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Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Nepal, Ruwanthi Delpitiya, called on Nepal’s newly elected Prime Minister, Balendra Shah, in Kathmandu. 

She joined other Heads of Diplomatic Missions in a courtesy visit at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers at Singha Durbar.

During the meeting, Delpitiya extended warm congratulations to Prime Minister Shah on his decisive election victory and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. 

She also stressed the importance of continued diplomatic engagement and mutual support. (Newswire)

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Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya on Sunday (15) warned against attempts to undermine the government’s reform agenda by inciting racism, stating that women have often been among those most affected by such divisions.

Addressing the Mannar District Women’s Meeting held in the Adambal area, PM said the government would not allow divisive forces to derail progress and urged women to take a leading role in sustaining social and political change.

“We will not allow attempts to cripple the government’s progress by promoting racism,” she said, adding that the law must be made more effective to protect women and children from violence and abuse.

Harini noted that women make up about 52 percent of Sri Lanka’s population, describing them as a powerful force in society. However, she said their numerical strength has not always translated into real influence in daily life or across key sectors.

“Women have been among the main groups affected by racism. Should we allow division and discord to be created again? No. That is why women’s leadership is needed. To carry forward the change we have begun, women must also step forward. There is still much work to be done. We will not allow the progress we have made to be reversed,” she said.

Reflecting on the country’s past, the prime minister said decades of war and violence had left deep social divisions, with women bearing a disproportionate share of the suffering. Many, she said, continue to grieve lost family members or struggle alone to support their households, even years after the conflict ended.

She said the government is engaged in a sustained effort to counter racism and ensure equal rights for all citizens, while accusing unnamed groups of seeking power by fostering division rather than addressing corruption, strengthening democracy or rebuilding the economy.

PM pointed to the country’s recovery from the 2022 economic crisis, saying reforms introduced by her administration had helped curb corruption and waste, enabling economic stabilization by 2025.

She cited recent measures such as distributing profits of the state-owned Milco dairy company to farmers for the first time in 21 years and providing disaster relief during the Ditwah cyclone without relying on new borrowing.

The Prime Minister also identified drug abuse as a major concern, saying it has fueled family conflicts and public insecurity. She said the president has pledged to eliminate dangerous drugs and that police have now been instructed to strictly enforce the law, while the judiciary is functioning independently.

Despite progress, PM acknowledged gaps in legal protection, particularly for women and children facing violence. She said the government is expanding judicial capacity to speed up the resolution of such cases.

On education, she said the government is working to provide quality schooling for all children, including recruiting graduate teachers for the first time in five years and filling long-standing vacancies for school principals. Infrastructure development is underway, she said, with plans to develop one school in each administrative division, introduce smart classrooms in all secondary schools and roll out a new curriculum for Grade 1 students.

She also highlighted gender inequality in the labour force, noting that women contribute significantly to the economy but often receive the lowest wages. She said greater support systems, including childcare facilities, are needed to enable women to engage in employment and self-employment. (Newswire)

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with a delegation from the European External Action Service (EEAS) on Feb. 10 at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Welcoming the delegation, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of further strengthening the long-standing partnership between Sri Lanka and the European Union, noting the EU’s role as a key development and economic partner.

She expressed appreciation for the European Union’s timely assistance to Sri Lanka following the recent cyclone, highlighting the EU’s continued support during times of need.

Discussions focused on expanding economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and the European Union. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of legislative and policy reforms to enhance economic engagement, trade and investment.

The delegation was briefed on the government’s ongoing initiatives and reforms aimed at strengthening economic stability, governance and creating an enabling environment for sustainable growth and international cooperation.

The meeting was attended by Acting Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the EEAS and EU co-chair of the Joint Commission Paola Pampaloni; EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation Carmen Moreno; representatives of the EEAS and the Delegation of the European Union; Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister Sagarika Bogahawatta. (Newswire)

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A group of academics, professionals, and social activists have issued a joint statement strongly supporting the government’s ongoing education reforms while condemning the attacks directed at Prime Minister and Minister of Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya by certain opposition groups and individuals.

The signatories described such attacks as hateful, indecent, and a disgrace to civilized society, warning that they normalize misogynistic attitudes and undermine progressive women’s political leadership, thereby shrinking the space for constructive engagement on urgently needed reforms.

The statement emphasized that Sri Lanka requires an education system grounded in forward-looking principles as articulated in the National People’s Power (NPP) Education Policy, now adopted as government policy.

It stressed that education should be viewed not merely as a commodity but as a process for developing advanced and civilized citizens through visionary leadership, ethics, integrity, social mobility, community participation, inclusion of diverse social groups, and effective communication.

The signatories outlined key priorities for reform, including:

• Ensuring equal access to education for all segments of society.
• Eliminating disparities between privileged and underprivileged groups.
• Affirming the state’s responsibility to provide education to all.
• Equipping learners with knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to become democratic citizens.
• Contributing to employment generation that meets changing social needs.
• Embracing cultural diversity and pluralism across all communities.
• Eliminating discrimination against any social group.
• Promoting social, economic, and environmental well-being.
• Responding effectively to global and local conditions.

They further underscored the need to expand and protect the right to free education for present and future generations.

However, the statement raised serious concerns about the conduct of the National Institute of Education (NIE), citing allegations of editorial errors and problematic textbook content, as well as delays and lapses in responsibility. To restore public confidence, the group urged the government to:

• Review new textbooks for Grades 1–6 and future publications through an independent mechanism separate from NIE officials.
• Restructure the NIE via a specially appointed committee or commission after a comprehensive review of its role and performance.
• Conduct a formal and inclusive dialogue on education reforms with stakeholders, including teachers’ unions, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Allocate a substantial portion of the national budget to raise public expenditure on education to 6% of GDP.

The signatories also called on the government to intervene decisively against crude and hateful rhetoric that dehumanizes sexuality and identity, noting that such discourse runs counter to the fundamental objective of educational reform: building a progressive and mature citizenry that respects all social identities.

They reminded that the transformative vision for education continues to enjoy strong support from the academic and professional community as well as the broader public.

Signatories include: Prof. Emeritus Jayadeva Uyangoda, Prof. Emeritus Jagath Weerasinghe, Prof. Anbahan Ariyadurai, Prof. Uthpala Jayawardena, Prof. Rohan Fernando, Prof. Prince Jayadevan, Dr. S. Arivalzahan, Prof. Nirmal Ranjith Devasiri, Dr. N. Varathan, Sandun Thudugala (Law & Society Trust), Dr. Mariadas Alfred, Dr. Athulasiri Samarakoon, Senior Lecturer Saminathan Wimal, Dr. Dileepa Withrana, Dr. S. Selvaganesh, Vangeesa Sumanasekera (Colombo School of Philosophy), Eng. M. Sooriasegaram, Vidura Munasinghe (Attorney-at-Law), Dr. Amali Wedagedara, Senior Lecturer Janaha Selvaras, Dr. Thyagaraja Waradas, Sanjee Goonathilake (Social Activist), Dr. Visakesa Chandrasekaram, Senior Lecturer Sithumina Rathnamalala, Dr. Vivimarie Vander Poorten, Shreen Saroor (Social Activist), and Hiranyada Devasiri (Researcher). (Newswire)

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held separate discussions with Buddhist and Catholic religious leaders to seek their support and input on ongoing and upcoming reforms in the country’s education system.

In a meeting held at Temple Trees with members of the Samastha Lanka Shasanarakshaka Balamandalaya, chaired by Ven. Prof. Thumbulle Seelakkhanda Thera, the focus was on challenges faced by Dhamma schools.

Issues discussed included the need to halt tuition classes on Sundays and Poya days, prevent scheduling of school exams and sports competitions on Dhamma school exam days, address teacher shortages, and provide necessary learning materials.

The Prime Minister also discussed proposals to award additional marks for university admission to students who have passed Dharmacharya exams and to further improve the structure and value of Dhamma education.

Religious leaders at the meeting included Maha Lekhakadhikari Ven. Mugunuwela Anuruddha Thera. Also present were Deputy Minister of Buddhist Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake, Prime Minister’s Secretary Pradeep Saputhanthri, and Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs K.W. Welahera.

Separately, on July 7, Prime Minister Amarasuriya met with His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith and senior bishops at the Archbishop’s official residence in Colombo to discuss upcoming educational reforms set to be implemented from 2026.

During the meeting, she emphasized the reforms’ focus on instilling moral values in students and offering vocational pathways for those outside the mainstream academic system, with the goal of enabling their contribution to national development. Plans include integrating vocational training in fields such as agriculture, fisheries, electrical engineering, and automobile repair directly within schools.

The Prime Minister, joined by Education Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa, also outlined measures to ensure quality education through expert teacher recruitment and formalizing the selection process.

The session was attended by His Eminence Harold Anthony, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka, and other Catholic bishops. (Newswire)

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A representative team of the TikTok platform in Sri Lanka has held discussions with Sri Lankan authorities focusing on how TikTok, as a digital platform, can be used to implement in creating opportunities in economic platforms and digital education, going beyond entertainment.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the discussion with the Secretary to the Prime Minister on Wednesday (16) also focused on common issues in the possible areas of using digital platforms.

The representatives pointed out the importance of the Inclusion of Legislation, Research and amendments into the curriculum on the knowledge of digital education and addressing  Digital hygiene, and Economic opportunities.

The secretary to the Prime Minister further emphasized the need for immediate implementation of such collaborative efforts with the ongoing reforms in the education sector.

The discussion was attended by Ferdous Al Mottakin-TikTok, Head of Government Relations and Public Affairs for South Asia, and Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister and other officials. (Newswire)

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Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Dr. Krishnamoorthy Subramanian paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Prime Minister’s Office.

The meeting focused on key economic matters, including Sri Lanka’s tax policy, the effective management of tax revenue, and measures to enhance public sector efficiency

The Prime Minister also outlined the government’s future development agenda, highlighting policy initiatives to ensure economic stability and foster sustainable growth.

Dr. P.K.G. Harischandra, Alternate Executive Director of the IMF, also participated in the discussions.

The Sri Lankan delegation included Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary (Development) to the Prime Minister; Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka; Dr. C. Amarasekara, Assistant Governor of the Central Bank; Dr. Lasitha R.C. Pathberiya, Additional Director of Economic Research; Mr. Amila J. Wijayawardhana, Senior Economist and Liaison Officer for the IMF Executive Director; Ms. Lashinka Dammullage, Director (Bilateral), Economic Affairs Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Mr. Samantha Bandara, Director General of the Department of External Resources. (Newswire)

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Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in her Independence Day message highlighted the need for an inclusive and equitable society where every citizen, regardless of background, has a voice in shaping the nation’s future.

Urging a commitment to deepening democracy, prioritizing economic justice, and uplifting marginalized communities, the Prime Minister called for meaningful action to build a Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister’s Independence Day message

Independence is not just about sovereignty; it is about dignity, justice, and the right to a life free from oppression. Today, as we reflect on our journey, we recognize that true freedom comes from an inclusive and equitable society where every community; regardless of ethnicity, religion, caste, gender or class has an equal stake in shaping this nation and feels valued and respected.

A thriving nation, a beautiful life is not just a vision; it is a call to action. It is a commitment to a Sri Lanka where democracy is deepened, where economic justice is prioritized, and where the voices of the marginalized are not just heard but cantered in decision-making. It is a promise to build a country where every individual feels a sense of belonging and worth.

On this historic day, let us go beyond symbolism and dedicate ourselves to meaningful change; towards a Sri Lanka that truly belongs to all. (Newswire)

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The inaugural ceremony to mark the Chinese New Year festival was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in Colombo on Sunday (Jan 19). 

According to the PM’s Office, the event was jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Colombo. 

The inaugural ceremony took place at the Cinnamon Life Hotel, under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

During the event, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya delivered a congratulatory message from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, for the occasion of the Chinese New Year. 

The celebration was attended by former President Maithripala Sirisena, former PM Dinesh Gunawardena, Industry Minister Sunil Handunnetti, Deputy Minister Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Sooriyapperuma and other political dignitaries, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong, the PM’s Secretary Pradeep Saputhanthri, as well as a large gathering of Sri Lankans and Chinese nationals. 

A special delegation comprising 34 members from the Henan Art Troupe and the Sichuan Chef Team also arrived in Sri Lanka as part of the New Year celebrations.

The PM’s Office further said that in addition, the festivities will feature the “Chinese Food Festival” and the “Port City Chinese Cultural Night,” scheduled to take place from January 20 to 23. (Newswire)

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A 14-year-old female resident of Kattankudy has arrived on a bicycle to meet Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya over two key social issues in her area. 

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Fatima Nada arrived from Kattankudy to Colombo by bicycle to hand over a message to PM Harini Amarasuriya.

During the meeting at the PM’s Office this morning, the young student requested immediate action against the drug menace affecting children and youth and to prevent child abuse. (Newswire)

A 14-year-old girl from Kattankudy cycled a long distance to meet Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and personally deliver an important message. pic.twitter.com/llVb0I6EAv

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) October 14, 2024

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Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has requested the Thailand Government’s assistance to rescue Sri Lankans still detained in cybercrime camps in Myanmar’s Myawaddy region.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Amarasuriya requested the Thai government’s assistance, with the rescue being facilitated by the Myanmar government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

PM Harini Amarasuriya made this request during a discussion held with the Thai Ambassador, Paitoon Mahapannaporn, at the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday (Oct 10).

She expressed her gratitude for the assistance provided by the Government of Thailand in rescuing 28 Sri Lankans from cybercrime camps and requested continued support to rescue the 40 Sri Lankans still detained in the cybercrime camps.

Expressing his warm congratulations to the Prime Minister on her appointment, Ambassador Paitoon Mahapannaporn talks about strengthening the bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and Thailand, the development of the tourism industry, the use of modern agricultural technology, joint research of post-harvest technology and food processing by the Faculties of Agriculture of the Universities of Ruhuna and Wayamba.

Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, senior officials of the Thai Embassy Prangtip Kongridhisuksakorn and Thom Petchpugdepong participated in these discussions. 

Director General Sasikala Premawardena and Director of the South East Asia Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thilini Ihalage were also present on this occasion. (Newswire)

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Board meetings for statutory bodies and other government institutions have been suspended, following a directive of the Prime Minister’s office.

Prime Minister’s Secretary Pradeep Saputhantri said that heads of institutions have been advised to refrain from making any administrative decisions during this time.

While some boards have already appointed new chairpersons, the relevant ministers must appoint suitable heads for the remaining boards.

Meanwhile, the secretaries of the Ministries of Justice, Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Labour, Women, Children and Youth Affairs, Sports, Trade, Commerce, Food Security, Cooperative Development, Industrial and Entrepreneurial Development, and Health have been informed to temporarily suspend board meetings of institutions under these ministries.

Saputhantri also noted that it is the responsibility of the new ministers to appoint new presidents and heads for these institutions. (Newswire)

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The 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was commemorated at the Prime Minister’s Office in Colombo yesterday, alongside ceremonial tributes. 

According to the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi by garlanding his statue at the Prime Minister’s Office. 

The statue was a gift from India in 2019, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The 42 inches-tall bronze statue of Gandhiji in meditative pose was sculpted by Padma Bhushan Awardee Ram Vanji Sutar. Sutar also has to his credit the world’s tallest bronze statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Kevadiya, Gujarat.

Following the ceremony, the High Commissioner called on Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.

A Gandhi Oration was also organized by the Sri Lanka India Society (SLIS) in collaboration with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, the cultural arm of the High Commission of India in Colombo. The oration was delivered by Austin Fernando, former High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India. As an annual event of SLIS marking Gandhi Jayanti, it has served as a platform for reflecting on Mahatma Gandhi’s timeless teachings and their continued relevance in today’s world. (Newswire)

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Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya undertook an inspection tour of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children (LRH) in Borella today.

The Prime Minister’s visit coincides with Children’s Day, commemorated on October 01. 

During her visit, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya was seen distributing gifts, as well as engaging in friendly conversations with the hospitalised children and their family members. (Newswire)

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Thailand’s parliament voted on Friday for Paetongtarn Shinawatra to be the country’s next prime minister, thrusting another member of the kingdom’s most famed and divisive political dynasty into the top job.

The vote came two days after Thailand’s Constitutional Court removed former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office, in a surprise decision that plunged the kingdom into further political uncertainty and raised fresh concern over the erosion of democratic rights.

Paetongtarn, 37, won 319 votes in the House of Representatives, after being nominated as the sole candidate by her Pheu Thai party’s ruling coalition to replace Srettha. She still needs to be endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn before she can officially take office and appoint a Cabinet.

Paetongtarn will be Thailand’s second female prime minister, after her aunt Yingluck – and the youngest to hold the position.

A political newcomer, Paetongtarn was one of three prime ministerial candidates for Pheu Thai ahead of the May 2023 national elections and made international headlines when she gave birth just two weeks before the vote.

Her appointment adds another twist to a years-long saga that has shaken up Thailand’s already turbulent political landscape.

Paetongtarn is the youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 military coup. Thaksin is one of Thailand’s most influential figures, whose economic and populist policies enabled him to build up a political machine that has dominated Thai politics for the past two decades. (CNN)

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A decision has been taken to continue to anchor Citra Lab, Sri Lanka’s first Social Innovation Lab, at the Prime Minister’s Office and operationalize Citra 3.0, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka said. 

Further to the findings of an independent review conducted in 2023, during the next five years of a transitional period towards the public sector innovation lab, it was agreed upon that Citra will continue to be anchored at the PM’s Office as a joint initiative with UNDP Sri Lanka to leverage its global expertise and knowledge base.

Citra Lab, a joint initiative between the Government and UNDP Sri Lanka, will operate closely with four lead ministries – the Ministries of Education, Finance and Planning, Public Administration, and Technology. 

The Lab will focus on three workstreams – namely, systems transformation, public sector innovation and policy coherence – and will operate through four key enablers – digital, data, innovation, and service design.

The decision on Citra Lab was taken during a meeting convened under the patronage of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena yesterday.

The meeting was attended by co-chairs of the Citra Social Innovation Lab Governance Board, Mr. Anura Dissanayake, Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka, together with Shehan Semasinghe, State Minister of Finance, Kanaka Herath, State Minister of Technology, Dr. Dharmasri Kumaratunga, Secretary, Ministry of Technology, Mr. M. L. Gammampila, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Public Administration, and representatives from the Ministries of Education, Finance and Planning, Public Administration, and Technology. 

Staying agile, relevant and fit-for-purpose is essential for the successful operation of any innovation facility, and the Citra Social Innovation Lab, South Asia and Sri Lanka’s first social innovation lab, has already reinvented itself twice in its five years of operation, and is currently undergoing its third iteration, intending to become a transformational public sector innovation lab.

Citra Lab was established in 2018 through a Cabinet memo. In 2022, following a review, through a further Cabinet memo, the Lab was anchored under the Prime Minister’s Office. Citra is a part of UNDP-supported global innovation facilities, working closely with diverse innovation facilities across the world. (Newswire)

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Chinese scientists have conducted a study on Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka in collaboration with a team of local scientists. 

The team of scientists who conducted the study called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Temple Trees on Wednesday (July 10).

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the team of scientists has said the final report of the study will be submitted shortly.

The Chinese government, in addition to assisting the research, extended a grant for a water purification project in Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology-affected districts in Sri Lanka.

PM Gunawardena thanked China for the grant extended for water purification and research on water-borne diseases in Sri Lanka, which was initiated when he was the Minister of Water Supply.

Prof. Min Yang, Head of the Research Center for Eco Environmental Sciences in China said that under the China Sri Lanka Research Grant Project a fully-fledged Research Center for water technology has been set up in Kandy under the name China Sri Lanka Joint Research and Demonstration Center (JRDC) for Water Technology.

JRDC Director Dr S K Weragoda said the Center would collaborate with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) as its insights and guidance would be invaluable in shaping the trajectory of JRDC.

The research on Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology was undertaken as it caused a new public health challenge in selected geographic areas of the country, primarily in north central and eastern dry zones.

Prof S H P P Karunaratne said that the research has verified that kidney diseases were due to the presence of calcium and fluoride in groundwater in the dry zone.

The PM said further research must be undertaken as the presence of excessive metal contents in water could be due to the use of chemical fertilizer in upcountry plantations for centuries as the rivers in the country begin from the hill country.

MP Yadamini Gunawardena, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Anura Dissanayake and Chairman of National Science Foundation Prof Ranjith Senaratne took part in the discussion. The Chinese delegation included Deputy Ambassador of China Zhu Yanwei, Prof Yuansong Wei of the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences and other leading scientists and engineers. (Newswire)

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Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has discussed the need to protect the state-owned Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), urging officials to work towards its development.

The PM said that the SLTB has always played an extremely important role in the economy as it is a huge facility for the daily transportation of people and light goods.

He added that it was necessary to protect this institution in particular as most of the public still travel by bus. 

PM Dinesh Gunawardena made the statement at an induction program held on Sunday (June 09) at the Temple Trees introducing the approved recruitment and promotion procedure for Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) staff.

Also attending the event, Minister of Transport Bandula Gunawardena announced that a fixed system of promotions has been introduced in the history of the SLTB. 

“We all know that when a government changes, the first thing that happens after the election results is that the losers are kicked out and the winners take over the seats. That system will disappear after today,” he added. 

PM Dinesh Gunawardena’s full statement at the event: 

“In 1957, Hon. Philip Gunawardena established the government under the leadership of Hon. Bandaranaike to nationalize private bus companies to establish the CTB and Mr. Philip Gunawardena presented that bill to the Parliament. At that time, there was a big debate in the parliament that we should take it piece by piece. However, Mr. Philip Gunawardena insisted that under the theme they should be taken in a single day. The depot employees throughout Sri Lanka occupied the bus depots throughout the night until the early hours of the morning.

The first bus that Hon. Bandaranaike nationalized is still available. SLTB has always played an extremely important role in the economy as it is a huge facility for the daily transportation of people in distant villages and the transportation of light goods. We have given priority to transporting school children. That day Minister Bandula and I went to court when they were trying to cancel the scholarship season ticket. The Supreme Court decided to protect this as it is something that belongs to the people. Therefore, the season ticket was protected for lakhs of our children.

We believe that now there will be a great life that will transform the development of SLTB. Now we have ended some areas where we had various frustrations and our hearts, our strengths and our unity have been formed and we can give the best that we can give to the people, especially to the children of the country. I was also the Minister in charge of SLTB a long time ago. At that time too, there were many such demands and battles. We were able to discuss and resolve them one by one with each trade union. In particular, I think that the reward is a unique situation enjoyed by the people of the SLTB.

Therefore, we need to protect this institution in particular. Most of the public travel by bus. The backbone is the road that the common people of our country travel daily. No matter how much we talk about development and progress, most of the people still travel by buses. This is the reality. If this backbone is protected, the buses in the distant villages will continue to run. Therefore, this should be protected.”

Minister of Transport Bandula Gunawardena’s full statement:

“Today is a turning point in the 67-year history of our country’s Sri Lanka Transport Board. It is a historic day when the Sri Lanka Transport Board has been appointed to a fixed system of promotions in a certain way in the history of the Ceylon Transport Board.

We all know that when a government changes, the first thing that happens after the election results is that the losers are kicked out and the winners take over the seats. That system will disappear after today.

Langama, SLTB was born as a child in 1956 and existed in the world at that time. There were two ways in the world to solve the basic problems of a social system. One is the market system among the people of countries like the United States of America, France and Germany, and the other is solving the problems of the people under the decentralized planning system.

The prime minister’s father, Mr. Philip Gunawardena, was the pioneer in establishing CTB through the South Weston bus strike. Mr. Philip Gunawardena is the only political leader who was jailed for the work he did for public transport service.”

State Ministers Dilum Amunugama, Sisira Jayakodi, Members of Parliament Gamini Lokage, Yadamini Gunawardena, SLTB officials including President Lalith De Alwis, Secretary of Sri Lanka Public Transport Employees’ Society Nuraj Singh and many appointees participated in this event. (Newswire)

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The National oil anointing ceremony of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year Festival was held today (Apr 15) under the patronage of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

According to the PM’s Office, the event, organized by the Ministry of Indigenous Medicine, was held at the Wattala Hendala Purana Rajamaha Vihara at the auspicious time of 10.17 am.

PM Dinesh Gunawardena was anointed by Ven Higgoda Chandima Nayaka Thera, the Chief Incumbent of the Wattala Hendala Rajamaha Viharaya.

Meanwhile, the Maha Sangha anointed the people who attended the state ceremony.

PM Dinesh Gunawardena presented a high-nutrition, high-medicinal value Moringa plant to the Handala Purana Rajamaha Vihara Dayaka Sabha for planting on the auspicious time for tree planting that falls on April 18.

The PM also offered his best wishes to the people for their good health, as expected from the oil anointing ceremony.

The Ministry of Indigenous Medicine also took steps to provide the Sinhala New Year Almanac and Nanu required for the oil anointing ceremony to Indigenous Medical Practitioners and all the temples. (Newswire)

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