News

SJB calls on govt. to increase relief to people

Published

6 years ago

2020/12/1

By Saman Indrajith

The Samagi Jana Balavegaya yesterday called on the government to increase funds used for COVID-19 relief and promised that it would not raise other issues to put the government in difficulty as it was fighting against the worst pandemic the human civilization had ever faced.

SJB Kalutara District MP Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said that the government so far had spent only 16 percent of the COVID-19 fund and requested that at least Rs 20,000 each be given to people who had lost their livelihoods.

“We promise you not to raise other issues even if the government finds it difficult to manage if it pay the people more. Many other countries have done so with the assistance of their Oppositions. We have so far spent only .003 percent of the national income by way of COVID-19 relief. Many governments have paid six months salaries to their people. The US has spent 15 percent, Japan 20 percent. Even our neighbour India spent 10 percent of their national income. But under the present circumstances our government even charges for the coffin of the people who die from the pandemic.”.

The former Health Minister said: “The budget allocation for the Health Ministry has been curtailed. The proposals contain only an insurance scheme. The minister may find it difficult to work under such circumstances. The pandemic situation is worsening. At the first wave our position was 150 among 220 countries affected by the pandemic. Today, in the second wave our position has come to the worst place as now we are at 98. This is a global pandemic and 62 million people in 22 countries are infected. Of them, 42 million have recovered and unfortunately one and half million persons have died. In our country, 400 to 600 infections are detected daily. We do not know the situation with regard to those who are not tested”.

He called on the Minister of Health to impose price controls on face masks and sanitisers. “Hand sanitiser prices have been jacked up. When the dengue disease was spreading fast, I brought down the price of blood tests in private hospitals from Rs 750 to 150. You can bring in price controls. Do not let the businessmen exploit people in this manner.”

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News

INS Sharda arrives in Colombo

Published

8 hours ago

2026/06/10

Priyan

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sharda arrived at the port of Colombo on 10 Jun 26 for an Operational Turnaround.

In keeping with time-honoured naval customs, the Sri Lanka Navy extended a traditional welcome to the visiting ship upon her arrival.

The Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) is under the command of Commander Kartik Sachdeva.

During the ship’s stay in the island, its crew is scheduled to take part in several programmes organised by the Sri Lanka Navy, aiming to foster camaraderie and professional interaction.

Additionally, the Indian naval personnel will explore several prominent tourist attractions of Sri Lanka.

News

The government is implementing a comprehensive programme to restore the livelihoods of fishermen and businesses affected by Cyclone Ditwah – PM

Published

11 hours ago

2026/06/10

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government has implemented a comprehensive programme to assist the fishing community and micro, small, medium, and large-scale entrepreneurs affected by Cyclone Ditwah in rebuilding their livelihoods.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while responding to questions in Parliament on Tuesday (09) regarding the relief measures introduced for those affected by the disaster.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

“The Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources has initiated a special assistance programme for both marine and inland fishermen affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Under this programme, new fishing vessels will be provided to replace those that were completely destroyed, while partially damaged vessels will be repaired. The distribution of fishing nets to eligible fishermen has also commenced.

To support the recovery of businesses damaged by the cyclone, the Government has introduced a concessional loan scheme carrying an annual interest rate of 3 per cent. The programme, with a total allocation of Rs. 10,000 million, is being implemented through 15 banks. As at 28 April 2026, loans amounting to Rs. 3,812 million had been disbursed to 2,800 entrepreneurs. The scheme offers a repayment period of up to three years, including a six-month grace period, with the objective of enabling businesses to resume operations without delay. Applicants are required to obtain recommendations from the Grama Niladhari and the Divisional Secretary certifying that the business was operational before the cyclone and that it was affected by the disaster.

The Prime Minister further stated that, on the instructions of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, licensed banks have granted a moratorium on loan repayments and waived penalty interest until 31 January 2026. The Prime Minister also emphasized that compensation payments to affected entrepreneurs are continuing in accordance with the relevant ministerial circulars and disaster relief guidelines.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

News

Formulation of a Draft Economic Development Bill to expedite the process of Digital Transformation and Digital Economic Development

Published

21 hours ago

2026/06/10

Priyan

It is essential to establish an institutional framework with legal powers to ensure the effective implementation of national digital policy and guidelines.

Quality human capital should be attracted to this institutional framework for the compilation of policies, implementation of policies, regulation, and empowerment of operations. The continuous participation of the private sector should also be considered in establishing a strong institutional framework.

It has been further identified that attention should also be
drawn to new fields of digital innovation, including support for artificial intelligence and related activities.

Taking into consideration the aforementioned matters, a concept paper has been formulated to prepare a Draft Economic Development Bill for the establishment of a new institutional framework.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Digital Economy to instruct legal draftsman to formulate a Draft Economic Development Bill based on the aforementioned concept paper.