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Development projects linked to Bathiudeen suspended by Presidential Secretariat

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More than Rs 200 million worth ongoing development projects secured by All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) leader and Parliamentarian Rishad Bathiudeen in six districts have been put on hold with immediate effect following directives issued by the Presidential Secretariat.

Earlier, the ACMC leader secured approval to carry out development activities in six districts—Mannar, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, Puttalam, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa. Mr. Bathidueen said the projects were based on the requests of people, rural development societies, welfare societies, and other community-based organisations for the urgent development activities in those areas.

However, a directive was issued on Thursday by Presidential Secretariat accountant S.A.P. Kumari to the respective district secretaries, instructing them to halt those projects and directing them to transfer the funds to the Presidential Secretariat with immediate effect.

“I further request you to inform me of the receipt of this letter immediately and not to enter into any obligation using these provisions,” according to the letter signed by the accountant and seen by the Sunday Times.

On the following day, the ACMC leader wrote to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, saying that it was “extremely doubtable (sic) that these actions had been taken following his announcement to support Presidential Candidate Sajith Premadasa at the upcoming presidential election.”

“I hope that this sort of action had been taken by certain individuals and officials without Your Excellency’s knowledge unethically…,” the ACMC leader said in his letter seen by the Sunday Times while urging him to revoke the orders and instruct relevant authorities to expedite the implementation of the projects.

He warned he would be forced to appeal to the Elections Commission if the directives were not revoked, saying he believed these attempts were “unethical activities” and violations of election laws.

(sundaytimes.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by sundaytimes.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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Islandwide operation against child begging

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Child beggars

A special operation has been launched by the Bureau for the Investigation of Abuse of Children and Women and the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA).

The operation was conducted across multiple police divisions including Colombo North, Colombo South, Colombo Central, Nugegoda, Gampaha, Panadura, Kelaniya, Negombo, Mount Lavinia, Kalutara, Tangalle, Anuradhapura, Kandy, Kurunegala, Chilaw, Ratnapura, Galle, and Matara.

According to the police media division, the operation has rescued 21 minors found begging or selling goods in unsafe conditions.

They have been placed under protective care, the statement adds.

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Notice for landowners over uncultivated land

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The Department of Agrarian Development has issued a notice to landowners with uncultivated land, requesting them to submit reasons for non-cultivation within the next 02 weeks.

Commissioner General – Rohana Rajapaksha highlighted that over 120,000 acres of land, which should have been cultivated, have been abandoned.

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All President’s Fund services go online from today

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All services provided by the President’s Fund to the public will be available through an online system, from today (June 21).

The acceptance of applications for medical assistance under the President’s Fund through Divisional Secretariats island wide commenced on February 07.

Following the successful implementation of that initiative, preparations have now been completed to expand the digital system to include all other services offered by the Fund.

Accordingly, the public will be able to apply online via any Divisional Secretariat across the country for a wide range of services provided under the President’s Fund. These include assistance for poverty alleviation, provision of educational scholarships, recognition of students demonstrating academic excellence, support for individuals with special needs, relief assistance for children affected by wild elephant conflict, recognition of individuals for their national service or contributions to the country, Emergency and disaster relief.

As a result, citizens across Sri Lanka, especially those outside Colombo can conveniently access the services of the President’s Fund without having to travel long distances.

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