News

Female Acting Presidential Secretary appointed for first time

Published

2 years ago

July 20, 2023

editor

Ms. Chandani Wijewardena has been appointed as the Acting Presidential Secretary, after Mr. Saman Ekanayake, accompanies the President on an official visit to India.

This is the first time in Sri Lanka’s history that a lady has assumed this esteemed position.

The momentous decision was announced today (July 20) and will remain in effect until Mr. Saman Ekanayake returns to the island. Ms. Chandani Wijewardena, an accomplished senior civil servant, is currently serving as a Senior Additional Secretary to the President.

Her illustrious career spans back to 1994 when she joined the Sri Lanka Planning Service. Over the course of 22 years, Ms. Wijewardena held various critical positions within the Treasury and ultimately rose to the position of Director General of the Planning Department. Her dedication and outstanding service have earned her recognition and respect within the civil service.

Notably, Ms. Chandani Wijewardena has also held significant leadership roles in various ministries. From 2015 to 2019, she served as the Secretary of the Ministry of Development Strategy and International Trade, contributing her insights and skills to the nation’s economic development.

In addition, during the President’s official tour of India, State Minister Dilum Amunugama has been appointed as the Minister of Investment Promotion, State Minister Kanaka Herath as the Minister of Technology, & State Minister Anupa Pasqual as the Minister of Women, Children Affairs, & Social Empowerment.

News

Special security measures implemented for Easter

Published

12 hours ago

April 17, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka Police Headquarters has announced that steps have been taken to implement a special security program in view of the upcoming Easter celebrations.

As Easter services are scheduled to be held on April 18 and April 20, 2025, special police security will be deployed to ensure the safety of devotees on those dates.

Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya has issued instructions to all Senior Deputy Inspectors General of Police (Senior DIGs) in charge of all provinces, Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), and Officers-in-Charge (OICs) in this regard.

Accordingly, the Acting IGP has further instructed officers to identify churches expected to attract large crowds as well churches where major religious services are held, to ensure security in and around those locations.

The Police, Special Task Force (STF), and tri-forces personnel are to be deployed to ensure security during the Easter celebrations.

News

Hot weather to continue

Published

12 hours ago

April 17, 2025

editor

A warm weather advisory has been issued for residents of the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.

The heat index – the temperature felt by the human body — is expected to rise to the ‘Caution Level’ in several areas tomorrow (April 18), according to the Department of Meteorology.

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News

5 including a police officer, arrested with Rs. 30 Mn.

Published

12 hours ago

April 17, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka Police has arrested five individuals, including a constable from the Western Province Intelligence Division, in Dondra Head.

The arrests were made early this morning, and the suspects were found in possession of approximately Rs. 30 million.

According to the police, the Special Task Force (STF) acted on a tip-off and conducted a search of a vehicle, leading to the arrests.

The five individuals, including the police constable, were taken into custody by the STF.

Investigations are currently being conducted under the supervision of the Police Narcotics Bureau to determine the source and intended use of the large sum of money.

(News1st)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)