News

WFP Executive Board approves Sri Lanka’s CSP

Published

3 years ago

December 14, 2022

editor

The World Food Program (WFP) Executive Board approved Sri Lanka’s Country Strategic Plan (CSP) for the period between 2023 and December 2027 valued at USD 74.87 million.

The WFP Sri Lanka CSP will be effective from January 2023 and is aligned with the national policy framework and consistent with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Corporation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023-2027.

The CSP is designed to support the country in achieving food security and improved nutrition by 2030 in line with the Substantial Development Goal (SGD) 2. It also seeks to contribute to the progress of SDGs 1, 5, 10 and 13 and foster a reinforced partnership in strengthening the national humanitarian and development response, in accordance with the SDG 17.

The WFP appreciated the Government’s commitment towards achieving food security and improved nutrition and to corporate with achieving the Agenda for 2030 and SDGs.

Executive Director of the World Food Program (WFP) in Rome David M. Beasley said that the WFP Executive Board approved Sri Lanka’s CSP, at its second Regular Session to assist Sri Lanka’s national efforts through food assistance in the short term, while restoring and improving food security and nutrition by developing in-country capacity to reduce vulnerability levels.

Beasley in writing to President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Finance Economic Stabilization and National Policies Minister, also said that WFP will also provide technical assistance and policy advice to help maximize the return on the government’s investment in food security and nutrition.

The resources for WFP operations derive from voluntary contributions pledged solely to WFP. Disbursements under this CSP will therefore be dependent on the level of resources provided by donors to WFP.

News

Fresh probe into Shiranthi’s bank account

Published

1 hour ago

June 23, 2025

editor

Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs – Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala has informed Parliament that a renewed investigation is underway into a fraudulent bank account allegedly maintained by Shiranthi Rajapaksa, wife of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

He stated that a fake account titled ‘Siriliya Saviya’ had been opened in her name and that the mandate form related to the ‘Siriliya’ Organization’s bank accounts had been fraudulently removed from the bank.

The Minister further revealed :

The account, now suspended, was opened on November 14, 2006, at the People’s Bank, Suduwella Branch, Darley Road, Colombo 10, under account number 143/1/001/4/6235069. Shiranthi Rajapaksa is listed as the chairperson of the account, with Kalyani Dissanayake as secretary and Nirosha Jeevani as treasurer.

The account currently holds a balance of Rs.43 million. Records indicate that Rs. 82,900,088 had been deposited on 88 occasions, while Rs.39,015,656 had been withdrawn on 129 occasions. Additionally, a fixed deposit of Rs.10 million had been opened under the name ‘Siriliya’.

The Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) has resumed investigations into the matter.

Deputy Minister also mentioned several other questionable financial transactions involving the Rajapaksa family, such as ;

Rs.152 million allegedly obtained by CSN (Carlton Sports Network) from the Treasury.
Rs.35 million obtained by Gotabaya Rajapaksa from the Urban Development Authority to build a memorial for his parents.
Rs.208 million used by Basil Rajapaksa to purchase a house in Malwana.

News

Maldivian President’s office officials on study tour at Prez secretariat

Published

2 hours ago

June 23, 2025

editor

Officials from the Maldivian President’s Office arrived at the Presidential Secretariat today for a study tour. They are expected to remain in Sri Lanka until June 27th.

The primary areas of focus for their study tour include archives and records maintenance and preservation, stores management, inventory control and stock preservation.

During their visit, they are scheduled to tour the Department of National Archives, Sri Lanka Customs, Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Secretariat and the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

Eight officials from the Maldivian President’s Office are participating in this study tour. They met with Mr. Roshan Gamage, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, at the Presidential Secretariat and engaged in a discussion.

A group of officials from the Presidential Secretariat also attended the meeting.

(President’s Media Division)

News

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, arrives in SL (Update)

Published

2 hours ago

June 23, 2025

editor

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has arrived in the island for an official visit.

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(Previous update 2025/06/23 at 9:11 am)

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk arrives in SL today

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights – Volker Türk, is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka today (June 23).

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, he is to remain in the country until June 26.

This is the first visit by a UN Human Rights Chief to Sri Lanka since February 2016.

During his stay, he is expected to meet with the President, Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, several other Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, senior Government officials, religious leaders, representatives of civil society, members of the diplomatic community and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka.