News

UNDP pledges support for governance & economic reforms in SL

Published

4 months ago

October 14, 2024

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Kanni Wignaraja, the Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake this morning (Oct. 14) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The discussion primarily focused on governance, constitutional reforms, and the country’s electoral system.

Ms. Wignaraja presented the report on “Understanding Multidimensional Vulnerabilities: Impact on the People of Sri Lanka” to President Dissanayake. Based on the findings of this report, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) assured its support for Sri Lanka’s development efforts.

A key point of discussion was the low level of women’s participation in the economy. The UNDP noted that rural women face significant challenges in financial literacy, limiting their involvement in economic activities. The farming sector, in particular, suffers from poor economic literacy, resulting in underrepresentation in the national economy. The UNDP expressed willingness to assist with digitalization programs, highlighting it as a critical tool to minimize corruption.

Discussing Sri Lanka’s low agricultural productivity compared to other Asian nations, President Dissanayake explained that many farmers have small plots of land and do not view farming as their primary source of income. To address this, the government plans to strengthen farmers’ associations, which would help improve bargaining power and agricultural activities.

Discussing reforms to the electoral system, President Dissanayake pointed out such reforms should ensure inclusive representation of ethnic and religious communities.

Addressing concerns over the microfinance sector, the President explained the interests are unfair and that the current administration plans to establish a new development bank to support the microfinance sector, with a focus on greater involvement of women. The government also plans to provide Treasury guarantees for the best proposals submitted by women entrepreneurs to help them secure capital.

The UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government’s reforms, anti-corruption efforts, and increasing women’s participation in both the economy and Parliament.

Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative of the UNDP in Sri Lanka, along with Fadhil Bakeer Markar, Team Leader for Strategic Engagement, Digital, and Innovation, also participated in the discussion.

(President’s Media Division)

News

Long surgery waiting lists at hospitals ; report called

Published

29 minutes ago

February 18, 2025

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A special discussion between Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and the heads of the health sector was held today (18) at the Presidential Secretariat.During the meeting, it was discussed that a committee would be formed to explore possible steps that could be taken through the President’s Fund to reduce the number of patients on long waiting lists for surgeries in government hospitals.

The committee is expected to submit a report on the matter within one month. Based on the findings, appropriate actions will be taken, as indicated by the Secretary to the President.The discussion highlighted the significant number of patients, including those requiring cardiac, ophthalmic, and paediatric surgeries, who are currently awaiting procedures on long waiting lists at government hospitals.

Attention was also given to the potential support that could be provided by the President’s Fund and other relevant sectors to address the challenges faced by these patients.

Additionally, discussions were held regarding the possibility of conducting surgeries after regular working hours at government hospitals. The challenges faced by doctors and staff were also thoroughly discussed during the meeting.The discussion was attended by several key officials, including Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Additional Secretary (Public Health Services) Dr. Lakshmi Somathunga, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, along with directors and specialist doctors from major hospitals across the country.

(President’s Media Division)

News

NBRO reports moderate air quality across SL

Published

33 minutes ago

February 18, 2025

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The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has announced that the air quality index remains at a moderate level in most regions of Sri Lanka.

However, the air quality is slightly unfavorable in the cities of Ratnapura and Embilipitiya.

The NBRO urges sensitive individuals to seek medical advice if they experience breathing difficulties due to the current air conditions.

News

Who can afford to import vehicles at current rates? – Harsha

Published

41 minutes ago

February 18, 2025

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Vehicle imports will be very risky as prices of vehicles have gone up significantly, SJB MP Harsha De Silva said today (Feb. 18).

Speaking during the budget debate, he pointed out that the President had stated in his budget speech that the majority of tax revenue is expected from vehicle imports.

“Vehicle import is very risky. Who can afford to import vehicles at this rate? I do not think there will be affluent people to import vehicles at current rates,” he said.