News
Govt. insists removal of MRI head is according to due procedure
By Saman Indrajith
Removal of Dr Jayaruwan Bandara from the post of Acting Director of the Medical Research Institute was according to the due procedure and practices in the institute, Parliament was told yesterday.
State Minister Dr Sudarshini Fernandopulle said that Dr Bandara had been acting as the head of the MRI while the Doctor who had been abroad was undergoing an advanced training programme. “The doctor who was undergoing a training programme was the director appointed to the MRI by the Public Service Commission. During his absence, Dr Bandara was acting on his behalf. Now the director has returned so the acting director has to leave. There is no issue, it was only the due procedure.”
She said so in response to a question raised by SJB Kurunegala District MP Thushara Indunil Amarasena, who demanded to know from the government the reason for the transfer of Dr Bandara.
“Ven Muruththttuwe Ananda Thera, a leading monk who openly helped the SLPP to become government is now stating that not even the Health Minister was aware of the transfer of the head of the country’s premier research institute functioning under the health minister. That has become a serious issue. We want to know what is happening. In addition, the number of PCR tests has been decreased drastically while the COVID-19 is on the rise. COVID-19 second wave is more dangerous than the previous. In such a context how could the government justify this transfer?
Prime Minister Rajapaksa said that the question should have been referred to the subject minister, Pavitra Wanniarachchi who was not in the chamber. In the absence of the health minister, State Minister Fernandopulle responded.
The drafting of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has commenced with the objective of equitable distribution of the benefits of the fisheries industry and the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture. This policy has been updated from time to time according to current requirements. However, steps have not been taken to obtain the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for that purpose.
According to the policy declaration of the present government, ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’ the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has been redrafted, updating the aforementioned policy in line with the economic and development objectives of the government.
The recommendations of the Department of National Planning have been received for the drafted policy.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Marine
Resources to implement the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, integrating it with other relevant policies.
News
Expressions of Interest called to develop selected locations within the Pelawatte Sugar Factory premises
It has been recognized that there is potential to develop selected places within. the Pelawatte Sugar Factory, owned by Lanka Sugar (Private) Company Limited, as locations of tourist attraction.
Hence, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship
Development to call for expressions of interest following the prescribed procurement guidelines to identify suitable investors and to invite project proposals from eligible investors to develop the selected locations under Public-Private Partnership method.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the decision of the Food Policy and Security Committee to maintain the minimum purchasing price of 1 kg of Nadu paddy of prescribed standard at Rs. 120 and to increase the minimum purchasing price of 1 kg of Samba from Rs. 125 to Rs. 130 and the minimum purchasing price of Kiri Samba from Rs. 132 to Rs. 140.
Implementation of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy
Expressions of Interest called to develop selected locations within the Pelawatte Sugar Factory premises
Minimum purchasing price of Samba and Kiri Samba paddy incresed
Showers in the Northern, North-central, Uva, Western, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western and Central provinces and Galle and Matara districts
Govt. extends ban on LTTE
Police obtain court order banning Wimal’s protest
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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