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37 advisors for President, PM and seven cabinet ministers

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The government has appointed 37 advisors to assist the President, the Prime Minister, and seven Cabinet ministers.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed 10 advisors for the Ministry of Digital Economy and 14 for the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education. Advisors for the President and Prime Minister serve voluntarily and do not receive government salaries or allowances, with all of the Prime Minister’s advisors being specialists in the field of education.

Other appointments include three advisors for Minister of Industries Sunil Handunnetti, three for Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake, and two for Science and Technology Minister Prof. Krishantha Abeysena. Single advisors have been appointed for Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala, Agriculture Minister K. D. Lalkantha, Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendige, Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Vasantha Samarasinha, and Provincial Councils Minister Prof. Chandana Abeyratne.

While most advisors work without pay, three—serving Ministers Samarasinha, Patabendige, and Aberathna—receive salaries, allowances, and vehicles. The advisor to Minister Samarasinha earns Rs. 227,695 a month and is entitled to a fuel allowance of Rs 46,695.

Minister Patabendige’s advisor receives Rs 213,635 monthly, a vehicle, and Rs 47,685 for diesel. Minister Abeyratne’s advisor, former Ministry Secretary Ashoka Peiris, earns Rs 117,150, a living allowance of Rs 17,800, and Rs 46,695 for fuel.

The details were submitted to Parliament in writing in response to a question from Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara.

by Akitha Perera ✍️



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Landslide Early Warnings issued to the districts of Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura

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The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued early warnings to the Districts of Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura from 1600hrs on 13th June 2026 till 1600hrs on 14th June 2026.

Accordingly,

LEVEL I (YELLOW) landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surounding areas of Palindanuwara and Agalawatta in the Kalutara district,  Ambagamuwa in the Nuwara Eliya and Ayagama, Pelmadulla,
Godakawela, Elapatha, Kalawana, Ratnapura and Nivithigala in the Ratnapura district.

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INS Sharda departs Colombo concluding replenishment visit

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The Indian Naval Ship (INS) ‘Sharda’ departed the island today (13 Jun 26), concluding her replenishment purposes.

On departure  the vessel was accorded a traditional naval farewell by the Sri Lanka Navy at the Port of Colombo.

The visit also paved the way for vibrant personnel interactions, fostering camaraderie and goodwill. The crew of INS Sharda and personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy participated in a
friendly volleyball match and a joint yoga session. A

dditionally, Sri Lanka Navy personnel had the opportunity to visit the Indian naval vessel, while the visiting crew took time to explore several culturally significant landmarks across the island.

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Special Dengue Prevention Week declared in Colombo District from June 15 to 21

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A decision has been taken to declare a Special Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 of June by the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee to curb the spread of the disease in the Colombo District.

This decision was taken at the meeting of the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee held on Friday  (12) at the Colombo District Secretariat under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Compared to last year, the number of dengue cases reported this year has increased significantly. According to the National Dengue Control Unit, approximately 39,100 dengue cases have been reported island wide to date, of which 25.8% have been recorded in the Colombo District. Following this situation, the Colombo District has been identified as a high-risk district.

Health authorities informed that the increasing spread of the disease has been influenced not only by the nature of circulating virus but also to the lack of sufficient immunity among the population. They further noted that the recent period of heavy rainfall has aggravated the spread of Dengue.

It was also identified that the current outbreak is being reported more frequently from public places such as government institutions, private establishments, schools, and religious venues rather than from residential premises. Observations have identified improperly managed solid waste and drainage systems in offices and other public locations as major breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Accordingly, during the Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 June, a series of measures will be implemented, including, organising community clean-up campaigns in government and private institutions, schools, residential areas, and other public spaces; Conducting inspections of high-risk premises by Divisional Secretariats and taking legal action, where necessary, followed by awareness programmes; Distributing informational leaflets, displaying banners, and carrying out public awareness campaigns through the media. Health authorities also requested school administrations not to involve students below Grade 10 in school cleaning programmes and to immediately notify the relevant Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office if a student is diagnosed with dengue.

The programme is expected to receive the active support and participation of the district’s political leadership, religious leaders of all faiths, public officials, local government institutions, the tri-forces, the police, and the general public.

The event was attended by the Chairperson of the District Coordination Committee, Members of Parliament, representatives of local government authorities, government secretaries, police officers, and officials representing the education and health sectors, among others.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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