Connect with us

News

Majority of population feels economic conditions ‘getting better’ – Verité Research

Published

on

For the first time since the economic crisis, a majority of the population (55%) feels that economic conditions in Sri Lanka are “getting better”, according to the latest round of the Gallup style ‘Mood of the Nation’ poll conducted by Verité Research.

The government’s approval rating too rose sharply after the election, from 24% in July 2024 to 62% in February 2025. Poll says that 47% still feel that the economy, as a whole, is in a “poor condition.” This is down from the 71% who thought that way in July 2024.

Overall, from July 2024 to February 2025, the percentage of people who disapprove of the government declined from 60% to 16% (44-point reduction), and the percentage of people who think the economy is getting worse declined from 65% to 14% (51-point reduction). In response to the question, “Do you approve or disapprove of the way the current government is working?” 62% said they “approve,” more than double the previous round’s 24%. Only 16% said they “disapprove,” in contrast to 60% who disapproved previously.

In response to the question, “Do you think that the economic conditions in the country as a whole are getting better or getting worse?”, 55% said “getting better”, compared to 30% in July 2024. Only 14% said “getting worse”, a sharp drop from the previous 65%. When asked to rate the current economic conditions in the country as “excellent,” “good,” or “poor,” 35% rated them as either “good” or “excellent”, up from 28% in July 2024.

This regularly conducted poll is part of the Syndicated Surveys instrument of Verité Research. The polling partner was Vanguard Survey (Pvt) Ltd. This instrument also allows other organisations to survey the sentiments of Sri Lankans. The latest poll was based on a nationally representative multi-stage randomized sample of 1,050 Sri Lankan adults from separate households, and was carried out from 31 January to 5 February 2025.

This survey was designed to have a maximum sampling error margin of ±3.0% at a 95% confidence level. Error margins can be further affected by lapses that could arise in the implementation process.

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

News

Daycare centres for children with Autism & Neurodevelopmental disorders

Published

on

By

The Sri Lankan government is moving forward with plans to establish a national network of daycare and therapy centres for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental conditions. 

Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake has directed officials to prepare a detailed concept proposal within two weeks, following discussions held yesterday (July 09) at the Presidential Secretariat. 

This initiative, championed by President Anura Kumara Disanayake, aims to create a coordinated system involving multiple ministries and government departments, with the Presidential Secretariat overseeing implementation.  
The programme will utilise a Rs 250 million allocation from this year’s budget, channelled through the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs to district-level administrators. Key aspects of the plan include developing specialised human resources, creating a scientifically validated care model and establishing clear operational guidelines. During yesterday’s meeting, officials emphasised the need for an integrated approach that brings together healthcare providers, social services and education specialists to ensure comprehensive support for affected children and their families.  

Senior government figures attending the planning session included Kapila Janaka Bandara, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, K.D.R. Olga Secretary to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, Sampath Manthrinayake, Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security & Community Infrastructure,  H.A. Hema Perera, Additional Secretary, Darshani Karunaratne, Director, Department of Social Services  and representatives from health, social services and rural development ministries. Medical specialists such as Dr. Varuni Rasadi from the Ministry of Health, Dr. Asiri Hewamalage, Deputy Director (Community Health) and Dr. Santhushitha Senadhipathi from the Lady Ridgeway Hospital also attended the discussions.  

(President’s Media Division)

Continue Reading

News

Final grand procession of Ruhunu Kataragama Esala Perahera, tonight

Published

on

By

The final grand procession of the Esala Perahera at the historic Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya is set to take place tonight (July 10).

This marks the culmination of a 14-day religious and cultural festival.As per tradition, the Perahera will proceed to the Kiri Vehera Rajamaha Viharaya, exit through the main gate of the temple courtyard, and head toward the Valliamma Devalaya along the outer street.

After completing the sacred rituals there, the procession will return to the Maha Devalaya, passing Sri Abhirama Viharaya and Basnayake Nilame’s residence, concluding the festival in a grand spiritual display.

The Diya Kapeema (water-cutting ceremony) will take place tomorrow (July 11) at the Jeevamali Ferry on the Menik Ganga, marking the sacred conclusion of this year’s Esala celebrations.

Continue Reading

News

Internet access to all secondary schools by 2026 end – PM

Published

on

By

The government hopes to provide internet access to all secondary schools in Sri Lanka by the end of 2026.

Prime Minister and Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Minister Harini Amarasuriya said this in Parliament yesterday (July 09).

She said that as a start up towards fulfilling this goal, the Government has introduced Rs.5,000 unlimited data packages to schools in the country.

The Prime Minister also revealed that a National Education Management System is being developed at present with the support received from the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) under the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative.

The Education Minister said that plans are afoot to provide smart boards and other relevant computer equipment and accessories to around 1,000 schools in the country initially and stated that Cabinet approval has been already received in this regard.

She further informed the House that the Government has made a decision to distribute 1,900 smart boards to 1,500 schools in the country that badly require them.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Sri Lanka Mirror. All Rights Reserved