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Free rice distribution program initiated from Colombo District   

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The program to distribute free rice to 2.9 million low-income families commenced yesterday (26) in the Colombo District under the patronage of President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Mr. Sagala Ratnayake.

The program was carried out with a focus on the Dematagoda, Narahenpita, and Wellawatta areas, which fall under the Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Secretariat Division.

As part of the program, 995 recipients received bags of rice at the Mihidusenpura Community Hall in Dematagoda, 448 recipients received rice at the Dabare Mawatha Community Hall in Narahenpita, and 169 recipients were given rice at the Ranjan Wijeratnapura Community Hall in Wellawatta.

The distribution of free rice to low-income families for two months is part of the government’s 2022/2023 Maha season rice purchase and rice stock disposal program, which was implemented on the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Each family will receive 10 kg of rice per month during this period.

Initially, the rice subsidy was intended for 2 million families, but it was later expanded to 2.9 million families as per the directives of the President. The program’s first phase will be rolled out in several districts, including Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Ratnapura, Galle, and Matara.

Addressing the program held at the Mihidusenpura Community Hall in Dematagoda, Mr. Sagala Ratnayake explained how Sri Lanka was able to turn a corner during a difficult period with the assistance of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Mr. Sagala Ratnayake emphasized that the country had faced an economic crisis due to wrong decisions made in the past, but now under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the country is following a more appropriate economic program.

During the event, Mr. Ratnayake interacted with the attendees and listened to some of the issues they were facing.

The Colombo District Secretary, Mr. K.G. Wijesiri, and senior officials from the Ministry of Social Empowerment were present at the event.

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Legendary actress Malani Fonseka passes away

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Veteran Actress Malini Fonseka, widely revered as the “Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema,” passed away this morning (May 24) at the age of 78 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.

Born on April 30, 1947, in Kelaniya as Wanni Arachchige Malani Senehelatha Fonseka, she later rose to fame in Sri Lankan cinema under the name Malani Fonseka.

Fonseka began her acting career on stage in 1963 and made her cinematic debut in 1968 with the film Punchi Baba.

She won the Most Popular Actress award in 1973 and has received numerous accolades, including the President’s Award, Sarasavi Award, OCIC Award, and Sumathi Award, with several honors for Best Actress.

Plays such as Nidhanaya, Bambaru Awitha, Wekande Walawwa, Aradhana, and Ammawarune are regarded as outstanding works that showcased the acting talents of Malani Fonseka.

Beyond her artistic achievements, she entered politics in 2010 and served as a National List Member of Parliament until 2015.

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12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

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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

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Investigations underway to arrest 20 criminals hiding overseas

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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.

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