News

Rs. 28.8 mn. already allocated for Poson festival – PMD

Published

2 years ago

May 31, 2023

editor

The government has refuted claims raised by various parties over the lack of state sponsored funding for the Poson Program being held in Anuradhapura this year.

In a media release, the President’s Media Division states that 02 State Ministries and one Department has already allocated Rs. 28.8 million for the purpose.

According to the PMD media release, Ven. Valahangunawewe Dhammarathana Thera, the Chief Incumbent of the Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya, has forwarded an estimate of Rs.17 million to the Secretary of the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, specifically for the Mihintale Poson Perahara.

It adds that the Secretary of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs – Mr. Somaratne Widanapathirana has informed allocating such a large sum of money is not possible within the financial regulations imposed by Parliament and that the ministry has approved a sum of Rs. 3.1 million from its budget head allocations for the 2023 National Poson Festival.

“Secretary of the Public Administration Ministry K.D.N. Ranjith Asoka also said that an additional Rs.10 million has also been disbursed to the District Secretariats under the approval of the Anuradhapura District Secretary,” it adds.

“The National Water Supply and Drainage Board have agreed to supply 30,000 cubic meters of water for the drinking water and sanitary needs during the National Poson Festival… The Water Supply and Drainage Board Chairman, Mr. Nishantha Ranatunga, stated that the cost of these water-related services, including the installation of water tanks and tap systems at gathering places and providing water to the tanks along the Perahara route for the elephants, amounts to Rs. 15.7 million (excluding VAT), which will be covered corporately,” the media release further notes.

The complete media release issued by the PMD in this regard is as follows :

Mihintale-Poson-program Download

News

Heat Index expected at ‘Caution’ level

Published

3 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is expected to increase up to ‘Caution level’ tomorrow (April 16) at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts, the Meteorology Department warned.

Effect of the heat index on the human body is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

Accordingly, people at jobsites are urged to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible.

Also, constant checks should be made up on the elderly and the sick.

Adults are advised to not leave children unattended and limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.

The public is also urged to wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

HEAT20250416 Download

News

Heavy traffic on Ella-Wellawaya road

Published

4 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

Heavy traffic congestion has been reported along the Ella-Wellawaya road due to continuous rainfall.

According to the police, vehicle queues had stretched up to five kilometres.
Motorists are advised to use alternate routes to avoid the traffic congestion.

News

Govt. needs a plan to face US taxes – RW

Published

8 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

Former President – Ranil Wickremesinghe has emphasized that the Sri Lankan government needs to unveil a plan to face the situation created by the US reciprocal taxes.

Making a special statement, Mr. Wickremesinghe points out that although the taxes have been paused at the moment, it will not be scrapped altogether as it is a part of Trump’s manifesto.

As a direct consequence of these taxes, around 100,000 jobs are at risk, he warned, adding that the consequences would ripple across the broader economy.

“Even if the taxes imposed on Sri Lanka are slashed, we will be compelled to pay taxes of 25% – 30%, resulting in exports still declining” he said.

Noting that Sri Lanka will have to generate funds to start setting its debts by 2028 as per the debt restructuring programme, Mr. Wickremesinghe emphasizes that the Government will have to treat this as an emergency situation and come out with a plan to face the situation.

He emphasizes that firstly, discussions must be held with the US and secondly, it must be planned how to solve this issue domestically.