News
Crosswinds Adventures’ “Walk to Riverston” hiking competition champions human spirit and sportsmanship
In a testament to the unyielding human spirit, endurance, and exceptional sportsmanship, the “Walk to Riverston” Hiking Competition, organized by Crosswinds Adventures, has seen champions defy odds and set remarkable new benchmarks in this grueling journey.
Kalana Wijewikrama led the pack, setting the trail ablaze with an outstanding time of 2:53:51.6, demonstrating unmatched vigor. Sachinthanna Wijerathne showcased his prowess by completing the hike in an impressive 3:44:31.9.
Notable performances included Rikas Ilamdeen finishing at 3:46:30.0, D.B. Wijesiri at 3:55:17.9, and Chamika Weerawardana, who secured the top five positions with a time of 4:02:15.2.
In the Team Event:
* Pera Explorers from the University of Peradeniya stood out with a time of 3:33:29.1.
* Awidimu Lanka marked their journey with 3:57:53.3.
* Black Panthers registered a time of 5:21:43.6.
* Spartacus from the University of Moratuwa finished at 5:27:28.8.
* Wild Wonders from the University of Moratuwa followed closely at 5:30:47.2.
In the Women’s Category:
* Heather Lee from Canada led with a time of 4:25:54.5.
* Pavananthy Thyrijarajah completed the hike in 7:07:19.8.
* Savithri Thakshila Dissanayake wrapped up the category, finishing at 8:07:19.0.
All participants displayed exemplary commitment and vigor during the hike, reflecting their dedication and passion for the competition.
Deepthi Perera, CEO of Crosswinds Adventures, expressed gratitude to sponsors, volunteers, and supporters for turning the vision into reality. She teased upcoming ventures promising more exploration and excitement.
A special Comradery Award was granted to Thuwan Roshan for embodying teamwork, unity, and unwavering support throughout the competition. His dedication highlighted that collective efforts lead to enduring memories and shared triumphs.
This event aims to promote Sri Lanka as a hiking destination among tourists, with the next event scheduled for December 28, 2023, titled “UPHILL Through the Devil Staircase.” Stay tuned for further details.
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
News
Draft Bill for amending the Trust Ordinance
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.
News
Implementing further relief programme to Public sffected by the Middle East conflict situation
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
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