President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that the government will support small and medium-scale rice mill owners in enhancing their capacity to help stabilize the rice market.
He made this statement today (25) during a discussion held with the rice mill owners at the Presidential Secretariat.
The President noted that since the government invests significantly in promoting agriculture, irrigation, and fertilizer subsidies, these businesses have a social responsibility to provide rice to the public.
The meeting included an extensive discussion on measures to enhance the capacity of small and medium-scale rice mill owners to balance the market.
The President also stressed that no businessman will be permitted to exploit the situation by unfairly raising rice prices.
The Chinese embassy in Colombo reached another step in providing scholarships for children from low-income families.
Accordingly, Chinese Ambassador Scholarships for 100 students at the Badulla Keppitipola Maha Vidyalaya (National School) was handed over on Nov. 01, with the embassy pledging Rs. 2.5 million for the cause.
Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador – Mr. Qi Zhenhong said that the scholarship programme, which began in 2016, is now active in over 20 schools across Sri Lanka.
Noting that China donated 70% of the required school uniform material for Sri Lankan students in 2023, and 80% in 2024, the ambassador said that they hope to provide the full requirement of school uniform materiel for the 2025 academic year.
“In the 2025 academic year, we will donate 100% of the fabric for school uniforms, totaling 11.82 million meters, worth approximately 5.2 billion rupees, which will be shipped to Colombo in three batches before the end of this year,” he said.
The ambassador added : “In addition, the Chinese government, local governments, and non-governmental organizations have donated schoolbags, stationery, and other learning materials to thousands of students in remote areas, and plan to build 900 smart classrooms in 500 schools across Sri Lanka in the next few years, benefiting over 1 million students.”
Ambassador Qi expressed that China is not only a true friend but also a reliable partner of Sri Lanka, which is moving towards a new era under the strong leadership of current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Embassy staff, Uva Province Education officials as well as students, staff and alumni of the school attended the event.
Shashi Prabha Ratwatte, the wife of former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte, has been arrested and remanded after appearing before the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court.
She was arrested over the discovery of an unregistered car found at her house in Mirihana.
The Nugegoda Magistrate has ordered her to be held in remand custody until Nov. 07.
Her husband, Lohan Ratwatte, too is currently remanded.