In a statement. former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has responded to allegations raised against him by His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith regarding the Easter Sunday attacks,

The complete statement issued by Mr. Rajapaksa’s office is as follows : 

The St. Thomas’ Preparatory School (STPS), located in Kollupitiya, Colombo has been closed down indefinitely after a portion of a school building had collapsed, just two days before the school was to be reopened after the New Year holidays.

According to internal reports, the collapse could have been tragic if it took place when the school was open.

In this backdrop, questions are being raised over the building standards of the school buildings of STPS, which functions as a private school under the supervision of the Ministry of Education.

Earlier this January, parents of students in Grade 6-8 have also raised safety concerns over the reconstruction of the Middle School classroom block which houses 25- students while construction activities are taking place. They have formally communicated their concerns with the current principal of the school – Fr. Nihal Fernando.

The Principal is yet to reply to the parents and ‘Sri Lanka Mirror’ learns that he had verbally informed parents that he hoped the Old Boys’ Association would respond to the matter since they are funding the construction activities.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that a number of issues have been raised with the Principal’s arbitrary approach over the matter.

It is revealed that the constructions have not been done by a recognized contractor and there had been no independent evaluation as requested by the parents.

Also, another wall in the school, deemed as unsafe, had also collapsed three months ago. This has also been concealed by the Principal.

In the meantime, it is reported that the Principal has not revealed the identity of the contractors as well financial details such as how much was spent on the project.

It is also said that the parents are not briefed on whether the assessments of its renovation were carried out by a recognized, licensed structural engineer or an engineering firm.

The Japanese Government, through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has extended a generous grant of US$3 million to enhance inland fisheries and uplift rural livelihoods in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries.

This initiative aims to reinforce food and nutritional security while building resilience through various interventions. Key components of the project include establishing four community-operated mini hatcheries in Batticaloa, Mullaitivu, Anuradhapura, and Monaragala districts, upgrading four NAQDA Aquaculture Development Centres, and one community-operated mini fish breeding centre. 

These efforts seek to increase breeding and rearing capacity, enhance fingerling stocks in selected reservoirs, develop broodstock for breeding units, and promote cage culture for seed rearing among fisher communities.

Furthermore, the project will provide three live fish transportation trucks to NAQDA, integrate digital technology into inland fisheries, and enhance the technical capacities of officers and fishers in production, management, processing, and value addition of inland fisheries.

Ambassador Mizukoshi highlighted Japan’s longstanding commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s fisheries development and emphasized the significance of this new project in strengthening the fisheries sector, improving food security, and enhancing livelihoods.

Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Fisheries, underscored the historical importance of Sri Lanka’s inland fisheries sector and emphasized the pivotal role of this project in revitalizing the sector amid recent financial challenges.

The project is expected to directly benefit approximately 3,000 inland fishers, 40 farmers engaged in mini hatchery operations, and 20 farmers specializing in fish feed preparation. Moreover, it is anticipated to have positive indirect effects on family members, consumers, producers of dry fish, and stakeholders in research and academia.

Mr. Marc-André Franche, UN Resident Coordinator for Sri Lanka, emphasized the significance of partnerships in driving sustainable development and reiterated the United Nations’ commitment to fostering collaborations that empower communities and reinforce crucial sectors like inland fisheries.

Mr. Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka, stressed the importance of increasing inland fish production and ensuring the sustainability of the inland fisheries industry, highlighting the project’s role in uplifting livelihoods and fortifying resilience in rural communities.

🎣 Japan and Sri Lanka join hands with @FAOSriLanka to launch "Development of Self-sustained Culture-based Inland Fisheries" 🌊🐟. This collaborative project aims to boost food security and rural livelihoods, highlighting our commitment to sustainable growth. #FisheriesFortifySL pic.twitter.com/3MaFEVVoIh

— Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka（在スリランカ日本国大使館) (@JapanEmb_SL) April 25, 2024