News
Govt. turned holy event into a mess: Kiriella
Former SJB MP Lakshman Kiriella has said the JVP/NPP government totally mishandled the Siri Dalada Vandana relic exposition and now Kandy is reeking of waste.
Kiriella said the government’s lack of planning and experience in organising large-scale national events had led to serious public health concerns in both the city and its suburbs.
“They invited the public to Kandy even without ensuring that at least adequate sanitary facilities would be available. Now, the streets are strewn with heaps of garbage, human waste, polythene bags, and even bottles of urine. People are increasingly worried that this could trigger a disease outbreak.
“The government failed in every aspect of planning. It should have learnt from how former Presidents Ranasinghe Premadasa and Mahinda Rajapaksa handled similar expositions,” Kiriella said. “Those leaders began preparations three months ahead of the events.
They held at least 15 planning meetings, inviting MPs from both the government and Opposition to ensure proper coordination.”
Kiriella said that under past administrations, more than 10 ministries worked in unison to provide infrastructure and support for the event. “The Health Ministry ensured a steady water supply, the Housing Ministry provided tents and huts, and the Ministry of Tourism handled food and refreshments,” he recalled.
“The current government did none of this. What should have been a spiritual and well-organised national event was turned into a nightmare,” Kiriella said.
US Ambassador Julie Chung commissioned new radiation detection equipment provided by the US Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA), Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD), through its Megaports Initiative at the Port of Colombo recently.
The equipment, valued at approximately $500,000 (Rs. 148 million), will be used at the Port of Colombo’s West Container Terminal to detect and alert authorities to the presence of radioactive materials, supporting Sri Lanka’s national port security regulations, strengthening global supply chain security and extending America’s security perimeter by detecting threats at key transit hubs before they reach US or international shores.
Senior officials from Sri Lanka Customs, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, and the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board joined the commissioning ceremony and partnered with US experts to train Sri Lankan instructors and maintenance technicians.
News
Lyceum Intl School Wattala swimmers shine in Melbourne Training and Cultural Exchange Programme
A group of 15 young swimmers from Lyceum International School Wattala, along with four coaches and three parent representatives, recently completed an enriching 11-day swimming training and cultural exchange programme in Melbourne, Australia.
The programme, organised in collaboration with Global Integrated Sports & Education Pvt. Ltd (Global-ISE) and Swimming Victoria, gave students the opportunity to train at Melbourne’s premier venues, including the prestigious Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) and Swimming Victoria-affiliated facilities, like Camberwell Grammar and Nunawading.
In addition to their athletic development, the swimmers participated in educational visits to top universities, including the University of Melbourne, Monash University, and Deakin University, where they learned about future academic opportunities.
Cultural highlights included tours of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Victorian Parliament, and iconic sites like the Dandenong Ranges and Chadstone Shopping Centre.
The programme culminated with a special ceremony on April 23 at the Spicy Wicket Restaurant, where the Consul General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne, Pradeepa de Saram, presented certificates of achievement to the participants, celebrating their dedication and success throughout the programme.
Dearo Investment Ltd. was honoured with three top awards at the Business World International Awards 2025: Best MSME Finance Company of the Year, Best Project Finance Company of the Year, and Best Entrepreneur Finance Company of the Year. The awards were presented to Prasanna Sanjeewa, CEO and Managing Director of Dearo Investment, said a release.
It said: The company, known for its comprehensive financial services and innovative digital solutions, has built a solid reputation in supporting SMEs, startups, and entrepreneurs. With over 30 branches nationwide and a focus on empowering the MSME sector, Dearo Investment continues to expand its reach, offering services across various industries including finance, agriculture, tourism, and IT. Under Sanjeewa’s leadership, the company remains dedicated to fostering business growth and community development.
-
Business5 days agoAitken Spence Travels continues its leadership as the only Travelife-Certified DMC in Sri Lanka
-
Latest News4 days agoNPP win Maharagama Urban Council
-
Business5 days agoLinearSix and InsureMO® expand partnership
-
Business3 days agoJohn Keells Properties and MullenLowe unveil “Minutes Away”
-
Latest News7 days agoThe Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Monaragala and Hambantota districts.
-
Business4 days agoNDB Bank partners with Bishop’s College to launch NDB Pixel awareness
-
Foreign News1 day agoMexico sues Google over ‘Gulf of America’ name change
-
Sports4 days agoDamsiluni, Buwindu win Under 14 tennis titles