News

President establishes 3 special committees

Published

6 months ago

July 31, 2024

editor

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has arranged to appoint three special committees as a preliminary measure to address the security and economic pressures that may affect Sri Lanka, considering the potential developments in the Middle East and globally, including the assassination of a Hamas political leader in Iran.

Accordingly, the President has initiated the formation of a special committee on national security, a committee to assess economic impacts, and a high-level committee to oversee the proposals of the other two committees.

The Special Committee on National Security includes Minister of Public Security Tiran Alas, Minister of Foreign Affairs President’s Attorney Ali Sabry, Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera, and Chief of Presidential Staff and Senior Advisor to the President on National Security Sagala Ratnayaka.

Additionally, the committee responsible for assessing the economic impact includes Chief of Staff and Presidential Senior Adviser on National Security Sagala Ratnayaka, Presidential Adviser on Economic Affairs Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardena, Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aruni Wijewardena, and Secretary of the Ministry of Power and Energy Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena.

The high-level committee appointed to oversee the work of these committees consists of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake, and Prime Minister’s Secretary Anura Dissanayake.

The two committees are tasked with determining the preliminary measures to be taken and reporting their findings to the high-level committee. This is to address any direct or indirect impact on Sri Lanka’s national security and economy due to emerging situations in the Middle East, including Iran, and globally.

The President has also tasked the two relevant committees with ensuring the uninterrupted supply of fuel and other essential commodities, minimising any impact on the public. These committees are required to submit their reports to the high-level committee, which will then make prompt decisions based on the findings.

(President’s Media Division)

News

13 reservoirs reach spill level

Published

12 minutes ago

January 13, 2025

editor

The Water Management Branch of the Irrigation Department has said that a total of 13 reservoirs have started spilling due to high rainfall in the catchment areas.The reservoirs of Mahakandarawa, Mahawilachchiya, Nuwara Wewa, Rajangana, Unnichchi, Muruthawela, Weerawila, Ellewela, Wemedilla, Mediyawa, Usgala, Ethimale and Wan Ela, have all reached spill level in this manner.

News

Schoolgirl abducted in Kandy found in Ampara, suspect arrested

Published

20 minutes ago

January 13, 2025

editor

Police have located the schoolgirl abducted in Daulagala, Kandy on Saturday (11).

The schoolgirl, along with the primary suspect involved in the abduction have been found by the police while they were boarded on a luxury bus that was scheduled to depart for Kandy near the Ampara Bus Stand today (13).

However, the suspect has now been arrested and the interrogations of the girl and the suspect are underway.

The abduction took place on the morning of January 11, 2025, in the Daulagala Police Division. Preliminary investigations had revealed that the primary suspect is a close relative—the son of the girl’s father’s sister.

Police said that the suspect abducted the girl following a disagreement over their proposed marriage. Initially, both families had consented to the union, but the girl’s father later withdrew his approval, triggering the conflict, according to police.

The schoolgirl, a resident of Handessa, was abducted on the morning of January 11 while on her way to school with a friend.

The van used in the abduction was discovered abandoned in Polonnaruwa by local police the same day. Subsequently, officers from Daulagala Police apprehended the van driver, a 30-year-old resident of Kahatapitiya, Gampola, in the Gampola area on January 12.

(adaderana.lk)

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

Related News :

More details revealed on abduction of schoolgirl in Daulagala

News

President AKD to leave for China today

Published

28 minutes ago

January 13, 2025

editor

President Anura Kumara Disanayake is set to depart the country this evening (Jan. 13) for a four-day state visit to the People’s Republic of China.

This visit, taking place from Jan. 14 -17, is undertaken at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

During the visit, President Disanayake will hold discussions with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, as well as engage with other senior Chinese officials to strengthen diplomatic ties.

The agenda includes key focus areas such as technology, agriculture, and poverty alleviation. The President is also scheduled to visit strategic facilities and participate in high-level business forums aimed at enhancing economic collaboration and investment opportunities.

A series of bilateral agreements to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation between Sri Lanka and China will be signed during the visit.

This marks President Disanayake’s second international state visit since assuming office and is considered a pivotal step in fortifying the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and China. It is anticipated that the visit will significantly advance bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and economic cooperation.

(President’s Media Division)