The distribution of fortified rice, provided by the World Food Program (WFP) on behalf of the program initiated under the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, to provide a nutritious meal for school students, commenced today, (19) at the Veyangoda warehouse complex.

In an effort to reduce iron deficiency among school children, fortified rice is provided for school meals. This distribution will be conducted under the supervision of Mr. M.H.A.M. Riflan, Director General for the Partnership Secretariat for World Food Programme Co-operation (PSWFPC), which operates under the purview of the Presidential Secretariat.

As planned, the distribution of 735 metric tons of rice to provincial-level schools commenced today as part of the first phase and will continue tomorrow (20). This rice stock is being delivered to schools under the supervision of officials from the respective Provincial Departments of Education and Public Health Inspectors (PHIs).

Meanwhile, Director General for the PSWFPC, Mr. M.H.A.M. Riflan stated that 378.835 metric tons of dhal, 412.08 metric tons of sunflower cooking oil, and 300 metric tons of dates will be distributed to schools following the start of the new school term on May 19.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Education has implemented measures to provide a main meal at school for all students in grades 1-5 across the country. Following nutritionists’ recommendations, students receive breakfast between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. daily before engaging in educational activities.

Under the theme of ‘Healthy Active Generation,’ the 2024 school meal program aims to reduce nutritional problems among students, increase daily school attendance, foster good eating and health habits, contribute to the improvement of educational achievement levels, and fulfil the fundamental objectives of promoting local food culture.The school feeding program for this year extends its benefits to 1.6 million students, including primary students from 9,134 government schools, as well as smaller schools with fewer than 100 students. A budget of Rs. 16.6 billion has been allocated to the nine provincial councils by the government, supplemented by sponsorship from entities such as the World Food Program (WFP) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

(President’s Media Division) 

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWS&DB) has announced a 12-hour water cut in Gampaha District on April 24.

Accordingly, esidents in various areas including Peliyagoda, Ja-Ela, Katunayaka Seeduwa Municipality areas, Kelaniya, Wattala, Biyagama, Mahara, Dompe, Katana, Munuwangoda, and Gampaha Municipality areas will be affected.

The water supply in Gampaha will be interrupted due to emergency repair work on the electricity subgrid in Sapugaskanda.The NWSDB regrets any inconvenience caused and advises the public to store enough water in advance to mitigate the impact of the interruption.

Final rites of former Deputy Minister and former UNP parliamentarian – Palitha Thewarapperuma will be held later today (April 19).

His remains are currently lying at his residence in Yatadolawatta, Mathugama and according to reports, a large number of civilians have been arriving to pay their final respects.

His remains will be buried at the gravesite he had built himself sometime back.

The former Kalutara District MP died from electrocution earlier this week.

A prominent figure of the United National Party (UNP), Thewarapperuma had served as Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs in the UNP-led national government in 2015. He was also the chairman of the Mathugama Pradeshiya Sabha in 2002 and was also a member of the Western Provincial Council. He served as a Member of Parliament from Kalutara District from 2010 – 2020. 

He was popular for his active social services to the rural masses of his constituency, opting to join social work himself with his supporters, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and during natural disasters such as floods.