News

Presidential Secretariat clarifies reports on MR’s security

Published

6 months ago

November 1, 2024

editor

The Presidential Secretariat says that it has noted recent media reports claiming that the security of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been reduced.

Noting that all those reports are false, the Presidential Secretariat confirms that it has provided him with the benefits outlined in the Presidents’ Entitlements Act No. 4 of 1986.

The secretariat further notes :

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is entitled to a pension due to a retired President, an official residence at Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 07, and a secretary’s allowance.

Additionally, he has been provided with three vehicles: a Mercedes Benz -600 Maybatch (2008), a Toyota Land Cruiser (2017), and a Mercedes Benz – G63 AMG 4×4 (2013). For these vehicles, a monthly fuel allowance of 1,950 liters will be provided, along with three designated drivers.

The Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Public Security are providing security for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The army personnel assigned to this task include three commando officers, four unit officers, and a total of 56 other ranks, bringing the total number of army personnel to 07 officers and 56 ranks.

In addition to the military, 180 police officers are also on duty to ensure his safety, which includes 29 police drivers.

Furthermore, a cabinet sub-committee has been established to evaluate the privileges of former presidents, and future decisions and actions will be taken based on the committee’s recommendations.

News

8,742 Vesak Dansals registered islandwide

Published

4 hours ago

May 12, 2025

editor

The Public Health Inspectors (PHI)’s Union states that a total of 8,742 Dansals have been registered islandwide, in line with Vesak celebrations this year.

According to the PHI’s Union chairman – Upul Rohana, the highest number of ‘Dansal’ is registered in the Western Province, particularly in the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) area.

The union has also urged organiser to reduce the use of polythene and plastic during food distribution efforts.

News

Financial assistance from President’s Fund for Gerandi Ella bus accident victims

Published

5 hours ago

May 12, 2025

editor

A sum of Rs. 1 million from the President’s Fund will be granted for each individual who lost their life in the Kotmale bus accident, the President’s Media Division states.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake has directed that a sum of Rs. 1 million be granted from the President’s Fund to each individual who lost their life in the tragic bus accident that occurred early this morning (11) in the Garadiella area, Kotmale.

Accordingly, arrangements have been made to promptly disburse these funds to the next of kin of the deceased through the President’s Fund.

In addition to this assistance, compensation will also be provided to the affected families through the Sri Lanka Transport Board and relevant insurance schemes.

Meanwhile, authorities continue to investigate the cause of the accident, which has claimed 22 lives so far.

(Pic : Accident1st)

News

Maxwell gets 5-yr. ban

Published

5 hours ago

May 12, 2025

editor

Former Secretary of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) Maxwell de Silva was handed a five-year ban, sources revealed.

Earlier, De Silva was suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Ministry of Sports due to various irregularities committed by him over several years.

Accordingly, the NOCSL Executive Committee decided to hand down a five-year ban on De Silva, considering the recommendations made by the NOCSL Ethics Committee, NOCSL President Suresh Subramaniam told the Daily Mirror.

Subramaniam further stated that the penalty on De Silva has already been communicated in writing to the IOC.

Accordingly, the former secretary, who has been banned for five years, is now completely prohibited from representing the NOCSL at any foreign event or international conference.

(dailymirror.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)