News

Possible to provide lecturers solutions, once economy is stabilized – President

Published

11 months ago

May 18, 2023

editor

President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that the government will be able to consider the financial concessions and privileges requested by the university lecturers after the domestic debt restructuring program is successfully completed and the country’s economy is stabilized by September.

The President made these remarks during a discussion with the University Lectures’ Association held at the Presidential Secretariat this afternoon (18).

Academic staff representatives from all the universities were present and the main purpose of this discussion was to identify the solutions that can be given to the problems faced by the university lecturers and to maintain the university system in the current economic downturn.

The President also instructed the authorities to submit a cabinet memorandum regarding filling the necessary vacancies in the university system.

The university lectures emphasized that the existing educational facilities are insufficient compared to the number of students that enrol in the universities annually.

The focus was on improving the facilities of the university system while maintaining the current financial allocation restrictions, and President Ranil Wickremesinghe advised to pay more attention to the develop the facilities of medical, engineering and science faculties.

The President further directed the authorities to consult with the Attorney General and reach a decision on the possibility of re-granting the research allowance of the currently suspended university lecturers.

Attention was also drawn here on the need to get appropriate advice to suit the current world in decision-making and improving educational reforms regarding the country’s university education.

Minister of Education Susil Premjayanth, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, President’s Senior Adviser on Economic Affairs Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, Secretary of the Ministry of Education Nihal Ranasinghe, Chairman of the University Grants Commission Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunga and the heads of line institutions of the government including officials of the Ministry of Finance were present at this discussion.

(President’s Media Division)

News

Complaint filed alleging assets being misused for President’s political activities

Published

7 hours ago

April 26, 2024

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Today (26) the Socialist Youth Union (SYU) filed a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) calling for a probe into the alleged misuse of assets owned by the National Youth Services Council (NYSC) for the political activities of current President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The SYU submitted a formal complaint to the CIABOC today (26) afternoon.

The complaint is filed against Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports – Harin Fernando, Ministry Secretary – Dr. Kanapathipillai Mahesan, and Chairman of the NYSC – Pasindu Gunaratne.

Speaking before the media, Eranga Gunasekara, the national organizer of the SYU said, NYSC vehicles bearing the numbers NA 9099, NB 1389, NB 3384, NB 3383 had been misused for the UNP rally held in Kuliyapitiya on March 10.

He has also said a dance troupe of the NYSC, used for the rally, is yet to be paid.

News

Tiran makes revelation on Maithripala’s statement

Published

7 hours ago

April 26, 2024

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During the inquiry over former President Maithripala Sirisena’s recent statement that he was aware of the real culprits behind the Easter Sunday bomb attacks, he has not mentioned the names of anyone in Sri Lanka, Public Security Minister Tiran Alles said.

The lawmaker made this remark while speaking during today’s parliamentary session.

News

High Posts committee approves 4 appointments

Published

7 hours ago

April 26, 2024

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Committee on High Posts approves appointments of a new ambassador, a secretary to a ministry, and 02 chairpersons of institutions

The Committee on High Posts which met recently in Parliament has given its approval for the appointments of a new ambassador, a ministry secretary and two institution chairpersons.

Accordingly, the Committee on High Posts has approved the appointment of Mr. S.A Rodrigo as the new Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Italian Republic.

In addition to that, the appointment of Mr. A.C.M. Nafeel as the new secretary of the Ministry of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development was also approved by the Committee on High Posts.

Furthermore, the Committee on High Posts approved the appointments of Mr. W.A.D.S Gunasinghe as the new chairman of the Regional Development Bank and Mr. N.K.S. Jayasekara as the new chairman of the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council.

Ministers Dr. Ramesh Pathirana and Vidura Wickramanayake, Member of Parliament Rishad Bathiudeen participated in the Committee on High Posts which met under the chairmanship of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.