News
NZ provides much-required funding for FAO project
Severe malnutrition among children:
New Zealand has funded a comprehensive project implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to address malnutrition among children under five in selected MOH divisions in Moneragala and Nuwara Eliya.
The following is the text of the FAO statement issued yesterday in this regard: “The initiative targets moderate to severe malnutrition among children from 2,250 families and focuses on increasing access to nutritious produce and providing capacity-building opportunities for caregivers on preparing affordable and nourishing meals using locally grown ingredients.
A key component of the programme is the provision of a versatile nutritional supplement—a flour mix made from locally available grains and legumes—to immediately address the malnourished state of the children. Furthermore, caregivers are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to prepare the nutritious flour mix within their communities, ensuring continued support beyond the project implementation period.
To promote long-term sustainability, caregivers also received plants and seeds to establish nutritious home gardens. Additionally, they are trained in preparing wholesome ‘one-dish’ meals using locally sourced fruits and vegetables, reducing household food costs while improving access to nutrient-rich meals.”
The statement quoted New Zealand High Commissioner Michael Appleton as having stated, “We are proud to support FAO on this crucial programme to combat child malnutrition in Sri Lanka.
“We firmly believe that every child deserves access to nutritious food and the opportunity to thrive. By addressing malnutrition, we are investing in a brighter and healthier future for Sri Lanka. Together, with FAO and other partners, we will continue working towards ensuring the well-being and development of the next generation.”
“The impacts of malnutrition are far-reaching and devastating. Thanks to the invaluable funding from the government of New Zealand, we are able to prioritize our efforts and make significant strides toward combating malnutrition. This programme paves the way for ensuring that vulnerable children in Sri Lanka have access to nutritious food and the opportunity to reach their full potential,” FAO Representative to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Vimlendra Sharan emphasized.
The partnership between FAO Sri Lanka and the government of New Zealand comes at a critical time. A study conducted in 2022 by the Family Health Bureau of Sri Lanka revealed that 42.9% of children under 5 years old in the country are experiencing various forms of malnutrition, including growth faltering, underweight, wasting, and stunting.”
News
Cabinet nod to increase the number of new automated passenger clearance gates at the Bandaranayake International Airport to 12
Approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted at their meeting held on 19.05.2025 to purchase four (04) automated passenger clearance gates for Bandaranayake International Airport.
In addition, it is expected to extend the automated passenger clearance gates facility so far given only to the Sri Lankans
parallel to the e – passport issuance system to be introduced in the year 2027 also to the foreigners who travel to and from this country.
Furthermore, considering also the number of air passengers rapidly increasing with the fast – forwarding business and tourism field, the appropriateness to increase the total automated passenger clearance gates up to twelve (12) in number has been recognized.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers, approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs to initiate the procurement and installation of 12
automated passenger clearance gates altogether with the already approved four (04) and another eight (08) automated passenger clearance gates adhering to the formal procurement procedure
Based on the observations submitted by the Task Force on Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing for Terrorism, approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted at their meeting held on 18.12.2024 to amend the Trust Ordinance No. 9 of 1917 including amendments proposed by the Financial
Intelligence Unit of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
Accordingly, clearance of the Attorney General has been granted for the Trust (Amendment) Draft Bill formulated by the Legal Draftsman.
Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Justice and National Integration
to publish the said draft bill in the government gazette notification and thereby, submit the same to the Parliament for its concurrence.
Action was taken to provide a fuel relief for the fuel consumers during the months of April, May and June of 2026 to redress by minimizing the impact caused to the day today life of the citizens of this country as well as the entire economy due to the price hike of petroleum fuel in the global market resulting from the war situation in the Middle East.
Government mediation is essential for minimizing the impact on the day to today life of citizens in this country due to that war situation not being ended further. Therefore, it has been planned to redress on the sale price for Auto Diesel and Industrial Diesel for a period of 03 months by the Government to provide relief to the public as well as to maintain the prices at a bearable level to the consumers without escalating the fuel prices in this country compared to the escalation of fuel prices
in the international market.
Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval for the resolution furnished by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to
allocate provisions subject to the monthly limitations respectively as rupees 15 billion for the month of October, rupees 13.5 billion for the month of November and rupees 12.15 billion for the month of December to provide the said relief
Cabinet nod to increase the number of new automated passenger clearance gates at the Bandaranayake International Airport to 12
Draft Bill for amending the Trust Ordinance
Implementing further relief programme to Public sffected by the Middle East conflict situation
Establishment of a Spectrum Management and Monitoring System and a Quality of Service and Quality of Experience System for the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka
Appointment of a Committee for the Restitution of Sri Lankan Cultural Heritage Held Abroad
Ten-Year National Action Plan on the Social Protection Sector (2026–2035)
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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