World Bank representatives have lauded Sri Lanka’s Development Policy Operational Program for the remarkable progress it has achieved in advancing its development objectives.
They had expressed thus during a discussion at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (06) chaired by Mr. Sagala Ratnayake, Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff. The discussion was the final round of a series of discussions held with the World Bank representatives on Sri Lanka’s Development Policy Operational Program.
During the meeting, the attendees discussed the next steps to complete Sri Lanka’s development policy operational pre-actions, such as the establishment of the Parliamentary budget office, restructuring of state-owned enterprises, welfare benefit payment systems, social registry, and their respective timelines.
Mr. Sagala Ratnayake commended the World Bank for their contribution to Sri Lanka’s development policy operations and expressed his hope for everyone’s support in making the program a success.
The event was attended by World Bank representatives, including Mrs. Chiyo Kanda, the Country Manager, and the President’s Senior Adviser on Economic Affairs, Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, as well as several other officials.
A special operation has been launched by the Bureau for the Investigation of Abuse of Children and Women and the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA).
The operation was conducted across multiple police divisions including Colombo North, Colombo South, Colombo Central, Nugegoda, Gampaha, Panadura, Kelaniya, Negombo, Mount Lavinia, Kalutara, Tangalle, Anuradhapura, Kandy, Kurunegala, Chilaw, Ratnapura, Galle, and Matara.
According to the police media division, the operation has rescued 21 minors found begging or selling goods in unsafe conditions.
They have been placed under protective care, the statement adds.
The Department of Agrarian Development has issued a notice to landowners with uncultivated land, requesting them to submit reasons for non-cultivation within the next 02 weeks.
Commissioner General – Rohana Rajapaksha highlighted that over 120,000 acres of land, which should have been cultivated, have been abandoned.
All services provided by the President’s Fund to the public will be available through an online system, from today (June 21).
The acceptance of applications for medical assistance under the President’s Fund through Divisional Secretariats island wide commenced on February 07.
Following the successful implementation of that initiative, preparations have now been completed to expand the digital system to include all other services offered by the Fund.
Accordingly, the public will be able to apply online via any Divisional Secretariat across the country for a wide range of services provided under the President’s Fund. These include assistance for poverty alleviation, provision of educational scholarships, recognition of students demonstrating academic excellence, support for individuals with special needs, relief assistance for children affected by wild elephant conflict, recognition of individuals for their national service or contributions to the country, Emergency and disaster relief.
As a result, citizens across Sri Lanka, especially those outside Colombo can conveniently access the services of the President’s Fund without having to travel long distances.