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President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced today that the district decentralized budget for this year amounts to Rs. 11,250 million, marking a significant allocation after a hiatus of three years. The funds are slated to be disbursed to all district secretaries during the initial week of January.

This declaration came during a discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat earlier this morning (21) with the District Coordinating Committee Chairpersons. President Wickremesinghe underscored the adverse impacts of the economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic on the rural economy and the tourism sector, attributing the setbacks to the absence of a decentralized budget for districts over the past three years.

Expressing the government’s commitment to expedite projects and support rural communities, the President directed the committee chairpersons to prioritize development activities aimed at uplifting the rural economy. He emphasized the importance of unity among officials, urging them to collaborate on a cohesive development agenda without division between the central government and provinces.

In line with the 2024 budget estimate, the district committee chairpersons were briefed on the planned distribution of development funds for each district.

Expressing his views further President Wickremesinghe said;

For the past three years, there has been a significant absence of government capital expenditure, affecting both the central government and all provincial councils. This hiatus has led to a substantial economic downturn at the village level, causing the collapse of numerous local businesses and exacerbating the challenges faced by the tourism industry.

We must reconstruct the grassroots economy and this time, a substantial decentralized budget has been allocated. These funds are distributed to every district. At the regional division level, it is imperative to engage with representatives and solicit proposals for development activities.

In addition to the funds allotted to each district, extra financial support will be directed towards the upcountry areas. We anticipate allocating these resources for the development of the upcountry areas over the next 05 to 06 years, with a specific focus on the advancement of underdeveloped Sinhalese and Tamil villages in the upcountry area.

Furthermore, funds have been earmarked for provincial councils, ministries have been allocated capital funds, and various projects are underway with foreign aid. It is crucial to eliminate obstacles hindering the resumption of these projects and ensure that facilities are provided at the grassroots level.

Restarting development work that has been dormant for the past 03 years is a challenging task. There are also projects being carried out under foreign debt concessions that need to be recommenced. Although these projects have different timelines, we must initiate them simultaneously, requiring the collaboration of all officers. Additionally, the insights and suggestions of MPs and political representatives are essential.

In this endeavour, the chief secretary of each province, district secretaries, and central government officials should work harmoniously as a cohesive team. The governor, chief secretary, chairpersons of the new provincial committee, and chairpersons of the district coordination committees should oversee these activities on a monthly basis.

The primary aim of all these endeavours is to bring about tangible benefits for the villagers. This program needs to be executed in a manner that injects financial resources into the villages. While advancing the overall national economy, it is equally crucial to uplift the economic status of the villages.

Furthermore, through the agricultural modernization program, we anticipate a significant increase in agricultural production over the next two years. The goal is not only to boost agricultural output but also to establish a competitive agricultural sector, with the mid-term benefits directly impacting the village economy.

To ensure the effective implementation of these activities with a focus on the village economy, the responsibility is placed on the chairmen of the district coordination committees. In instances where there are unresolved issues, these can be brought to the attention of the committee led by the Prime Minister for solutions. Failing that, I propose discussing these matters in the Cabinet.

Mr. Prasanna Ranatunga, Minister of Urban Development and Housing and Chief Government Whip;

The concept, as envisioned by the Honourable President, has undergone extensive discussions among the Cabinet and ruling party members regarding the decentralized budget distribution. A committee, headed by the Prime Minister as per the President’s instructions, has been established to coordinate these activities.

The President has expressed a desire to identify priority projects that align with the needs of the people in a transparent manner. A draft has been meticulously prepared, covering the technical aspects comprehensively. The next step involves discussing the implementation method and devising a detailed plan.

It is imperative that everyone collaborates under a unified program. The provincial councils need to align with this approach. The provincial committees should actively engage and leverage their full potential, cascading the initiative from the district level down to the rural areas and eventually reaching the villages. This ensures a coordinated and inclusive approach to implementing the identified priority projects.

Director General of the National Planning Department Mr. W.A. Kumarasiri;

In unveiling the 2024 budget statement, the Honourable President has earmarked Rs. 11,250 million for the districts. The implementation of decentralized budgeting had been on hold for three years due to economic challenges and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, a substantial amount has been allocated for decentralized budgeting this year. A draft has been meticulously prepared based on discussions at the official level, led by the Prime Minister. We anticipate further deliberations today, with the goal of forwarding it to district secretaries in the first week of January.

Once these projects gain approval in the district coordination committee meeting and are received by the National Planning Department, it is anticipated that the necessary allocations will promptly be released to the districts through the President’s Office.

Additionally, several small projects at regional and community levels had stalled midway. The priority is to resume and swiftly complete these projects, delivering their benefits to the people. Simultaneously, initiatives such as implementing small-scale water schemes, expanding small-scale electricity connections, and installing solar panels in government institutions and religious centres are on the agenda. These activities are expected to greatly benefit the rural economy. Projects focusing on provincial and rural small roads, as well as small bridges in plantation areas, have been identified for completion this year.

Furthermore, proposals have been put forth for projects aimed at boosting the rural economy, including the development of primary and secondary level schools, enhancing schools and religious places, promoting the tourism industry, mitigating damage caused by animals, and uplifting low-income families.

In attendance at this discussion were all District Coordination Committee Chairpersons, Provincial Governors, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Prime Minister’s Secretary Anura Dissanayake, President’s Senior Adviser on Economic Affairs Dr. R. H. S. Samaratunga, district secretaries, provincial chief secretaries and other officials.

Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera has emphasized that electricity tariffs will likely be reduced to earlier rates during the tariff revision scheduled for January 2024, as hydropower is currently being generated at maximum capacity.

Joining a media briefing taking place at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) this afternoon (19), Wijesekera stated that the previous tariff hike in October was carried out in view of the higher cost of electricity generation due to usage of fossil fuel, prompted by the arid weather conditions.

“However, the weather conditions have now changed. As we received rainfall during the past two months and the rainfall is expected to continue for two more weeks, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has informed us that the electricity tariff can be revised. During the tariff revision, the increased tariff can be reduced”, he said.

He mentioned that accordingly, the government will be able to provide some relief to the public during the next tariff revision in January, after taking into consideration the balance sheets of the CEB in December.

Public Security Minister Tiran Alles declared the successful takedown of a major drug distribution network, resulting in 8,451 busts over the past four days.

"Our aim was to dismantle the very web that distributes these poisons," Tiran Alles stated, addressing the nation. "Through meticulous intelligence gathering, a comprehensive list of targets was compiled. Within these past four days, we have apprehended 731 individuals directly linked to this network."

Sri Lanka launched a nationwide operation codenamed "Yukthiya," meaning "Justice," in December 2023 to combat the growing menace of drug trafficking and underworld activity.

Within the first four days of the operation, Sri Lankan authorities apprehended over 8,000 suspects across the country. This includes individuals involved in drug trafficking, underworld activities, and other criminal offenses.

Large quantities of various drugs, including heroin, ice, cannabis, and narcotic pills, have been confiscated during the operation.

Authorities have also frozen and seized illegal assets worth millions of rupees belonging to suspected drug lords and underworld figures.

The Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon has instructed to take necessary measures to inspect and remove all activities that could be harmful to children within 500 metres of schools, before the start of the new school term in February 2024.

“There is a discourse within the society regarding certain things within and surrounding the schools that are unsuitable for children. Yesterday I ordered the high-ranking police officers across Sri Lanka to remove all places that sell, distribute or propagate activities harmful for schoolchildren, which are located within a 500-metre radius of all schools”, Tennakoon said.

“When the next school term commences in February following the term holidays, I will not allow any such operations to continue in this country”, he said speaking during an event.

He further highlighted that strict action will be taken against such activities and establishments.

The Acting IGP also stated that measures will be taken to remove all the things that unfavorably affect the school environment, by using the powers of Sri Lanka Police.

Former Sri Lankan President and Leader of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Mahinda Rajapaksa said that the SLPP which he leads is a part of the government.

However, Rajapaksa noted that the present Head of the Government and Head of State is the leader of a different political party with different policies.

Mahinda Rajapaksa said that at this moment, the primary duty of the SLPP is to ensure a stable government until the next national elections.

Rajapaksa pointed out that around 40 professional associations and trade unions representing vital sectors of the economy and the public services have been agitating for a reduction in income taxes for many months.

In the meantime, the high tax burden has precipitated an exodus of educated and highly trained professionals from the country giving rise to a new crisis, he said in a statement on Wednesday (20).

Mahinda Rajapaksa went on to note that following increases in the VAT through the budget for 2024, tax policy is set to become a major political issue in 2024.

He said that the call to reduce taxes is based on solid economic principles.

Mahinda Rajapaksa went on to note that low taxes was a cornerstone of my government’s policy and it made a major contribution to the unbroken nine year economic boom that this country experienced between 2006 and 2014.

The Interim Secretariat for the Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism (ISTRM) has successfully commenced its ‘National Provincial Public Consultations’ from the Northern province, Jaffna.

The ISTRM convened with key stakeholders, including civil society organizations, religious leaders, senior professors and lecturers’ from the University of Jaffna, grassroots communities, women’s rights movements from December 10th to December 12th, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

The ISTRM delegation’s visit to Jaffna was aimed at gathering insights and recommendations to formulate a sustainable framework for national unity and reconciliation. Discussions included a comprehensive examination of community challenges and key issues that have been an impediment towards building sustainable peace and reconciliation.

Officials of the Interim Secretariat held a comprehensive consultation with prominent religious figures, including Chief Priest at Nallur Kovil Maikundal Swami Kurukkal, Bishop of Jaffna Diocese Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin B Gnanapragasam,Ven. Damika Thero of the Jaffna Naga Vihara.

The religious leaders conveyed the expectations, views and concerns of the public and offered prayers and blessings for the success of reconciliation activities, emphasizing the importance of ethnic harmony in the country, it added.

During the interactions, Director General of ISTRM Dr. Asanga Gunawansa briefed the religious leaders and all participants at the consultations on the activities of the Interim Secretariat and provided insights into the operations of the Independent Commission for Truth, Unity and Reconciliation which is to be established by an Act of parliament.

With the objective of building an inclusive policy framework for national unity and reconciliation, the Interim Secretariat also gathered views from various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, Senior Government Officials of Jaffna, Senior Academics from the University of Jaffna, professional experts, and representatives of Youth Groups and Women’s Rights movements. These consultations aim to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the perspectives and concerns of diverse segments of the community.

Executive to the Director General and Legal Ashvini Hapangama, Head of the Secretariat’s Policy Division Dr. Yuvi Thangarajah, and senior officials from the Public Relations and Policy division of the ISTRM were present during the comprehensive public consultation process with key stakeholders, according to the PMD.

Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera has instructed the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) not to pay bonuses, incentives or salary increments for CEB employees for the year 2023.

In a letter addressed to the CEB officials, the minister also requested to discontinue the 25% salary increment paid every three years, for this year as well.

Minister Kanchana Wijesekera has issued the directives in a bid to reduce the cost of operations and administration.

Janaka Sri Chandragupta, the former Secretary of the Ministry of Health, was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with an investigation into the distribution of suspected counterfeit human immunoglobulin medication.

Chandragupta had presented himself to the CID earlier in the day to provide a statement regarding the matter.

This development follows the previous arrests of several other individuals in the case, including Dr. Kapila Wickramanayake, the former Director of the Medical Supplies Division and the owner of the company alleged to have supplied the counterfeit human immunoglobulin medication to the Ministry of Health.

All these individuals are currently held in remand custody.

Preliminary court proceedings have revealed that the medication in question is suspected to be counterfeit.

Initial reports suggested that it may have been administered to as many as 2,000 patients within Sri Lanka.

The first group selected for jobs in the agricultural sector in Israel left from Katunayake Airport for Israel last night (18).

Thirty people were included in this group, and another group of twenty people will leave for Israel this morning (19), with an additional group of thirty people scheduled to be sent to Israel tonight (19).

Air tickets for the first batch of workers were handed over by Minister Nanayakkara at a ceremony held yesterday to mark International Migrant's Day. During the event, he said that according to a bilateral agreement between the two countries, 10,000 workers will be able to fly to Israel in the next few weeks.

The Minister emphasized that there is no need to give money to any party for these jobs. Therefore, even if it is discovered after going abroad that someone has paid money to obtain these job opportunities, they will be brought back, as both governments have reached an agreement on the repatriation of those who have paid money.

In addition, the Minister further stated that Israel has agreed to hire twenty thousand workers for job opportunities in the construction sector.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has urged the relevant authorities to promptly address the issue of unauthorized constructions in the Ohia area, spanning from Boralanda to Horton Plains.

Noting the significant environmental degradation resulting from these illicit structures, the President emphasized the need for immediate intervention to avert potential serious consequences in the future.

President Wickremesinghe conveyed these directives during his participation in the Special District Coordination Committee (DCC) meeting in Badulla District, convened at the Auditorium of the Uva Provincial Library yesterday (16).

Furthermore, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed officials to communicate in writing with relevant institutions when approving building plans within the district. During the meeting, the President sought updates on the disaster relief program for those affected in Badulla district. He instructed officials to provide a comprehensive report on areas susceptible to future disasters.

The meeting also addressed challenges in resettling displaced individuals and the legal release of land from estate companies. President Wickremesinghe emphasized the need for prompt discussions with plantation companies to overcome obstacles.

In attendance were political authorities of Badulla district along with government officials. The extensive discussion covered various issues in education, health, highways, and transportation within the district. The President took proactive measures to address and resolve some of the identified challenges.

Additionally, discussions covered the development plans slated for implementation in the Badulla district in 2024.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe outlined the vision for a decentralized budget for districts starting next year. This approach aims to prioritize the district’s development needs by consolidating funds from the Upcountry development program, ministry allocations, provincial council disbursements, and foreign aid projects. The President anticipates commencing these initiatives by July of the upcoming year.

In further remarks, President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his gratitude to all participants for their engagement in the discussion, despite it being on a Saturday. He highlighted the stagnation in the country’s development over the past three years, citing halted projects, including highway construction. With the successful collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), development projects are set to recommence systematically. Acknowledgment from creditors, including the Paris Organization, India and China, has paved the way for renewed discussions and foreign aid. The President expects to provide updates on projects slated for immediate commencement in the early months of the coming year.

The President outlined the financial measures for development, emphasizing the allocation of funds from the 2024 budget. This funding, collected through income tax, is crucial for the country’s developmental needs. The President emphasized the need to initiate projects with dedication, acknowledging that while all projects cannot be launched in a single year, a gradual commencement is anticipated with a focus on prioritized initiatives.

Starting from the next fiscal year, the districts will receive a decentralized budget based on the available number of seats. Additionally, the Upcountry program, aimed at supporting isolated mountain villages, has commenced, with each divisional secretariat receiving 10 million. Plans are in place to incrementally increase this support.

Financial allocations to provincial councils will contribute to the overall funding available to each district. Capital expenditure at the ministry level, along with foreign aid-supported projects, will be integrated into the funding structure. President Wickremesinghe highlighted that this comprehensive approach, combining resources from various channels, aims to commence the work by July 2024.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed plans to establish committees at the provincial level, collaborating with district development committees. These committees, comprising district chairpersons, members and officers, will oversee development activities in their respective divisional secretariats. Provincial Council projects will be initiated through the Governor, while Central Government projects will be managed by relevant institutions.

In addition, President Wickremesinghe highlighted the initiation of the agriculture modernization program, with active participation from the private sector. A designated individual will be appointed to collaborate between the Ministry of Agriculture and the private sector. Furthermore, the transformation of Agrarian Services centres into modernization centres is in the pipeline.

A significant initiative planned for February involves the commencement of a program to grant freehold deeds to individuals holding licenses under the Land Development Ordinance. The President anticipates substantial progress through these strategic measures.

During the discussion, the President addressed various issues, and here are some key concerns raised along with his responses:

Question:

Attention has been drawn several times to the need for an increase in the compensation provided for houses and buildings affected by calamities. Mr. President, is there any course of action that can be taken in this regard?

Answer:

There are issues related to increasing the compensation amount. Although it may not be feasible next year, I believe it can be increased in the next few years. However, we need a new plan. Another point that should be emphasized is: Who approves these housing plans? If this continues, action will be taken against both the Municipal Council and the officer responsible. In the event of these constructions collapsing, the municipality will bear the financial burden. If plans are approved for construction, the related criteria should be provided in writing and acted upon accordingly. Such activities should not be allowed to proceed arbitrarily.

During my visit to Horton Plains, I observed several ‘Guest Houses’ built above the Ohia, near the river. If all of them draw water from the stream, it will deplete the water supply. Therefore, I request that no construction be allowed in the Ohia area until we discuss and inform.

If this situation persists, high-level tourists will avoid coming to these areas. Additionally, another consequence is that the city and the area below will suffer from a lack of water taken from the river. Hence, I request not to permit construction in the area above Boralanda. In the Blackpool area as well, the region has been adversely affected by such informal constructions

Question:

The problems faced by the people of Badulla due to the Uma Oya project have not yet been resolved. Mr. President, we request your intervention in this matter.

Answer:

A comprehensive analysis of the impact of the Uma Oya project on the Badulla district is essential. The Uma Oya project was initiated during President Premadasa’s tenure, but due to numerous issues, it was rejected. Uma Oya proposed redirecting the Mahaweli as per the plan, leading to various problems associated with the tunnel. To address these issues comprehensively, as mentioned earlier, a thorough analysis of the Badulla district is required.

Question:

We urgently request the expedited repair of the internal roads and drainage system in the Dikarawa area, which has been damaged by the Uma Oya project.

Answer:

Regrettably, due to the economic crisis faced by the country, the I Road project had to be halted. However, we are now prepared to resume the project. Consequently, we anticipate discussions on such projects and the commencement of related work.

Ministers Mr.Nimal Siripalada Silva, Mr. Harin Fernando, State Ministers Mr. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, Mr. Aravinda Kumar, Uva Provincial Governor Mr. A.J.M. Muzammil, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Badulla District Coordination Committee Major Sudarshan Denipitiya, Senior Advisor to the President and Member of Parliament Mr. Vadivel Suresh, Chairman of the Uva Provincial Council Mr. A.M. Buddhadasa, along with political representatives from the district, including President’s Secretary Mr. Saman Ekanayake and Badulla District SecretaryMr. Panduka Sri Prabhat Abeywardena, were also present at this occasion. (PMD)

President extends congratulations to Sri Lankan Kilmeesha Uthayaseelan on victory in Indian singing competition

In a gracious gesture, President Ranil Wickremesinghe conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the Sri Lankan talent Kilmeesha Uthayaseelan, who emerged victorious in the “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’ Champs Season 03” reality competition hosted by the “Zee Tamil” channel in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.

Hailing from the Jaffna region, the 14-year-old girl has made history as the first Sri Lankan girl to clinch victory in an Indian reality competition.

President Wickremesinghe personally reached out to Kilmeesha Uthayaseelan via phone to commend her exceptional skills and acknowledge the honour she has brought to the nation.

In addition to recognizing her achievement, the President conveyed his blessings for her on-going educational pursuits and extended compliments for her promising future in the field of music.

Veteran Sri Lankan actor Lionel Wickrama has passed away at the age of 77, according to family sources.

Lionel Wickrama is known for his roles in several Sri Lankan movies such as Deveni Warama (2017), Karumakkarayo (1980) and Sakkarang (2015).