23, 2025

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The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 12-hour water cut from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday (May 25) in several areas, including Colombo, due to essential maintenance work at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant.

Due to this, the public is urged to make prior arrangements and store an adequate supply of water to avoid inconvenience during the period of the suspension.

Accordingly, the water cut will affect the following areas:

Colombo 01 to Colombo 15
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Kaduwela
Battaramulla
Kolonnawa
Kotikawatta
Mulleriyawa
IDH (Infectious Diseases Hospital) area
Maharagama
Dehiwala
Mount Lavinia
Ratmalana and Moratuwa

News

Investigations underway to arrest 20 criminals hiding overseas

Published

6 hours ago

May 23, 2025

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The Ministry of Public Security states that investigations are underway to arrest 20 members of major organized crime gangs currently hiding overseas.

Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that Interpol has already issued red notices for their arrest and that the countries where these criminals are hiding have been identified.

He added that investigations into the group have been expanded in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since the new government came to power, 11 members of organized crime gangs hiding abroad have been brought back to the island and produced before courts.

Meanwhile, operations to arrest members of organized crime gangs involved in various criminal activities, including murder and drug trafficking, within the country are also ongoing.

The Minister added that the Police Special Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are jointly conducting investigations into the allegations against them.

News

Ex-Minister Duminda Dissanayake arrested

Published

6 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

Former Minister and Anuradhapura District Organiser of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) – Duminda Dissanayake, has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the discovery of a gold-colored T-56 assault rifle at a luxury apartment complex in Havelock Town, Wellawatte.

The firearm, found earlier this week, led to the arrest of 03 suspects, based on information revealed during interrogations conducted in connection with the incident.