News

A seven-member investigation panel, led by a Major General, has been appointed to probe the tragic accident at the Fox Hill Super Cross event in Diyatalawa.

The Sri Lankan Army Spokesman confirmed the establishment of the panel following the incident that claimed the lives of seven individuals, including a child, and left 23 others injured.

The investigation aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding the accident, which occurred during the racing event on Sunday (21).

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).

A historic milestone in the Indo-Sri Lankan cultural and religious bond was marked yesterday (21) with the official launch of the ‘Sri Ramayan Trails’ project at Taj Samudra, Colombo. This initiative aims to bolster the country’s tourism industry by leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative tourism methodologies.

Under the auspices of His Holiness Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, the Chief Treasurer of the renowned Sri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, and graced by Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff, the launch event showcased a commitment to fostering deeper ties between the two nations.

The Sri Ramayan Trails seeks to highlight nine significant sites mentioned in the epic Ramayana, scattered across Sri Lanka. By offering a spiritual and cultural journey for Hindu pilgrims and travelers alike, the initiative aims to draw millions of Indian and international tourists to the country. Its overarching goal is to strengthen the nation’s spiritual and cultural heritage while also boosting its tourism sector.

In addition to offering access to these sacred sites, the project aims to provide visitors with an immersive experience by showcasing the ancient spiritual events associated with these revered shrines, brought to life through cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR).

Spanning from Adam’s Bridge in the Mannar Basin to Seetha Eliya in Nuwara Eliya, every location mentioned in the epic Ramayana has been carefully chosen for inclusion in this pilgrimage endeavour.

Notable figures such as former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Indian High Commissioner HE Santosh Jha, former member of the European and British Parliament Niranjan Dev Adhitya, and other dignitaries graced the event with their presence.

The Colombo District Court ordered the interim injunction issued preventing former President Maithripala Sirisena from functioning as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to be extended until May 09.

This order was issued when a case filed by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga was taken up before the court today (18).

On April 04, the Colombo District Court issued an enjoining order preventing former President Maithripala Sirisena from functioning as the SLFP chairman.

Later, the SLFP’s politburo appointed Minister of Ports, Aviation and Shipping Nimal Siripala de Silva as the party’s Acting Chairman on April 08.

Earlier in March, former President Maithripala Sirisena had stirred controversy when he claimed he was aware of the true mastermind of the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks and that he was prepared to disclose the information to the judiciary if inquired from him or if an order is issued regarding the matter.

Speaking to the media in Kandy, Sirisena said that he is ready to disclose the relevant information and that at the same time, it is the responsibility of the judges to keep the information strictly confidential.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe called on the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters yesterday (21) to seek their blessings.

First, President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited the Malwathu Maha Viharaya and paid his respects to the Chief Prelate of the Malwathu Chapter, Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera, followed by a brief discussion. The Anunayake of the Malwathu Chapter,

Most Venerable Dimbulkumbure Vimaladhamma Thera, was also present, and together they chanted Seth Pirith and blessed the President.

Thereafter, President Ranil Wickremesinghe preceded to the Asgiri Maha Viharaya, where he met with the Chief Prelate of the Asgiri Chapter, Most Ven. Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thera, and engaged in a brief discussion.

During the visit, the Maha Sangha led by the Viharadhipathi (Chief Priest) of Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara, Ven. Murundeniye Dhammarathana Thera recited Seth Pirith and invoked blessings upon the President.

Kandy District Secretary Chandana Thennakoon also attended the event.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has personally congratulated Sri Lanka cricketer Chamari Athapaththu following her historic innings in women’s cricket.

Athapaththu scored an unbeaten 195 off 139 balls, leading Sri Lanka to a stunning victory over South Africa and securing a draw in the ODI series.

The President’s call to Athapaththu not only celebrated her personal achievement but also recognized her pivotal role in elevating the profile of women’s cricket in Sri Lanka.

Former Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella and eight others, who were implicated in the alleged import of substandard human immunoglobulin vials, have been further remanded until May 06, 2024.

Maligakanda Magistrate Lochani Abeywickrema issued this order when the case was taken up today (22), 

President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his firm conviction in his ability to shape the Sri Lanka that the nation’s youth envision. Embracing the daunting task of revitalizing Sri Lanka’s faltering economy, which many deemed challenging, the President underscored his success in stabilizing the nation’s economic trajectory within a mere two years. He emphasized that unity was the sole requisite for propelling the country towards progress.

Addressing a gathering of young Members of Parliament and emerging political figures from the Nuwara Eliya district at the Nuwara Eliya Presidential Palace today (18), President Ranil Wickremesinghe reiterated his commitment to fostering the region’s development into a premier tourist destination. Despite criticisms levelled against the government’s initiatives for Nuwara Eliya’s advancement, the President asserted that with widespread support, such efforts could catalyse a transformative shift in the nation’s economic landscape.

Furthermore, President Wickremesinghe cautioned against the pitfalls of antiquated political strategies, emphasizing the imperative of concerted efforts to attract essential investments for national development. He highlighted the people’s jubilant celebration of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year under the government’s sound economic policies, noting a marked increase in people’s livelihoods across various sectors. His overarching goal, he stated, was to ensure that these benefits reached every segment of society.

The young parliamentarians apprised the President of the challenges they encounter and presented their proposals pertaining to the nation’s development agenda.

In a bid to empower the youth demographic, the President outlined plans to establish regional youth centres in each divisional secretariat division. He pledged to nurture budding entrepreneurs through these centres, with intentions to engage bank executives and trade board members in the process.

Mr. Ashoka Herath, the candidate for Nuwara Eliya District Member of Parliament representing the Samagi Jana Balawega, expressed his endorsement of the President’s program despite his affiliation with another party during the event. He emphasized his backing for the program, highlighting its importance.

He noted that had everyone supported the “Yali Pubudamu Sri Lanka” program initiated in 2001 while the President was the Prime Minister and was scheduled to conclude in 2025, Sri Lanka would have already achieved developed status. He also lamented the undermining of the ongoing program aimed at transforming the country into a developed nation by 2048.

Furthermore, Mr. Ashoka Herath stated his commitment to providing necessary support over the next two years to extend President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s leadership for another decade, facilitating a revolutionary transformation of the nation.

The event also saw the participation of former Member of Parliament K.K. Piyadasa, Former Mayor of the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council Chandana Lal Karunaratne and a group of former municipal councillors and regional youth politicians from the Nuwara Eliya district.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the National Rice Distribution for low-income families at Uva Paranagama, President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that 2.74 million low-income families would receive a monthly allocation of 10 kilograms of rice for two months.

At the event, The President symbolically distributed rice bags to 25 beneficiaries, marking the commencement of the rice allocation.

Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister Chamara Samapath Danayake, MP Vadivel Suresh and other dignitaries attended the event held at the Ambagasdowa Stadium today (21)

Sri Lankan actress Damitha Abeyratne and her husband have been further remanded over an allegation of financial fraud.

The couple was further remanded until April 24, 2024, by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today.

Earlier in April, Damitha Abeyratne and her husband were arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) after having surrendered to the Fort Magistrate’s Court over the financial scam.

The Fort Magistrate’s Court had also imposed a travel ban on the couple, while the Court of Appeal had rejected their request for an interim order preventing their arrest under the Immigrants and Emigrants Act.

Damitha Abeyratne and her husband have been accused of defrauding money amounting to nearly Rs. 3 million by claiming to provide foreign jobs.

A day of high-octane motorsports turned into tragedy at the Fox Hill Super Cross 2024 after a car veered off the track, injuring dozens and claiming seven lives.

Police Media Spokesperson DIG Thalduwa confirmed the deaths, which included five adult males – four identified as event officials – and an 8-year-old girl, according to the Sri Lanka Army Spokesperson.

The accident occurred during a race, with reports stating 21 individuals were hospitalized, four in critical condition.

The rest of the races at the event have been cancelled.

Low quality dry rations are being used in the cooking of meals for patients and staff of Colombo National Hospital, claims its deputy director Dr. Rukshan Bellana.

On occasions, vegetables that have gone bad are included in the meals.

Milk powder and sugar nearing expiry are used in the preparation of tea, he said.

Also, the contractor supplies fish unfit for consumption, added the deputy director of the CNH.

Hospital authorities cannot take action since the health ministry, which has been informed in writing following complaints by the staff, has the deciding powers, he added.

Every month, it is paid Rs. 7.6 million for dry rations and Rs. 1.5 million for fish.

The contractor also supplies to prisons, military camps and other state institutions, he said.