News

USD 8 mn. from KOICA to develop Sigiriya

Published

10 months ago

November 30, 2023

editor

The recommendations of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Religious Affairs and Co-Existence were received to amend the Central Cultural Fund Act by imposing regulations on how the money should be used specifically so that the money available in the Central Cultural Fund cannot be used for illegal activities. This was stated when the said Committee met in Parliament on 27.11.2023 under the Chairmanship of Upul Mahendra Rajapaksha, Member of Parliament.

The director general of the fund, Prof. Gamini Ranasinghe, commenting stated that the dollar generation of the Central Cultural Fund, which was burdened with debt two years ago, has increased by 614%. He further stated that at present, more than three thousand US dollars are earned by providing the opportunity to foreigners to see the beauty of the sunrise in Sigiriya. The Director General of the Central Cultural Fund stated that the sectors that can further attract tourists around Sigiriya are being identified and KOICA has agreed to provide an aid of US$ 8 million to make these activities more successful.

It was discovered that some three-wheeler drivers who provide transport facilities to tourists informally in tourist areas charge exorbitant prices. Accordingly, the officials emphasized to the Oversight Committee that the installation of meters should be made mandatory for the three-wheelers in those areas.

The officials requested the committee to recruit employees for the vacant positions of the Central Cultural Fund and take measures to make permanent the 286 unconfirmed employees who are currently on duty. Accordingly, the committee agreed to intervene within the existing legal framework.

Furthermore, officials of the Public Trustee Department also appeared before the Committee. The Chair inquired from the officials about the measures taken to increase the revenue generation of the department. Accordingly, the officials stated that they are currently working to generate income by using the land and property they have effectively. Furthermore, the officials informed the Committee that the basic measures of digitalization of the department has initiated to make the activities of the department more efficient.

News

Deadline for postal voting applications extended

Published

4 mins ago

October 8, 2024

editor

The deadline for accepting applications for postal voting in the 2024 General Election has been extended till October 10 midnight.

The Elections Commissioner General said that this decision was made in consideration of the possible postal delays and several requests made by the public to the commission.

Previously, the deadline was at midnight today. (Oct. 08)

News

GoSL reopens probe into Easter Sunday bombings

Published

6 mins ago

October 8, 2024

editor

The Sri Lankan government has announced a new investigation into the Easter Sunday attacks, following recent public concerns about the handling of the initial inquiry.

This was confirmed by Minister Vijitha Herath, the Cabinet Spokesperson, during a press briefing.

“We have initiated a special investigation into the Easter Sunday attacks. This investigation will also look into how parts of the report went missing or were removed. The former Director of Legal Affairs was involved in advising on these matters. We are thoroughly investigating how certain sections of the report were missing and what happened to them afterward. We assure the public that no injustice will be allowed, but this process will take some time. We have already started the investigation, and once it is complete, we will inform the public about the findings,” elaborated the Minister.

Addressing concerns about Major General Suresh Sallay’s retirement and his alleged involvement, Minister Herath clarified that a new police officer has been appointed to replace him.

“Even though he has retired, all official communications and documents must remain with the department. If any information or reports have been hidden or lost, he is still obligated to provide them. We have already identified several such instances,” he stated.

When asked whether this new investigation is a continuation of the previous one or an entirely new probe, Minister Herath confirmed, “It is indeed a new investigation, but it will incorporate the information and reports from the previous investigations.”

The investigation is being conducted under a Deputy Inspector General of Police, with experienced officers like Shani Abeysekara being involved where necessary.

“Shani Abeysekara has been appointed to another responsibility, but he will be involved in this investigation as needed,” Minister Herath added.

This new investigation aims to address the gaps and concerns raised by the public and ensure a thorough and transparent inquiry into the tragic events of Easter Sunday, he noted.

(News1st)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

CC approves Acting IGP appointment (Update)

Published

5 hours ago

October 8, 2024

editor

The Constitutional Council today (Oct. 08) approved the appointment of Senior DIG Priyantha Weerasuriya as the Acting Inspector General of Police.

Previous news( October 8th 2024, 2:45 pm)

CC to decide today on Actg. IGP’s appointment

The Constitutional Council (CC) is to reach a final decision today (Oct. 08) over the appointment of Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya.

According to regulations, if the Acting IGP serves for more than 14 days, the approval of the Constitutional Council is required.

The meeting chaired by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena will also include the new Prime Minister – Harini Amarasuriya, and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath.