News

Govt. land in H’tota leased for brackish water shrimp farming

Published

9 months ago

August 8, 2023

editor

Shrimp farming is one of the main commercial aquaculture practices in Sri Lanka. This has resulted in a production of 14,414 metric tonness in the year 2021 and it is aimed to increase the production to 50,000 metric tonnes by the year 2025 to earn a foreign exchange of 65500 million rupees thereby.

However, the available land in the country that can be used for aquaculture is limited and this has become a challenge for the further expansion of commercial aquaculture.

The National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka has taken many steps to face this challenge.

One of them is the introduction of modern technology that can achieve high productivity in a limited space.

Accordingly, 218 acres and 30 perches of land belonging to the government located in Ambalantota Divisional Secretariat Area of Hambantota district has been identified as suitable for Vannamei shrimp cultivation which can complete a culture cycle in a short period of time.

As such, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the combined proposal presented by the Minister of Fisheries and Minister of Tourism and Lands to provide this land to W.S.R. Lowe & K.M.N. Aqua Services (Pvt.) Ltd. and Rainbow Foods (Pvt.) Ltd, which have been selected following the government procurement process, 109 acres and 015 perches each, on a long lease basis for a period of 30 years based on the assessment of the government assessor.

News

Fmr. Army Chief joins SJB

Published

2 hours ago

May 17, 2024

nipuni

Former Army Commander Retired General Mahesh Senanayake has joined with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

In a Facebook post, party leader Sajith Premadasa said that the Former Army Chief joined the SJB to support the program to rebuild Sri Lanka.

Mr. Premadasa had appointed General Mahesh Senanayake as the Chief of the Samagi Ranaviru Balawegaya.

News

Colombo HC sentences 9 Pakistani drug traffickers to 10 years in prison

Published

3 hours ago

May 17, 2024

nipuni

Nine Pakistani nationals, who were arrested on charges of smuggling a large cache of drugs, have been sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Colombo High Court.

During a joint operation carried out by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) and the Sri Lanka Navy on January 01, 2020, the Pakistani nationals were apprehended while transporting 614 kg of ‘Ice’ (Crystal Methamphetamine) and 581 kg and 34 grams of suspected drugs by boat.

The report of the Government Analyst has confirmed that the seized parcels contained over 491 kilograms of ‘Ketamine’ drugs and nearly 472 kilograms of ‘Ice’ (Crystal Methamphetamine).

The accused pleaded guilty to the charges when the case was taken up before the court, and were subsequently sentenced to 10 years in prison, police said.

Furthermore, the police mentioned that measures are underway to extradite the suspects to Pakistan in order to serve their sentences.

(adaderana.lk)

(This story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Uni. exams postponed due to non-academic staff strike

Published

3 hours ago

May 17, 2024

nipuni

The University Grants Commission said all examinations of undergraduate students in universities have to be postponed, due to the ongoing strike launched by the university non-academic trade unions.
UGC Vice Chairman Senior Prof. Chandana P. Udawatte said as a result, over 50,000 undergraduates will not be able to complete their degree within the planned timeframe.

He said the issuance of the university admission manual, which includes the details on how to apply for degree courses, for those who pass the Advanced Level Examination, was also delayed due to the strike action.

Prof. Udawatte said the Minister of Education has already submitted the necessary proposals to the Cabinet to resolve the issues of the university non-academic staff.

However, Co-Convener of the University Trade Union Alliance Dhammika S. Priyantha said the strike will continue indefinitely until favourable solutions are provided to their demands.

The strike is ongoing for the 16th day.

(News1st)