The list of Vaccination Centers open/operating today is attached herewith.
Please recheck with PHI in the area before going to the centers as there could be slight changes (additions / Reductions).
Here’s the list of 70 Vaccination Centers open Today (17) covering 10 Districts
President visited Kuragala yesterday
President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa paid a surprise visit to the historic Kuragala Sacred Area yesterday (16th) afternoon.
This time Sri Lanka’s main Vesak festival is to be held at the Kuragala sacred area.
According to the Presidential Media Unit, President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has instructed to expedite the ongoing construction work during the visit.
Kuragala Shrine is located in the Kaltota Valley, 30 km from Balangoda in the Sabaragamuwa Province, and consists of 13 stone caves where the great Arahats are said to have lived.
The President inspected the construction work of the Stupa, Buddha Statue, and Dharma Hall currently under construction at the Kuragala Sacred Area and called on the founder of the Nelligala International Buddhist Center, Ven. Wathurakumbure Dhammaratana Thero received blessings.
Minister Pavithra Devi Wanniarachchi, Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Member of Parliament Akila Ellawala, Chief of Defense Staff and Commander of the Army General Shavendra Silva were also present at the occasion.
Trade Unions to protest in front of the Ministry of Finance
The trade unions say that a protest will be held in front of the Ministry of Finance tomorrow (18) against the new special goods and services tax introduced by the government including a number of taxes.
Other trade unions including the Sri Lanka Customs Department, the Inland Revenue Department and the Excise Department are to join the protest.
The Ministry of Finance has decided to administer a number of taxes including liquor, cigarettes, vehicles, telecommunication services, betting and gambling taxes, casino taxes as a special goods and services tax and to administer them under a special unit under the supervision of a Deputy Secretary to the Treasury.
Until now, the tax revenue was collected and credited to the Government Consolidated Fund by the Inland Revenue Department, the Customs Department, and the Excise Department separately.
However, they allege that the tax revenue collected by the government will be credited to a personal account due to the new tax bill introduced by the Ministry of Finance.
Currently, the Inland Revenue Department and the Customs Department trade unions have shown their disagreement to the new tax policy.
Gamini Senarath is scheduled to assume duties as Presidential Secretary on 19th
Secretary to the President P. B. Jayasundara resigned from his post last Thursday and Gamini Senarath is scheduled to take over the post from the day after tomorrow (19).
Mr. Gamini Senarath is a Special Grade Officer in the Sri Lanka Administrative Service. Prior to his appointment, he was the Secretary to the PM Mahinda Rajapaksa and worked as the Chief of Staff to Mahinda Rajapaksha during his time as the president.
Anura Dissanayake, who is currently the Secretary to the Prime Minister, is also a Special Grade Officer in the Sri Lanka Administrative Service. He is scheduled to assume duties as the Secretary to the Prime Minister on the 20th.
Mr. Anura Dissanayake, who has headed a number of Ministries, is well known as an experienced officer in the Administrative Service. He has been the Secretary to a number of Ministries including the Ministries of Education, Mahaweli, and Environment.
Kurunegala Expressway will be opened for buses from the next 20th
The National Transport Commission (NTC) says that public transport services on the Central Expressway from Mirigama to Kurunegala which was opened yesterday (15) will be reopened from the 20th of this month.
Accordingly, steps have been taken to initially allow Kandy-Colombo and Colombo-Kurunegala buses.
Meanwhile, with the opening of the section of the Central Expressway from Mirigama to Kurunegala yesterday (15), a gazette notification was issued stating the fares charged for traveling.
However, the Road Development Authority states that no toll has been charged on the vehicles entering the expressway till 12 noon today (16).
Sri Lanka won the match and lead the series 1-0 against Zimbabwe
Sri Lanka won the first match of the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe by 5 wickets and lead the series 1-0 today (16).
Batting first, Zimbabwe scored 296 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 50 overs at the Pallekele International Stadium.
Sean Williams’ 87-ball century helped Zimbabwe to score a challenging scoreboard for Sri Lanka.
Chasing a target of 297, Sri Lanka won the match with nine balls to spare. Zimbabwe was only managed to take 5 wickets against Sri Lanka.
Dinesh Chandimal won the man of the match award for the 75 scored off 91 balls. Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka scored 75 and 71 runs respectively.
The next match of the tournament will be played day and night the day after tomorrow (18) at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
Ratnapura District “Yathivara Suraksha” Scholarships presentation held under President’s patronage
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa presented the “Yathivara Suraksha” Scholarships to student monks in the Ratnapura District at the Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devala premises, today (16).
According to the National Policy Framework “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour”, the Buddhist Affairs Division of the Presidential Secretariat implements the program with the aim of giving foremost priority to Buddhism while protecting and nurturing it. Under this program, priority will be given for the medical insurance policies to monks and Sil Māthās, and assist in the certificate course of Practical Buddhist Studies of Bhikku students, development of attitudes, skill development and international language courses.
The Faculty of Languages of the University of Sabaragamuwa offers English, Tamil, Chinese, Hindu, Japanese and German language courses for monks.
Under the supervision of Vice Chancellor of the Sabaragamuwa University Prof. Udaya Rathnayaka, the program was initiated to award scholarships to student monks in the Ratnapura District. Marking this program, the President presented scholarships to eleven student monks who have qualified for the International Diploma in Languages course.
President Rajapaksa visited the Maha Saman Devala in Ratnapura and received blessings. A large crowd gathered at the temple greeted the President and the President spoke to them and inquired into their well-being.
Ministers Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Pavithra Wanniarachchi, MP W.D.J Seneviratne, Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, State Minister Janaka Wakkumbura, MPs Gamini Waleboda, Muditha de Zoysa, Akila Ellawala, Basnayake Nilame of the Devala Migara Jayasundara, public representatives and government officials were also present.
India hands over 1000 houses on Pongal
High Commissioner Gopal Baglay, Hon’ble Namal Rajapaksa, Minister of Youth and Sports, Minister of Development Co-ordination and Monitoring and State Minister of Digital Technology and Enterprise Development and Hon’ble Jeevan Thondaman, Minister of State for Estate Housing and Community Infrastructure jointly handed over house keys to more than 1000 beneficiaries from plantation areas of Sri Lanka at a public event in Kotagala on 15 January 2022. Hon’ble Members of Parliament Mr. S.B Dissanayake and Mr. M. Rameshwaran and other dignitaries took part in the event.
2.Speaking on the occasion, High Commissioner conveyed Pongal Greetings in Tamil. He stressed that India will stand with Sri Lanka and continue to work for the development of Indian origin Tamil community. He noted that the community was an organic link between India and Sri Lanka and underlined that the Festival of Pongal represented shared civilizational ties between the two countries.
3.Handed over houses were built under the third phase of the Indian Housing Project. 4000 houses are being constructed with grant assistance from Government of India in planation areas, spread across seven districts of Sri Lanka, under this phase for the estate workers in Sri Lanka. Around 3000 houses have already been handed over to beneficiaries till date and handing over of close to 750 houses is being scheduled under this phase. The remaining houses are at various stages of implementation.
4.Indian Housing Project is a flagship development assistance program in Sri Lanka that is being carried out in different phases. 46,000 houses were built/repaired in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka in the first two phases. Another 10,000 houses shall be constructed in the plantation areas in the next phase. This would take the Government of India’s overall commitment under the project to 60,000 houses.
5.The dignitaries took part in a traditional ‘Maatu Pongal’ ceremony prior to the handing over event, which was attended by thousands and featured cultural performances.
6.Celebration of Pongal in Sri Lanka attests to the abiding cultural linkages between the people of India and Sri Lanka as well as the shared heritage.
Here’s the list of 80 Vaccination Centers open Today (16) covering 12 Districts
The list of Vaccination Centers open/operating today is attached herewith.
Please recheck with PHI in the area before going to the centers as there could be slight changes (additions / Reductions).
“All the work we promised to be done in 5 years will be done within next 3 years” – President
President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has said that all the work promised to be done in five years will be done in the next three years.
The President made this observation at Yaggapitiya when the Mirigama-Kurunegala section of the second phase of the Central Expressway was opened to the public at Athugalpura Entrance.
The total length of the expressway, which was inaugurated by the President and the Prime Minister, is 40.9 km.
I urge our Cabinet, Members of Parliament and Members of the Pradeshiya Sabha not to be discouraged by false propaganda and to carry out the work promised to the people within these three years.
I also request government officials to come and work for the people. The allegations came as the country was preparing to end the 30 year long war. In the midst of those allegations, the 30 year war ended in three years.
If so, I would like to say it is not unbelievable that we are doing the work we promised in the next three years. Join me. Trust me. Have the same faith in Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa that you had then. We can do this. We will not hesitate.
I tell those media that there is no fight with us here. There is no competition between anyone. We are all here to build the country. Our hope is to build the country. I urge journalists to be a part of this development. Do not discourage people by making certain criticisms.
The role of the opposition is to criticize. 6.9 million people voted for me while another 5.2 million people voted against me. Don’t forget that too. The role of these people is to criticize me. Do not be fooled by these people. The President said.
Central Expressway is free of charge for tomorrow
It has been decided not to charge for vehicles on the Central Expressway from Mirigama to Kurunegala for a limited time which was opened to the public today.
Accordingly, it is possible to travel in the Central Expressway free of charge from midnight today to 12 noon tomorrow (16).
Indian EAM holds talks with Basil, more support ensured
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held a virtual meeting with Finance Minister of Sri Lanka H.E. Basil Rajapaksa on January 15, 2022. This interaction follows Mr. Rajapaksa’s visit to India last month.
2.EAM conveyed greetings to the Sri Lankan Finance Minister and the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on his own behalf and on behalf of the Government and the people of India for the year 2022 and on the occasion of the festival of Pongal celebrated both in India and Sri Lanka.
3.Dr. Jaishankar conveyed that India has always stood with Sri Lanka, and will continue to support Sri Lanka in all possible ways for overcoming the economic and other challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic. As close friends and maritime neighbours, both India and Sri Lanka stand to gain from closer economic interlinkages.
4.Both Ministers positively noted that extension of US$ 400 million to Sri Lanka under the SAARC currency swap arrangement and deferral of A.C.U. settlement of USD 515.2 million by two months, which would assist Sri Lanka.
5.The two Ministers reviewed the progress in extending Indian credit facility of USD 1 billion for importing food, essential items and medicine and USD 500 mn for importing fuel from India.
6.Mr. Rajapaksa recalled India’s longstanding cooperation with Sri Lanka and deeply appreciated the gestures of support. He welcomed Indian investments in Sri Lanka in a number of important spheres including ports, infrastructure, energy, renewable energy, power and manufacturing and assured that conducive environment will be provided to encourage such investments. In this context, both Ministers noted that the recent steps taken by the Government of Sri Lanka for jointly modernizing Trincomalee Oil Tank Farms will boost confidence of investors, apart from enhancing Sri Lanka’s energy security.
7.EAM brought up the issue of Indian fishermen detained in Sri Lanka. He urged the Government of Sri Lanka to ensure early release of the detained fishermen on humanitarian considerations.
8.The two Ministers agreed to remain in close touch for guiding mutually beneficial bilateral economic cooperation towards long-term economic partnership for shared progress and prosperity.
Rapid increase in omicron spread – 160 more omicron cases found
Another 160 cases of Omicron Covid have been identified in Sri Lanka.
Dr. Chandima Jeewandara, Director, Institute of Allergy, Immunology and Cell Biology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, said that these were identified only by laboratory tests.
“Change of govt. is inevitable” – Sajith
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says that a change of government will inevitably take place in the country in the future.
He points out that the next government will love the people of the country more than life itself.
Addressing a public meeting in Kankesanthurai, the Leader of the Opposition said that all the queues in the world are now in our country.
“I would like to say, inevitably change is taking place. When that change takes place, the government of this country will be the Samagi Jana Balawega Government that recognizes the aspirations of the people, loves the people of this country more than life itself, and renders a great service to the people of this country.” “said the Leader of the Opposition.
He said that all the actions taken by the government so far were anti-people and that the government had wreaked havoc by creating ethnic divisions.
The Leader of the Opposition said that the lives of the people in this country are being ruined from time to time.
2022 IPL in Sri Lanka?
It is reported that attention is being paid to hold the 2022 Indian Premier League Cricket Tournament in Sri Lanka.
That is with the rise of the Covid epidemic in India.
According to Indian sports media, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is also considering South Africa to host the tournament.
The 2021 Indian Premier League was held in India.
But in the meanwhile, everything had to be stopped and withdrawn to the United Arab Emirates due to the rapid increase in the spread of Covid in India during that period.
However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been pressured to reconsider the Indian Premier League (IPL) schedule this year as well due to Covid’s situation.
The player auction for this year’s tournament is scheduled to take place in the second week of February.
The main sponsor of the IPL tournament so far has pulled themselves out.
As the replacement, the organizers have teamed up with a world renowned motor company.
900 million USD loan from India to Sri Lanka
Amidst the shortage of all essential commodities in the island, India has announced a $ 900 million loan to Sri Lanka to replenish depleted foreign reserves and import food.
Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said talks are underway to obtain a $ 1 billion loan from India to import goods.
Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Bagle met with Cabraal on Thursday and expressed India’s strong support to Sri Lanka by providing more than US $ 900 million.
This includes a $ 500 million Asian Clearing Union (ACU) deferral of debt and a $ 400 million transfer.
Commenting on India’s move, analysts here said that Indian aid could help double Sri Lanka’s reserves, which were announced at the end of December.
Sri Lanka is currently facing a shortage of almost all essential commodities due to the shortage of dollars to pay for imports.
In addition, steps have been taken to turn off the power during peak hours as it is not even possible to get the fuel needed to operate the turbines.
No power cuts today
The Ceylon Electricity Board says that there will be no power cuts today (15).
As the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has supplied 3000 metric tons of fuel to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation the board says there will be no power cuts today.
Here’s the list of 114 Vaccination Centers open Today (15) covering 14 Districts
The list of Vaccination Centers open/operating today is attached herewith.
Please recheck with PHI in the area before going to the centers as there could be slight changes (additions / Reductions).
Chairman of Ceylon Fertilizer Company resigns
It is reported that the Chairman of the Ceylon Fertilizer Company Janath Vidanage has decided to resign from the post.
It is said that he has already handed over his resignation letter to the Minister of Agriculture Mahindananda Aluthgamage.
According to the reports, he has decided to resign from his post due to health and other reasons.
Investigation launched against Rosy Senanayaka for misusing public funds
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has launched an investigation into alleged misappropriation of public funds and financial corruption done by Colombo Mayor Rosy Senanayake.
This is according to a complaint received by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.
The complaint was lodged by former Municipal Councilor Mahinda Kahandagama.
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has informed Mr. Kahandagama in writing on the 5th that an investigation is being carried out into this matter.
He had lodged a complaint with the Commission against the Mayor of Colombo on October 23.
From time to time, the media had reported that the Mayor of Colombo was misusing public funds.
Sri Lanka to receive US $ 2.15 million in the next two weeks
The first installment of the second compensation sought by the Sri Lankan government for the fire on the Express Pearl ship that caught fire off the coast of Sri Lanka will be received within the next two weeks, said the Chairperson of the Marine Environment Protection Authority, Attorney-at-Law Dharshani Lahandapura.
According to her, the compensation will be US $ 2.15 million.
Attorney-at-Law Darshani Lahandapura further stated that the recovery of container fragments and other materials that fell into the sea due to the fire has been completed by 70%.
Kelanitissa resumes – Power cuts may be limited or stopped
The Ceylon Electricity Board states that the generating processes of the Kelanitissa Power Plant were resumed this afternoon.
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) says that the Kelanitissa power plant, which was out of order due to a shortage of fuel, was reactivated this afternoon as it received fuel.
Accordingly, the CEB states that the power cut may be limited or stopped.
However, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) says that they will have to cut off the power supply in the coming days if they don’t receive a sufficient supply of fuel for the days ahead.
Station masters called off their strike
The Railway Station Masters’ Association has decided to suspend the strike with immediate effect.
The station masters had suddenly gone on strike today without prior notice.
The announcement that the strike has been called off comes after the ministers in charge of the subject decided to hand over the security of the railway stations to the police.
Sathosa relief bag is now available
The Sathosa Relief Bag is planned to be sold through the Sathosa branch network throughout Sri Lanka from today (14) with a huge reduction in prices.
It includes 20 types of goods.
Sathosa plans to sell 100,000 such relief bags.
The Minister of Trade Bandula Gunawardena stated that the consumer will get an advantage of Rs. 1,750 for the relief bag which is priced at Rs. 3,998.
The list of items belonging to the relief bag is as follows.
10 kg of Super Samba
1 kg of white sugar
1 kg of red dhal
1 kg of string hopper flour mix
500 grams of sprats
400 grams of noodles
400 grams of table salt
Coconut Milk of 2 coconuts
90 grams of soy meat
A packet of papadum
100 grams of chili powder
100 g of pepper powder
100 g of Thunapaha powder
100 grams of turmeric
100 grams of tea leaves
A bar of fragrant soap
Sathosa soap bar
Hand washing liquid
A bar of Sathosa laundry soap
10 face masks
Security of railway stations is handed over to the Police
Dilum Amunugama, State Minister of Transport Services says that the security of all railway stations will be handed over to the officers in charge of the police stations in those areas.
Station masters are currently on strike.
Hours after the strike ended yesterday, they decided to call another strike today.
GCE AL will commence on Feb. 07
According to the Department of Examinations, the GCE Advanced Level Examination 2021 will commence on February 7.
The GCE Advanced Level examination will be held from February 7 to March 5.
There are 279,141 school candidates and 66,101 private candidates and a total of 345,242 candidates are appearing for the GCE Advanced Level examination this year.
The A / L examination will be held at 2,438 centers.
Scholarship examination on 22nd of Jan.
According to the Examinations Department, Grade Five Scholarship Examination will be held on the 22nd of this month.
A total of 340,560 candidates including 255,062 Sinhala medium students and 85,445 Tamil medium students will appear for the scholarship examination this year, mentions the Department of Examinations.
This year’s scholarship examination will be held at 2,943 centers.
CPC decided to supply fuel for CEB to stop the power outages
The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has decided to issue 1,500 metric tons of diesel per day to the Ceylon Electricity Board.
That is until next Tuesday (18).
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) had earlier stated that power cuts would be imposed if fuel is not supplied to the power plants.
Shortages of fuel and diesel in power plants disrupted the Norochcholai thermal power plant, as well as falling water levels associated with hydropower plants, also disrupted the power supply.
Due to this, the CEB had recently issued a timetable for power cuts.
However, at the request of the Electricity Board, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has decided to provide 1,500 metric tons of diesel per day as a matter of urgency.
The most beautiful expressway in SL will be opened tomorrow
The second phase of the Central Expressway from Mirigama to Kurunegala (Athugalpura entrance) will be opened to the public tomorrow (15).
Ceremony is headed by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.
The four-lane road from Mirigama to Kurunegala has been identified as the most beautiful expressway in Sri Lanka, Chief Government Whip Johnston Fernando said.
The length of the second phase of the Central Expressway from Mirigama to Kurunegala is 40.91 km. Built minimizing environmental and social impact, this expressway bypasses urban areas and passes through mainly vacant lands.
This section of road was constructed by local contractors with local funds.
Five Exchange Centers with Payment Counters have been set up at Mirigama, Nakalagamuwa, Dambokka, Kurunegala, and Yaggapitiya.
Rs. 149 billion has been spent on this project.
A baby died from an accident caused by its mother
The 8-month-old baby has died in a three-wheeler accident in the Badulla area yesterday morning. Baby’s mother was driving it.
Police say the baby was in the hands of a 17-year-old boy in the back seat at the time of the accident.
The three-wheeler had overturned after losing control from the driver on the Badulla Passara road in the Badulla Police Division between the 129-130 km post.
The baby in the three-wheeler has died on admission to the Badulla Hospital with serious injuries. The deceased has been identified as an 08-month-old baby from the Pelgahatenna area.
The three-wheeler involved in the accident was traveling from Passara to Badulla.
The body is being kept at the Badulla Hospital morgue.
Badulla Police are conducting further investigations.