News

President calls on public officials to nite with a common purpose (Pics)

Published

7 months ago

November 22, 2024

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake called upon all public officials to unite with a common purpose and work together to transform the motherland into a better nation.

He made this statement today (22) during his visit to the Ministry of Defence at the Defence Headquarters premises in Akuregoda, where he assumed duties as the new Defence Minister.

Upon his arrival, the President was warmly welcomed by the staff of the Ministry of Defence.

Following the reception, the President held a meeting with the commanders of the tri-forces and senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, where they discussed ongoing and future initiatives of the Ministry.

President Dissanayake stated that the new government is dedicated to promoting good governance and seeks the support of everyone for the nation’s development program.

The President highlighted that the power of the people remains just as strong, irrespective of the Constitution and laws. He pointed out that the composition and outcome of the mandate given in the most recent presidential and general elections reflect the people’s expectations. The President also noted that the government received nearly 80% of the public’s support in the election, marking a significant shift that aligns with the people’s desires.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake affirmed that his government, as a political authority, has no other objective than to provide the political leadership necessary to meet the expectations of the people. He also emphasized that the support of public officials is crucial to making these goals a reality.

The President stressed that in this new transformation that the public is anticipating, progress cannot be made without strengthening public trust in the public service. He noted that it is the public service that has been the driving force behind the economic and social growth of every developed nation.

Deputy Minister of Defence Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Army Lieutenant General H L V M Liyanage, Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, members of the security forces, and staff from the Ministry of Defence also attended the event.

(President’s Media Division)

News

‘Pol Desathiya’ to kick off from Jaffna

Published

55 minutes ago

June 23, 2025

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The Coconut Cultivation Board has announced the launch of a special program titled ‘Pol Desathiya’ (Coconut Fortnight) as an immediate measure to combat pests including whiteflies, which pose a significant threat to coconut cultivation.

The first phase of the program is scheduled to commence on July 14, with initial operations focusing on the Jaffna district, according to the Chairman of the Coconut Cultivation Board – Dr. Sunimal Jayakody.

“We have decided to declare a Coconut Fortnight across all districts and implement it as an urgent response to the whitefly infestation,”

Dr. Jayakody further states that the programme will be conducted in all districts.

“We will start from Jaffna. As a solution to the whitefly issue, all the coconut trees in the Jaffna district will be sprayed with water and washed. This is a large-scale operation, but we are currently preparing the necessary manpower and machinery for it,” he added.

News

Shooting incident in Akmeemana

Published

2 hours ago

June 23, 2025

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A shooting incident was reported early this morning (June 23) in Akmeemana, Galle.
Two persons on a motorcycle have opened fire at a residence on Dissanayake Mawatha in the Wewegodawatte area around 5.00am.

The shooting had been carried out using a 9mm pistol, and the suspects reportedly fled the scene afterward.

According to reports, no injuries have been reported.

The owner of the house is employed as an executive at a factory in the Midigama area and was dismissed from his job a few days ago due to an issue with another employee. The police also stated that the employee in question had previously threatened him over the phone.

Accordingly, the police suspect that this individual may have carried out the shooting.

Further investigations are underway.

News

New SLBFE rule for self-employed migrant workers

Published

3 hours ago

June 23, 2025

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The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) will introduce a new regulation from July 01, 2025, for Sri Lankans seeking overseas employment through self-directed means, SLBFE Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe announced.

Under the new rule, those applying must have their foreign employment agreement certified by producing necessary documents to the Sri Lankan diplomatic mission in the respective country before registering with the SLBFE.

This process will involve a fee of USD 60.

According to the SLBFE Chairman, the rule will apply to only non-professional categories which are listed on the website of the bureau.

Under the first phase, it will apply to only 15 categories that are provided diplomatic services in 13 countries where labour units of the SLBFE are underway.

The SLBFE says that this move is aimed at safeguarding the rights of migrant workers by ensuring contract authenticity and transparency, prior to departure.

Exemptions will be granted to those who can present passports indicating their profession or relevant documentation proving their professional status abroad.