News
100th birth anniversary of Gilbert Paranagama
Boss, mentor and friend
The year was 1969. My employer, Whittall Boustead Ltd., managing agents for several estates had given me, a mere “podian,” my first charge as “Periya Dorai” on Cobo Estate, Badulla. I made discreet inquiries and found that I had to report to the Director, Mr. Gilbert Paranagama, whom I had never met.
Within a few weeks I was informed that the Director will be visiting Cobo! Just a few days prior notice, trepidation and nervousness gripped me. My first “encounter” with my Director, what should I do? I could hardly think properly.
But my disordered nerves were put to rest the moment I opened the car door for Mr. Paranagama. His smile, his gentle manner as his outstretched hand clasped mine saying “good morning, young man” were magical words to me, so gently said.
From that moment on was born our wonderful relationship of admiration and respect. Mr. Paranagama was not only my Director, he was also my mentor and friend. I learnt so much from him on how to manage life with all its challenges.
Honesty, reliability, responsibility, punctuality, kindness tempered with firmness, understanding concern for others and so much more. In short, Mr. Paranagama put me through the university of life.
Thank you, Sir, for the inspiring contribution you have made not only on my life, but, I am sure, on so many others too through your exemplary life. We can never thank you enough.
Sene Seneviratne
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to instruct the Legal Draftsman to prepare a draft bill to amend the State Mortgage and Investment Bank Law No. 13 of 1975
By Cabinet decision dated 2025-12-01, policy approval was granted to amend the definition of the term “animal” in the Animals Act No. 29 of 1958 by including, pigs, goats, and sheep, in addition to cattle and buffaloes, within the interpretation section of the act.
In accordance with the said approval, the Legal Draftsman has drafted an Amended Bill in all three languages, and the clearance of the Attorney General has also been obtained.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the
resolution furnished by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation to publish the draft Amendment Bill in the Government Gazette and thereafter to submit the same to the Parliament for its concurrence.
News
Cabinet approves establishment of a ‘Trust’ to carry out the management of the Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre
The Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre, comprising 11 floors, has been constructed with the assistance of the Government of India with the objective of serving as a hub for cultural activities in Sri Lanka and expanding bilateral cooperation for the promotion, preservation, and fostering the cultural heritage of Jaffna.
In accordance with the approval granted at the Cabinet meeting held on 2022-02-21, a Joint Management Committee has been appointed to make decisions relating to the affairs of the said cultural centre, in terms of the Memorandum of Understanding signed for the operation of the Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre.
According to the provisions of the aforementioned MOU, upon completion of the construction of the project, the cultural centre should be transferred to the Jaffna Municipal Council through the Government of Sri Lanka.
Following such transfer, the relevant parties have reached an agreement to establish a ‘trust’ for carrying out the management activities of the centre. The Attorney General’s clearance has been received for the draft trust deed prepared for that purpose.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs to establish the trust to continue the management activities of the Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre
State Mortgage and Investment Bank Law No. 13 of 1975 to be amended
Animals Act No. 29 of 1958 amended
Cabinet approves establishment of a ‘Trust’ to carry out the management of the Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre
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