News
Defence State Minister says over 15,000 homes sitting ducks in landslide hotspots
State Minister of Defence Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon told Parliament last week that 15,025 houses have been constructed in areas vulnerable to landslides and earthslips. Most of these structures were built without approved building plans, violating regulations.
The minister said that it has been mandated by the law to obtain approval from the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) for constructions in elevated or hilly terrain, a requirement often neglected by homeowners in landslide-prone regions.
Authorities have identified these unauthorized dwellings and initiated relocation efforts for affected families. However, challenges arise as some families, even after receiving new accommodation, continue to cling to their old homes.
Responding to a question by SLPP Ratnapura District MP Akila Saliya Ellawela, the Minister outlined ongoing efforts to assess flood and landslide damage incurred during recent heavy rains. To date, 71 houses have been destroyed, with 9,377 others sustaining damage.
The government has allocated Rs. 25,000 for funeral expenses of the deceased and is considering additional compensation for affected families. Furthermore, 825 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been impacted, along with damage to 63 infrastructure and logistic systems.
Currently, 13,028 individuals from 3,261 families are housed in 185 temporary welfare centers. To address their needs, the government has increased food assistance by 33 percent. While the 2024 Budget allotted Rs. 1,554.5 million for natural disaster relief, additional funds will be sought from the Treasury if required to provide adequate support.
The Chartered Computer Institute of Sri Lanka was established in 1976 as the premier and sole body representing professionals in the Information and Communication Technology sector in Sri Lanka. It has recognized the importance of establishing the Sri Lanka Chartered Computer Association as the main professional organization to act on behalf of the interests of professionals representing the computer sector in Sri Lanka, which should be treated equally with other professional organizations that have obtained chartered status and other formal recognition.
Accordingly, taking into account a resolution furnished by the Hon. President, the Cabinet of Ministers has decided to grant policy approval for the establishment of the Chartered Computer Institute of Sri Lanka and to instruct the Legal Draftsman to prepare a draft bill in line with the proposed objectives.
it has become essential to introduce appropriate revisions to the Drug Dependent Persons (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act No 54 of 2007 so that a proper formal mechanism can be maintained in treatment and rehabilitation.
Accordingly, considering a resolution forwarded by the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to grant the policy approval to revise the Drug Dependent Persons (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act No 54 of 2007 and direct the Legal Draftsman to formulate a draft bill including the relevant amendments.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation to appoint Mrs. O. T. M. I. Thilakarathne, the senior most officer in Sri Lanka Surveyors’ Service serving as an Additional Surveyor General of that Department to the Post of Surveyor General that will be vacant from 20.08.2026.
Charted Computer Institute of Sri Lanka to be established
Drug Dependent Persons (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act No 54 of 2007 to be amendmend
Mrs. O. T. M. I. Thilakarathne appointed to the Post of Surveyor General
Purchase of 600 buses for intercity / long distance services of the Sri Lanka Transport Board
Protection of Historical, Cultural, and Traditional Intellectual Property related to the Kandy Esala Perahera
Development of roads which are not under the Road Development Authority
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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