Photo Story
COPE conducts field investigation at BIA (Pics)
The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) of Parliament, chaired by Member of Parliament Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera, conducted a field investigation at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) yesterday (April 09).
The COPE recently (2025.04.02) reviewed the Bandaranaike International Airport Development Project in connection with the Auditor General’s Reports for the years 2022 and 2023 and the current performance of the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL), and accordingly conducted this field investigation.
It was expected that the number of aircraft stands at BIA would be increased through the construction of a Remote Apron and Taxiways as part of the BIA Development Project.
However, it was observed that both the AASL and the Japanese joint venture company hired for design and consultancy services had undertaken these activities without proper technical or operational analysis. As a result, achieving the project’s objectives proved challenging.
Despite several weaknesses and practical challenges identified at the planning stage, the Committee noted that steps were taken to complete the project. Accordingly, the solutions already proposed by AASL to achieve the desired objectives of the project were also observed.
The COPE members held extensive discussions with local representatives from the Japanese joint venture and senior officials from relevant institutions. During these discussions, the Committee expressed displeasure over the financial losses incurred by the government due to these oversight issues and poor planning. The Committee recommended that, to prevent further misuse of public funds in future development activities, attention must be given to the issues arising during planning stages.
The Committee decided to reconvene with the officials from AASL in the near future to continue discussions on the matter.
The field inspection was attended by Hon. Members of Parliament M.K.M. Aslam, Samanmali Gunasinghe, Lieutenant Commander (Retd.) Prageeth Madhuranga, Ruwan Mapalagama, Sunil Rajapaksa, Thilina Samarakoon, and Chandima Hettiarachchi, along with officials from relevant institutions and parliamentary officials
Photo Story
Bogdal : Ancient borderland turns to their past to rise as tourism hotspot
In the tiny village of Bogdal in Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, locals are turning their rich history into tourism opportunities, reviving the rural economy.
Located in Wenquan County, Bogdal is about 60 kilometers from Sayram Lake, the largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, which is known for its stunning views and rich biodiversity.
Most of Bogdal’s residents are of Mongolian ethnicity whose ancestors were sent to Xinjiang to garrison the border during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
At the present, the local Han, Kazakh and Uyghur people, the local farmers and herdsmen at Bodgal are turning their past into tourism attractions, creating new economic opportunities.
Yurts of Mongolian or Kazak-style, colourful murals, villagers donning traditional costumes, bygone items such as ox carts placed as decorative elements are sights that provide a glimpse into a bygone era.
Visitors are warmly welcomed by horseback riders dressed as ancient Mongolian soldiers amid sombre ringing of horns, in an elaborate gate opening ceremony.
Taking in the views, visitors can savor local delicacies of various ethnic groups or if in Winter, go skiing or enjoy the nearly hot water springs.
Villagers also enact a traditional Mongolian wedding ceremony for visitors.
The village’s face-lift is all due to a rural vitalization project that started in 2021.
Infrastructure has been fully developed, including sewage systems, roads and walls, all renovated with government funding. The village committee encourages residents to convert idle houses into homestays, and organizes activities to attract tourists.
Slowly but surely, Bogdal has transited from a mere pastoral village to an emerging tourist destination in recent years.
(Pics / Video : Kelum Shivantha)
News
Ex-Chief Parliamentary Interpreter & retired Parliamentary Interpreters felicitated (Pics)
A felicitation ceremony was held on June 26 at the Parliament premises to honor Mr. K. Rahulan, former Chief Parliamentary Interpreter of Parliament, and five recently retired Parliamentary Interpreters, in recognition of their exceptional service to the field of parliamentary interpretation.
This ceremony, held under the patronage of the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, was organized by the Parliamentary Interpretation Division under the Department of Legislative Services.
On this occasion, the highest honorary award that is bestowed only once in a lifetime was presented to Mr. M.K. Rahulan, former Director of Legislative Services and former Chief Parliamentary Interpreter of Parliament, by the Secretary General, in recognition of his distinguished service over a period of more than three decades in parliamentary service.Moreover, gifts of appreciation were presented to the following recently retired Deputy Chief Parliamentary Interpreters and Senior Parliamentary Interpreters: Mr. K.M. Christopher, Mr. I.D.L. Rathnaseeli, Mr. S.R.M. Nizam, Mr. H.V.S. Heendeniya, and Mr. Sunil Wijesingha.
Addressing the occasion, the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, stated that former Chief Parliamentary Interpreter Mr. K. Rahulan has left an indelible mark in the history of parliamentary interpretation in Sri Lanka. She also extended special appreciation to the other honorees for their decades of dedicated service to the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
The retired Parliamentary Interpreters who addressed at the event reflected on the meaningful as well as challenging experiences they encountered during their professional lives in Parliament.Assistant Secretary General of Parliament Mr. Hansa Abeyrathne, Director (Legislative Services), Acting Director of Communications Mr. M. Jayalath Perera, Chief Parliamentary Interpreter Mr. C.J. Karunaratne, along with several department heads and staff members, also participated in this event.
News
Navy rescues Indian fishermen from capsized boat off Talaimannar (Pics)
The Sri Lanka Navy has rescued 04 Indian fishermen aboard an Indian fishing boat capsized in the Sri Lankan waters off Talaimannar on June 25.
Upon receiving the distress alert, a team of the Special Boat Squadron stationed at SLNS Thammanna, under the North Central Naval Command swiftly launched a search and rescue operation. During the rescue mission, the naval personnel located the overturned Indian boat, capsized after being caught in rough seas north of Sand Dune VII, and safely rescued all four fishermen.
The rescued individuals, identified as residents of Rameswaram, India, were brought ashore by the Navy and provided with necessary assistance.
The fisherman in good health condition were subsequently handed over to the Talaimannar Police for onward action. The Sri Lanka Navy remains vigilant in assisting distressed maritime and fishing communities within Sri Lankan waters, reaffirming its commitment to maritime safety and humanitarian efforts.
(Pics : navy.lk)
IMF grants waivers despite obligation breach & erred reporting
Abdul Wazeeth appointed to Parliament from SLMC national list
