News
Francophonie 2024 – Performance by Marc Aymon and Milla Besson

The Embassy of Switzerland to Sri Lanka and the Maldives together with the International Organization of la Francophonie will be hosting a music performance in Colombo and in Ahangama with the view of celebrating Francophonie 2024, the annual celebrations of the French language and Francophonie cultures with Swiss music Artists Marc Aymon and Milla Besson.
The inaugural performance will be held at the ‘Alliance Française de Colombo, on Saturday 16th March from 07.00pm onwards, followed by a performance at TRAX Ahangama on Sunday, 17th March at 7.00pm. The mentioned events are free of charge and open to everyone on a first come first served basis.
Master classes too will be held between 10.00a.m – 11.30am at the University of the Visual and Performing Arts, on Saturday 16th March, and on Tuesday 19th March at the University of Ruhuna.
The lead Artist, Marc Aymon, from Valais, is a poet and is a passionate singer of his travels, Art and national heritage in the form of folklore combined with a modern twist. Aymon is the owner of 8 Albums 4 singles and his songs are widely played in French speaking countries and has performed at the Francophonie festivals in Paraguay, France, Buenos Aires, Kenya, Rwanda and Egypt. Aymon, developed his personal expression in the field of percussion, on various instruments such as the Valais dulcimer, the Drums, Kotamo, Handpan, Bockhornxylo and Glasudu.
Milla Besson is a Swiss singer-songwriter with concerts to her credit in the French-speaking regions globally. Besson has notably shared the stage with Tim Dup, Aliose, Jérémie Kisling and Marc Aymon.
In this tour Marc Aymon and Milla Besson will present their recent joint project “Glaneurs” a compilation of 15 Swiss poems and songs, which presents the Swiss Cultural Heritage.
News
Law will be enforced against all those who acquire assets illegally- State Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe

State Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, while addressing a public gathering held at the Raffles Hotel in Kotte on Tuesday [April 22] said that the law will be enforced against all those who acquire assets illegally.
He said that , if someone joins a municipal council receiving a modest salary and, within two to three years, builds a luxury house and acquires a vehicle, we will question how such wealth was amassed. If a satisfactory explanation cannot be provided, the law will be enforced and the measures will be taken to confiscate any illegally acquired assets.
The opposition frequently levels accusations against us, but we have not engaged in any wrongdoing. We have not misappropriated public funds, used undue influence to secure school admissions for our children, or interfered with law enforcement. We are dedicated to serving the people by upholding an ethical and responsible political culture.
If you wish to develop your community, I respectfully urge you to elect individuals of integrity who will not misuse public funds.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Unrest at Matara prison brought under control

It has been reported that prison officials and the police have brought the unrest among the 500 plus inmates of the Matara prison which commenced on Tuesday [22] under control by this morning (23)
It has been reported that the inmates had broken out of their wards after which the officials were compelled to fire in the air and use tear gas to bring the situation under control.
The inmates are being temporarily transferred to the Angunkolapelessa prison in groups to enable authorities to repair the the damage caused to the wards and cells within the premises.
The prison officials who were injured during the conflict are receiving treatment at the Matara hospital.
Latest News
Local government authorities and Municipal Councils are the nursery of corrupt politics. – Prime Minister

The Prime Minister stated that the President has challenged all ministers to transparently and efficiently spend the funds allocated to each ministry through the national budget for the benefit of the people, and that the local governments and municipal councils have historically been the nursery grounds of corrupt politics.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing a public gathering held at the Raffles Hotel in Kotte on Tuesday [April 22].
The Prime Minister further stated:
“All 159 of us in Parliament today did not enter through family or financial influence. We are ordinary citizens just like you and individuals who stand among you. Unlike in the past, our members do not behave disruptively in Parliament. When school children visit, there is no need for the Speaker to request their removal that our parliamentary members conduct themselves with dignity, adherence to the law, and political maturity.
This is the kind of Parliament we have always aspired to have. Today, it is you who has made this transformation possible. For a long time, we have not experienced the advantages of an efficient and properly functioning local government. You now have the opportunity to elect representatives who are truly committed to serving you and improving your local institutions.
The event was attended by Arosh Athapaththu, Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte Municipal Council candidate representing the National People’s Power, along with several other candidates and a large number of local residents.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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