News

Fresh legislation for individuals with disabilities

Published

2 years ago

November 8, 2023

editor

State Minister for Social Empowerment, Anupa Pasqual, announced that, under the guidance of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, they are actively crafting a fresh legislation dedicated to improving the rights and well-being of differently abled individuals.

In his statement, the state minister emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that differently abled citizens are no longer considered a dependent population and that they should be treated as equal citizens, not relegated to second-class status.

State Minister Anupa Pasqual made these remarks during a press conference conducted at the Presidential Media Centre today (08), cantered around the theme of ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country.’

Expressing his views further State Minister Pasqual said;

We have been entrusted with a significant mission aimed at empowering our society in the upcoming year. One of the most notable tasks assigned to our ministry is the empowerment of 1 million beneficiaries from underprivileged backgrounds. It is crucial to highlight that the 1.6 million differently abled community members have not received the empowerment they deserve thus far. Under the dedicated guidance of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, we are committed to completing these initiatives in the coming year.

To kick-start the International Day of the Disabled, observed on the 1st of December, we have organized special activities aimed at promoting the development of the differently abled individuals, just like any other segment of our society. Our initiative, named “Empo 2023,” involves differently abled individuals from across the island traveling by train from Colombo to Kandy, with a visit to the Dalada Maligawa and a special ceremony planned at the Peradeniya Botanical Garden. What’s truly remarkable is that the event will bring together differently abled communities from around the world, including China and Japan.

Additionally, at the recommendation of the President, we are actively working on a new bill designed to better the lives of differently abled people. Although discussions on this matter have been on-going since 2004, concrete progress has been elusive. We are now committed to drafting and presenting the bill to Parliament within the first quarter of the next year. Furthermore, we have organized a special conference on International Disability Day, set for December 1st, under the leadership of Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.

Furthermore, it is a fundamental aspect of our government’s policy to ensure that the differently abled community is no longer considered a group dependent on others. To achieve this, we are actively working to enable their participation in the development and education sectors. The differently abled community should be treated as equals, with the same rights, technological resources and accessibility as the rest of our population.

As we embark on the journey into January, our ministry’s primary empowerment goal revolves around productivity. We are keen on exploring how our community can contribute to the overall Gross Domestic Product. Our objective is to establish a micro-level production network involving 1 million participants.

In addition, we have included proposals in this year’s budget. These proposals entail making the empowerment process mandatory, implementing a pension system and incorporating disability studies into university syllabi.

President’s Media Division (PMD)

News

President departs for official visit to Germany

Published

5 hours ago

June 10, 2025

editor

President Anura Kumara Disanayake left the country earlier tonight (June 10) from Bandaranaike International Airport on an official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany.

The visit, scheduled from June 11 to 13, 2025, is being carried out at the invitation of German President Mr, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

During the visit, President Disanayake is expected to hold bilateral discussions with the President of Germany, the Chancellor, key Federal Ministers and other senior government leaders. These discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation between the two countries, particularly in priority areas such as trade, the digital economy, investment and vocational training opportunities.

President Disanayake will Chair a Business Forum, organised by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he will highlight Sri Lanka’s on-going economic transformation, emerging investment opportunities, growth potential and prospects for expanding bilateral trade relations.

In addition, the President is scheduled to meet with representatives from Germany’s Tourism and Travel Industry Associations as well as members of the Sri Lankan community residing in Germany.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with a delegation of senior government officials.

(President’s Media Division)

News

Arrested Prisons Chief, remanded (Update)

Published

12 hours ago

June 10, 2025

editor

Suspended Commissioner General of Prisons – Thushara Upuldeniya, who was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) yesterday (June 09) has been remanded until tomorrow (June 11).

The order was issued by Colombo Additional Magistrate Manjula Rathnayake after rejecting a bail application.

The Additional Magistrate had pointed out that the bail request could not be considered at this stage as investigations are still ongoing.

(Previous news 2025 June 10 – 7.09.a.m.)

Prisons Chief Thushara Upuldeniya before Colombo Magistrate’s Court today

The Commissioner General of Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya was arrested yesterday (June 9) over explosive allegations of illegally granting a presidential pardon to a high-profile inmate and is set to appear before Colombo Magistrate’s Court today.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) took Upuldeniya into custody following a probe into claims that he abused presidential pardon powers to secure the early release of a prisoner under questionable circumstances.

A police spokesperson confirmed the arrest, stating that Upuldeniya had been questioned for three straight days before being detained. Investigators allege he bypassed legal protocols in facilitating the inmate’s release.

In a dramatic late-night development, the Cabinet—chaired by the President—moved swiftly to suspend Upuldeniya, citing concerns that his continued role could obstruct justice. “This decision ensures investigations remain impartial,” an official statement noted.

Nishan Dhanasinghe, Additional Secretary of the Judicial Ministry’s Prisons Division, has been named acting Commissioner General amid the unfolding scandal.

News

SL embassy in Japan holds mobile consular service in Ashikaga (Pics)

Published

12 hours ago

June 10, 2025

editor

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan recently conducted a mobile consular service in Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture, to serve the Sri Lankan community residing in the region.

During the program, officials from the Embassy accepted passport applications and updated driver’s licenses while providing other essential consular services such as affidavit issuance and passport endorsements. A large number of Sri Lankans were provided such services.
The consular service coincided with the “Vesak Kalapaya” organized by the Ohana Association in Tochigi to mark the Vesak and Poson Poya celebrations. Over 600 beautifully decorated Vesak lanterns were lit, creating a vibrant and spiritual atmosphere that welcomed both Japanese and Sri Lankans to experience the festivities.

An art competition was also held as part of the celebration. Winning children—both Japanese and Sri Lankan—were presented with school bags in recognition of their creativity and participation.

The Most Venerable Mawathare Chandima Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Tochigi Paramita Meditation Center, and the Most Venerable Narawila Wijayawansa Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Saithama Kumagaya Anandameth Viharaya, and the Maha Sangha participated in the religious ceremonies on that occasion.