News

President directs officials to fly economy class

Published

4 weeks 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

Visiting Indian delegation holds talks with Power minister

Published

53 mins ago

March 24, 2023

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A discussion had been on Energy sector cooperation & Investments today (24) with the visiting delegation from India led by Secretary of India’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas – Mr. Pankaj Jain, at the Ministry of Power and Energy in Colombo.

Taking to Twitter, Sri Lankan minister of Power and Energy said that several topics such as the development of Trincomalee as an energy hub, oil & gas exploration, renewable energy, LNG infrastructure development & supply and solar cooking burners were discussed.

The Indian delegation included the Officer on Special Duty, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas – Ms. Esha Srivastav, IOC Chairman – Mr. S. M. Vaidya, Chairperson of Engineers India Limited – Ms. Vartika Shukla, MD of Petronet LNG Limited – Mr. A.K. Singh, MD of the ONGC Videsh Limited – Mr. Rajarshi Gupta, Director Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited – Mr. Amit Garg.

They were accompanied by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka – Mr. Gopal Baglay, the Deputy High Commissioner – Mr. Vinod. K. Jacob as well as officials of the Indian High Commision.

S. M. Vaidya, Chairman, IOC, Vartika Shukla, Chairperson, Engineers India Limited, A.K. Singh,MD, Petronet LNG Limited, Rajarshi Gupta,MD, ONGC Videsh Limited, Amit Garg, Director Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited & officials of the High Commision. pic.twitter.com/PWZm4PTaK9
— Kanchana Wijesekera (@kanchana_wij) March 24, 2023

News

Dhananjaya denies claims on refusal to bat at No. 7

Published

2 hours ago

March 24, 2023

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Sri Lankan cricketer Dhananjaya de Silva has refuted claims that he refused to bat at No. 07 position in tomorrow’s ODI match against New Zealand.

Tweeting, he said: “The story circulating in social media saying that I have refused to bat at No. 07 during tomorrow’s game is false, and I wish to state that I am a player who always stands with the team”.

The story circulating in social media saying that I have refused to bat at No. 7 during tomorrow's game is false, and I wish to state that I am a player who always stands with the team.
— Dhananjaya De Silva (@dds75official) March 24, 2023

News

Ensure safety of Saliya Peiris – BASL

Published

2 hours ago

March 24, 2023

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In a letter to the Inspector General of Police, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has requested the police take necessary action to ensure the safety of the BASL President – Saliya Pieris.

The letter to the IGP relates to the protest that took place opposite the chamber of Saliya Pieris PC.

view the said protest seriously hinders his right to represent a client, a professional right which has been safeguarded by law,” the BASL said.

“Therefore, we strongly demand that you take action to ensure that Mr. Peiris’s professional duties as an Attorney-at-law, are not hindered and to ensure his safety,” the BASL added.