News

Fonterra supports govt. program on food security & nutrition

Published

2 years ago

January 18, 2023

editor

In support of the government’s ‘National Combined Mechanism for Food Security and Nutrition’, Fonterra will provide free milk powder to 70,000 low-income families.

Joining the ‘National Combined Mechanism for Food Security and Nutrition’ programme, set up under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Fonterra Brands Lanka Company has donated milk powder worth Rs174 million to 70,000 low-income families experiencing financial hardships.

The donation was made symbolically at the President’s Office yesterday (17) with the participation of New Zealand High Commissioner Michael Appleton and a group of New Zealand representatives.

Speaking at the occasion, Chairman and Advisor of the Presidential Committee on National Food Security Dr. Suren Batagoda said, “The Vision of the food security programme of the government is to ensure that every citizen has access to nutrition. This initiative is aimed at bridging this gap with the most vulnerable families.”

The milk powder was delivered to the 70,000 vulnerable families across the country, identified by the task force and delivered via the District Secretariats.

President’s Chief of Staff and the Senior Advisor on National Security Mr. Sagala Ratnayake, Vidya Sivaraja – MD, SEA & SA, Consumer & Food Service Global Markets, Judith Swales – CEO, Global Markets, General Shavendra Silva – Chief of Defence Staff and other officials, attended this event.

News

Special traffic plan in Borella today

Published

1 hour ago

July 7, 2025

editor

Police have announced a special traffic plan that will be implemented in Borella today (July 07) due to an event marking the 50th Golden Jubilee celebration of the Priesthood of His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith.

The event is expected to draw a large number of invited guests, including religious dignitaries, government officials, and members of the clergy.

To ease congestion, heavy vehicles will be restricted from entering the stretch between Kynsey Road junction and Nandadasa Kodagoda junction on Ward Place between 3.00 pm – 9.00 pm within the Borella Police Division.

Police have requested motorists to use alternate routes during this time.

News

Veteran civil servant Bradman Weerakoon bids adieu

Published

2 hours ago

July 7, 2025

editor

Senior civil servant and distinguished public administrator Bradman Weerakoon has passed away at the age of 94.

Mr. Weerakoon was educated at Holy Cross College, Kalutara, and St. Thomas’ College, Gurutalawa, before entering the University of Peradeniya, where he graduated with honours in Economics and Sociology.

He later earned a Master’s Degree (MA) in Sociology from the University of Michigan, USA, on a Fulbright Scholarship.

He joined the Ceylon Civil Service in 1954 and served in various parts of the country before becoming secretary to the then Prime Minister – Sir John Kotelawala.

Over an extraordinary career, he went on to serve as Secretary to all elected Prime Ministers and Presidents until 2002, working under 07 Prime Ministers and 03 Presidents – an unparalleled contribution to Sri Lanka’s public administration.

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Train schedules on Northern line revised

Published

2 hours ago

July 7, 2025

editor

The Department of Railways has announced amendments to train schedules on the Northern Line in response to public requests.

Due to high demand, the Intercity Express train, which previously operated only on weekends, will now run daily between Mt. Lavinia and Kankesanthurai starting today (July 07).

In addition, the departure time of the “Yaal Devi” train plying daily from Colombo Fort to Kankesanthurai has been revised from 5.45 am to 6.40 am.

The Department has advised passengers who made advance seat reservations for the “Yaal Devi” train a month ago, to note the new departure time.