News

President directs officials to fly economy class

Published

2 years ago

February 23, 2023

editor

In a bid to maximize the use of government funds and ensure that resources are utilized efficiently, President’s Secretary Mr. Saman Ekanayake has issued a directive on the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, requiring officials purchasing airline tickets for official travel abroad to book Economy Class tickets.

This directive will take effect from March 1, 2023, and replaces all previous circulars and instructions related to this matter.

According to the new directive, officials such as the Chief Justice, Justices of the Supreme Court, Chairman of the Court of Appeal, and Justices of the Court of Appeal are exempt from booking Economy Class tickets.

However, if an officer needs to travel Business Class, they may do so at their own expense, paying the difference between an Economy and Business Class ticket. The directive also states that exceptions to this rule require prior approval, based on sufficient justification.

The President’s directive aims to ensure that government funds are used only for essential purposes and that resources are utilized efficiently. By limiting the use of Business Class tickets, the government can save a significant amount of money while still enabling officials to travel for official purposes.

All relevant agencies and organizations under the purview of the directive, including Heads of Provincial Ministries, Departments, State Corporations, and Statutory Organizations, have been instructed to comply with the new provisions. Officials are also advised to seek prior approval if they believe they have a sufficient justification for an exception to the rule.

This directive comes amidst the current economic and financial challenges facing the country, and it is expected to help alleviate some of the pressure on government funds. It is hoped that by implementing this directive, the government can achieve its goals of financial prudence and efficient resource utilization.

News

GoSL strongly rejects genocide claims & protests against monument in Canada

Published

8 hours ago

May 14, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath today (May 14) met with the Canadian High Commissioner in Colomno to formally object to Canada’s approval and inauguration of a Tamil Genocide Monument in Brampton, Ontario.

Minister Herath had reiterated the Government of Sri Lanka’s strong objections regarding the unfounded genocide allegations and the approval of constructing such a monument, which complicates and undermines the government’s efforts toward reconciliation and national unity.The MFA statement issued in this regard is as follows :

Media Release Eng-3 Download

News

Harak Kata levels bribery allegations against Tiran & Deshabandu

Published

8 hours ago

May 14, 2025

editor

Notorious underworld figure – Nadun Chinthaka Wickremeratne, alias Harak Kata, has claimed that he is being detained in Tangalle over his refusal to pay a Rs. 300 million bribe allegedly demanded by former Public Security Minister – Tiran Alles and suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon.
He levelled the allegations before reporters today (May 14) while he was being escorted by police from the Colombo Court Complex following a court hearing.

“There are so many things to say… I will reveal them then,” he had said before being taken back into custody.

News

Hayeshika granted bail (Update)

Published

8 hours ago

May 14, 2025

editor

Popular tuition teacher Hayeshika Fernando, widely known as ‘Teacher Amma,’ was granted bail by the Negombo Magistrate’s Court today (May 14) over allegedly assaulting a young man.

Her husband and the manager affiliated to her institute, who were previously arrested over the incident, have also been granted bail.

Hayeshika, who had been missing afterwards, had surrendered to the Negombo Magistrate’s Court today.

(Previous News on 14^th May, 2025 at 3:33pm)

Tutor Hayeshika surrenders to court

Popular tutor – Hayeshika Fernando, who had been evading arrest, has surrendered to the Negombo Magistrate’s Court.

President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratne, appearing on behalf of the accused, informed the court that his client had voluntarily surrendered.

Hayeshika’s husband and the manager of the institution she is affiliated with were recently arrested over the alleged assault of a young man.

However, Hayeshika had remained at large until her court appearance today. Three police teams were also appointed to arrest her.

Related News :