News
About 700 out of 1,000 rural bridges planned for 2021 nearing completion
Construction work on about 700 out of 1,000 rural bridges scheduled to be completed by the end of this year was in progress as per the plans, Chief Government Whip and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando said yesterday.
Speaking to the media at his Ministry after meeting to review the progress of constructing 5,000 rural bridges as per President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour, the Minister said that the work had been in progress according to plans despite the effects of the pandemic.
He said construction of 1,000 bridges in rural areas would be completed by the end of this year in line with the government’s plans to eradicate rural poverty by increasing efficiency and connectivity of villages to the main cities. The work commenced as per the instructions of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and under the supervision of Basil Rajapaksa, Head of the Presidential Special Task Force on Economic Renewal and Poverty Alleviation would continue in all electorates of the country.
Minister Fernando instructed the officials of the Highways Ministry, Road Development Authority and State Development and Construction Corporation to pay their utmost attention to complete the work under their purview on schedule.
“The new bridges will replace the dilapidated makeshift bridges in rural areas which are unstable. These low-cost concrete bridges will be an alternative to the makeshift wooden bridges. With the implementation of this project, the main road network will be connected to the rural roads facilitating the day-to-day activities of the rural people. Their livelihoods will be improved while promoting the tourism industry as well,” the Minister said.
This project was implemented throughout the country with the target of completing the work of 5,000 bridge project within the next four years. The project will facilitate the daily activities of the rural people, improve their livelihoods and promote the tourism industry.
Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Health of the Russian Federation, officially visited the Russian House in Colombo to attend the Sri Lanka–Russia Medical Forum, where members of the Sri Lanka Russia Business Council and graduates from the Association of Sri Lankan Graduates from Socialist countries (ASLGSC) attended.
This historic gathering was graced by rectors and representatives from several world-class Russian medical institutions, including Kursk State Medical University, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, and Tver State Medical University, among others.
The forum commenced with an address by Minister Murashko, during which Russian medical graduates in attendance raised pertinent questions regarding medical and pharmaceutical sector opportunities in Sri Lanka.
Levan Dzhagaryan, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, together with Madam Maria L. Popova, Counsellor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Sri Lanka & the Maldives and Director of the Russian House in Colombo, graced the occasion. Both officials expressed strong support for continued collaboration and future initiatives between the two nations.
The official appointment letters for the members of the newly established “Cricket Transformation Committee” (CTC) were handed over on Monday (04) by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage.
The following members received their letters of appointment at the Ministry premises:
Sidath Wettimuny
Thushira Radella
Prakash Schaffter
Ms. Avanthi Colombage
The Ministry also noted that veteran cricketers Roshan Mahanama and Kumar Sangakkara, who are key members of the committee, are currently overseas. Their official appointments will be formalised immediately upon their arrival in Sri Lanka.
The Cricket Transformation Committee has been mandated to oversee the administration and drive structural reforms within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in accordance with the powers vested in the Minister under the Sports Act No. 25 of 1973.
Three prison guards attached to the Welikada Prison have been arrested by Borella Police following the death of an inmate on Monday (04).
Minister of Health of the Russian Federation attends the Sri Lanka–Russia Medical Forum
Members of Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee Officially Appointed
Three prison guards arrested following the death of an inmate
Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 pm.
CJ urged to inquire into AKD’s remarks on May 25 court verdict
ITAK MPs representing East take their woes to Canadian HC
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