The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) have expressed their support for policy reforms and institutional enhancements aimed at ensuring the supply of high-quality goods and services in Sri Lanka while safeguarding both consumers and producers.

This was discussed at a meeting held on Wednesday (12) at the Presidential Secretariat between representatives of these organisations and the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

During the discussion, the representatives emphasized that establishing fairness in trade would protect both consumers and producers while fostering a competitive market in the country. They also emphasized how Japan’s competitive trade policies contributed to its economic progress, explaining that such policies not only help to protect consumer rights but also stimulate innovation.

The secretary to the president noted that this year’s budget has placed special emphasis on the required policy adjustments to promote fair trade while elevating Sri Lanka’s market to a higher level. He also briefed the representatives on these planned reforms.

The meeting was attended by Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Russell Aponsu, JICA representatives Tetsuya Yamada, Arisa Inada, Yuri Horrita, and Namal Ralapanawa; and JFTC representatives Y. Sakuma, Y. Asahina, Y. Fukushima, and M. Takeuchi.

[PMD]

A group of students from Hambantota St. Mary’s National School, Nakulugamuwa Moraketiara Junior College and Nalanda College, Colombo 10, visited the Presidential Secretariat and the President’s House on Wednesday (12) as part of an educational tour.

This initiative provided schoolchildren the opportunity to explore the Presidential Secretariat (formerly the Old Parliament Building) and the President’s House as part of their academic field trip.

Coinciding with the tour, students were also educated about the “Clean Sri Lanka” program, a key government initiative.  K.M.N. Kumarasinghe, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, briefed the students on the objectives and implementation of the program, emphasizing its role in enhancing their knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Meanwhile, Media Adviser to the President . Chandana Sooriyabandara highlighted the legacy of  the late C.W.W. Kannangara, stating that his vision serves as a guiding light for the future generation of students. He further noted that many developed nations achieved progress through collective citizen efforts, stressing that every individual must fulfill their responsibilities diligently to contribute to national development.

As a symbolic gesture, a valuable plant was gifted to each participating school to be planted within their premises. The presentation was carried out by the President’s Media Director General  Prasanna Perera and  Anuruddha Lokuhapuarachchi, Director of International Media and Strategic Communications at the President’s Media Division (PMD).

The event was attended by the principals, academic staff, parents and other distinguished guests.

The Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, has instructed officials from the Ministries of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, and Urban Development, Construction, and Housing to take all necessary measures to minimize potential flooding in the Matara district due to heavy rainfall.

These directions were given by the Secretary to the President during a meeting on Wednesday (12) at the Presidential Secretariat with officials from all relevant ministries and institutions.

The progress of a previous discussion on the project of Salinity Barrier across Nilwala River, led by the Secretary to the President, was reviewed during the meeting. Various short-term and long-term measures to control the flooding in the Matara region caused by the barrier were proposed, and all parties agreed to take necessary steps. The meeting also assessed the progress of these proposed actions.

Accordingly, officials informed that the University of Peradeniya and its affiliated Engineering Design Center have been assigned to study and report on long-term solutions. It was also stated that the proposed solutions would take into account the issues that have arisen following the Construction of Salinity Barrier.

As short-term solutions, officials reported that steps have already been taken to remove fallen trees and other obstructions in the river to ensure faster water drainage during emergencies. Additionally, canal banks are being cleaned, and the temporary salinity barrier, previously constructed with sandbags by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, has been removed.

Furthermore, by April, measures will be taken to deepen the Nilwala estuary and canal routes to temporarily retain excess water during flood situations. The Irrigation Department also proposed increasing the capacity of the water pumps currently used to accelerate water drainage.

The Secretary to the President Dr. Kumanayake also instructed that all measures taken on this matter be reported to the Matara District Development Committee.

Local residents and farmers have expressed concerns that the Nilwala Salinity Barrier has exacerbated flooding and led to saltwater intrusion into paddy fields, resulting in crop damage.

The meeting was attended by Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Kapila Janaka Bandara, along with senior officials from the relevant ministries.