News

Service of Mahinda Siriwardana commended

Published

3 weeks ago

June 18, 2025

editor

President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (June 18), lauded Mr Mahinda Siriwardana, the outgoing Secretary to the Treasury, for his exemplary service, stating that it is the responsibility of public officials to strive to prevent adverse outcomes and contribute to positive change.

The President particularly commended Mr Siriwardana’s exceptional dedication and commitment in expertly navigating the nation’s economy through the transformative period following the recent economic crisis, ultimately achieving significant economic victories for the country. President Disanayake expressed his gratitude for Mr Siriwardana’s invaluable contributions.

These remarks were made by President Disanayake at a farewell ceremony organised at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (18) to mark Mr Siriwardana’s retirement from his post as Secretary to the Treasury.

The President highlighted the need for a new value system focused on individual merit in an era where material possessions often overshadow genuine human values. He stressed that the country requires a public service driven by humanity and empathy towards others, fulfilling its duties rather than one marred by excessive consumerism and corruption.

President Disanayake further emphasised that the public service should not be an inaccessible mechanism aloof from citizens. He underscored the importance of considering the impact of decisions on people’s lives when making policy choices. The President concluded by stating that young public officials have much to learn from the distinguished career of Mr Mahinda Siriwardana, a senior public servant with extensive experience and profound understanding.

In his address, Mr Siriwardana described his three-year tenure as Secretary to the Treasury as the most significant period of his professional life. He thanked the President for maintaining confidence in him and allowing him to continue in the position despite a change in government leadership, noting that the President’s support was a great source of strength. Mr Siriwardana added that the country might not have overcome its economic crisis without President Anura Kumara Disanayake’s faith, resilience and boundless dedication.

During the ceremony, the President also presented Mr Siriwardana with a commemorative token in appreciation of his outstanding service.

The event was attended by Dr Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development; Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning; Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President; Dr Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Presidential Adviser on Digital Economy; Mr Duminda Hulangamuwa, Senior Presidential Adviser on Economic Affairs; other government officials; and family members of Mr Mahinda Siriwardana, amongst other invited guests.

(President’s Media Division)

BIZ

Milk tea price upped by Rs. 10

Published

2 minutes ago

July 11, 2025

editor

The All Island Canteen and Restaurant Owners’ Association has announced a Rs. 10 increase in the price of a cup of milk tea.

Association President Harshana Rukshan stated that the decision was made in response to the recent rise in the price of imported milk powder.

News

US to pledge medical aid, media support to SL

Published

4 minutes ago

July 11, 2025

editor

A meeting between the Minister of Health and Mass Media – Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa and US Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Julie J. Chung was held yesterday (July 10) at the Ministry of Health premises.

During the discussion, the US Ambassador agreed to facilitate a portion of essential medicines and surgical equipment to Sri Lanka from American donors.

The 02 sides also held extensive talks on the current status and future development of the country’s free healthcare system, the media industry.

Efforts to combat Dengue and Chikungunya through public awareness campaigns were also taken up.

Minister Jayatissa noted that special programs have already been launched to avoid periodic medicine shortages in state hospitals and that structured inter-governmental discussions are underway to secure essential supplies.

The Minister recalled the past assistance provided by the US government to develop Sri Lanka’s healthcare services.

He further said that work has begun to formulate a new national media policy with inputs from all stakeholders and that steps are being taken to establish an accredited training institution for journalists.

Implementing a training program for Sri Lankan journalists was also discussed.

The US Ambassador has reiterated the United States’ commitment to continue providing financial, technological, knowledge-based, and material support to strengthen the island’s health and mass media sectors.

Officials from the US Embassy and the Ministry of Health were also present at the meeting.

News

Over 237,000 students qualify for A/Ls from 2024 O/L (Update)

Published

8 minutes ago

July 11, 2025

editor

Commissioner General of Examinations – A.K.S. Indika Kumari announced that 237,026 students have qualified for the G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) based on the 2024 G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) Examination results, representing 73.45% of candidates.

She made these remarks at a press briefing held this morning (July 11) at the Department of Examinations, following the official release of the O/L results.

She noted that 13,392 students (4.15%) secured ‘A’ passes in all 09 subjects, while 2.34% failed all subjects.

The Southern Province recorded the highest pass rate, with 75.64% of candidates qualifying for A/Ls.

The provincial pass percentages are as follows:

Southern Province – 75.64%
Western Province – 74.47%
Eastern Province – 74.26%
Central Province – 73.91%
Sabaragamuwa Province – 73.44%
Uva Province – 73.14%
North Western Province – 71.47%
North Central Province – 70.24%
Northern Province – 69.86%

Subject-wise Performance as follows:

Buddhism – 83.21%
Saivanery (Hinduism) – 82.96%
Catholicism – 90.22%
Christianity – 91.49%
Islam – 85.45%
English – 73.82%
Sinhala Language and Literature – 87.73%
Tamil Language and Literature – 87.03%
History – 82.17%
Science – 71.06%
Mathematics – 69.07%

(Previous news 2025 July 11 – 7.27.a.m.)

2024 O/L Exam results released

The results of the 2024 G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination have been released online, the Department of Examination announced.

Accordingly, the Examinations Department announced that the examination results can be obtained from the websites: www.doenets.lk or www.results.exams.gov.lk.

The examination department requests applicants to contact the following hotlines if they seek to make any inquiries regarding these results: 1911 or 011 2 785 922, 0112 786 616, 011 2 784 208 or 011 2 784 537.

The statement further said that applications for the scrutiny of the O/L results will be called from July 14 to July 28.

A total of 474,147 applicants sat for the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination this year, of which 398,182 were school applicants and 75,965 private candidates.

The O/L examination was conducted at 3,663 examination centers from March 17 to 26.