Repair work commenced today (10) on the Pallama section of the Bangadeniya–Anamaduwa road, which was severely damaged during the recent disaster situation, the Ministry of Public Administration said.

The Road Development Authority has allocated over Rs. 150 million for the project, aimed at restoring the damaged stretches and ensuring safe, convenient transport for the public.

The initiative was launched under the patronage of Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Chandana Abeyratne, who also serves as Chairman of the Puttalam District Development Committee. 

MP Gayan Janaka, regional representatives, the Divisional Secretary of Pallama, and Road Development Authority officials were present at the occasion.

According to the Ministry of Public Administration, the Bangadeniya–Anamaduwa road is a vital route for daily commuters and plays a key role in the region’s economic and social activities. 

The prompt repairs are expected to minimize transportation difficulties faced by residents and strengthen connectivity in the district. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Administration Chandana Abeyratne says a complaint has been lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding the cyber‑attack on the Ministry of Public Administration website. 

According to media reports, he said the complaint was made through the intervention of the Ministry Secretary.

It was reported that the cyber attackers attempted to auction data on the website in order to obtain money.

However, Minister Abeyratne clarified that no highly sensitive data was compromised, and only some public information had fallen into the hands of another party.

The minister confirmed that the CID is now investigating the matter.

He further revealed that the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Response Team (SLCERT) has also commenced a separate inquiry into the incident. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Prof. Chandana Abeyratne has been conferred the honorary title of Emeritus Professor by the University of Kelaniya.

Prof. Abeyratne previously served at the university as Head of the Department of History and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

According to a statement issued by the ministry, the appointment took effect on Oct. 14 with the endorsement of Vice Chancellor Nilanthi de Silva.

The title was awarded in recognition of Prof. Abeyratne’s contributions to academia and public administration. 

He is an alumnus of the university, holding a bachelor’s degree in history and a postgraduate degree in philosophy. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government says steps will be taken to install fingerprint machines in every government institution.

According to Minister of Public Administration, Chandana Abeyratne, fingerprint machines have already been installed in many government offices, including Divisional Secretariats.

He further said that the primary aim of this initiative is to regulate employee attendance and departures, while also minimizing irregularities related to reporting for duty. (Newswire)

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The Draft Bill for the Amendment of the Local Authorities Elections Act to enable the cancellation of nominations submitted for the 2023 polls and call for fresh nominations will be presented to the Parliament tomorrow (09 Jan), Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Chandana Abeyratne said.

According to the Mawbima newspaper, Minister Chandana Abeyratne has expressed hope in getting the approval of the Parliament for the Draft Bill soon.

He further said that the government intended to conduct the Local Council Elections before the April Sinhala and Tamil New Year. 

Stating that there were no obstacles to conducting the election, Minister Chandana Abeyratne said the government was able to disburse the necessary funds upon request by the Election Commission. 

He noted that it is expected that between Rs. 8 to Rs. 12 Billion will be required to conduct the Local Council Elections. 

His comments come as the Draft Bill for the Amendment of the Local Authorities Elections Act to enable the cancellation of nominations submitted for the 2023 polls and call for fresh nominations was Gazetted this week. 

The Draft Bill was reportedly published in the Government Gazette as per the order of the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government.

As per the said bill, nomination papers submitted for the Local Government Elections, which were scheduled to be held on March 09, 2023, will become invalid, while it also provides for the refund of deposits made in respect of candidates nominated by a political party or independent group.

The bill is scheduled to be implemented after it is presented to Parliament and passed, with the Election Commission to announce the date for calling fresh nominations for the Local Government Elections 3 months before the date of commencement of the said Act. (Newswire)

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