News
Lanka among nations gaining $5.8M for biodiversity action
Sri Lanka is among seven countries that, with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), have obtained $5.8 million from the Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF) to strengthen biodiversity integration in agrifood systems and implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), FAO said.
It said: The selected projects support multiple KMGBF targets on sustainable agriculture, ecosystem protection, knowledge management, the control of invasive species and the engagement of local communities – including Indigenous Peoples – in biodiversity management for food and agriculture.
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu welcomed the announcement, saying: “The Kunming Biodiversity Fund is instrumental in helping developing countries achieve global biodiversity goals through sustainable agriculture under the overarching guidance of the Four Betters, and in amplifying the central role of agrifood systems in halting biodiversity loss, promoting food diversity and providing solutions to the climate crisis.”
Launched by the People’s Republic of China in 2021 during the first part of the UN Biodiversity Conference under China’s Presidency, the KBF supports developing countries for biodiversity protection and in meeting the KMGBF’s global goals, with a focus on regions rich in biodiversity but in need of stronger capacity and resources.
The funding will target the following projects:
1. Mainstreaming biodiversity into agrifood systems to implement National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs)
This project aims to mainstream biodiversity into agrifood systems by creating enabling conditions that accelerate the implementation of NBSAPs in Madagascar, Uganda, and Mexico. It will enhance policy alignment, strengthen institutional capacity, improve financial incentives for biodiversity-friendly practices, and promote knowledge sharing.
2. Empowering communities through knowledge management of ecosystems and species to achieve the KMGBF in the Cook Islands
By improving knowledge systems, modernizing data, and promoting sustainable practices, the project will empower communities to conserve, restore, and manage biodiversity. It will establish a national ecosystem classification, revitalize the biodiversity database, and support community-led conservation using traditional knowledge and agroecology, with a focus on women and youth.
3. Effective management of invasive alien species for ecosystem benefits in Nepal
By focusing on halting the spread and managing existing populations of invasive alien species, the project aims to reduce their impact on biodiversity and local livelihoods through community-based action, participatory approaches, and stronger institutional capacity.
4. Prevention and control of invasive alien species for enhanced biosecurity in Sri Lanka
This project will strengthen national capacity to prevent and manage invasive alien species by improving border controls, training frontline teams, and involving communities in removal efforts and awareness campaigns.
5. Strengthening ecosystem resilience and sustainable management of Lake E?irdir in Türkiye
The project will raise public awareness and promote biodiversity-friendly practices to protect the lake and its ecosystems. It will also support water-efficient agriculture and encourage sustainable livelihoods in the region.
The role of agrifood systems in implementing the KMGBF
Agrifood systems are directly linked to more than half of the KMGBF’s targets. FAO plays a key role in their implementation by fostering policy coherence, promoting best practices, and scaling up innovations to accelerate progress towards global biodiversity goals.
News
Sun directly overhead Galle, Angulugaha, Imaduwa, Telijjawila, Yatiyana and Tangalle about 12.08 noon today (07)
The sun is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 28th of August to 07th of September due to its apparent southward relative motion.
The nearest places of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (07) are Galle, Angulugaha, Imaduwa, Telijjawila, Yatiyana and Tangalle about 12.08 noon.
By Norman Palihawadane
The CID recently found that former SLPP Deputy Minister Premalal Jayasekara, better known as ‘Choka Malli’, had left for Thailand when the Supreme Court imposed an overseas travel ban on him last Friday.
The CID discovered that Jayasekara had left Sri Lanka on August 31, while authorities were taking steps to enforce the travel restriction imposed by the Supreme Court. The Department has subsequently informed the Attorney General’s Department of the development.
The Supreme Court last Friday ordered Jayasekara, and two other men, to appear before court on October 21, and imposed a ban on their overseas travel.
The orders were made as the Supreme Court considered an appeal challenging the acquittal of the three men in connection with the 2015 murder of Shantha Dodangoda, also known as D.G. Sunil Perera.
The appeal was filed by Dodangoda’s wife against a decision of the Court of Appeal to acquit and release Jayasekara and the two other accused, who had previously been convicted and sentenced to death by the Ratnapura High Court.
Dodangoda was killed in a shooting in Kahawatta town, in the early hours of January 5, 2015, while a group of people were putting up decorations for an election rally in support of then common Opposition presidential candidate Maithripala Sirisena.
Two others, Karunadasa Weerasinghe and Mohamed Ilfan, were seriously injured in the shooting.
Following the incident, the Ratnapura High Court convicted Jayasekara, former Chairman of the Kahawatta Pradeshiya Sabha Wajira Darshana de Silva, and former Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council member Nilanta Jayakody, sentencing all three to death.
The Court of Appeal subsequently acquitted the three men and ordered their release.
The victim’s wife later challenged the acquittal before the Supreme Court.
The appeal was taken up before a Supreme Court bench, comprising Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justices Achala Wengappuli and Gihan Kulatunga.
During the proceedings, Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara requested that the court impose overseas travel restrictions on Jayasekara and the other respondents.
The Supreme Court subsequently ordered all three to appear before the court on October 21 and imposed travel bans on them.
President’s Counsel Nalin Ladduwahetty, President’s Counsel U.R. de Silva and President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratne appeared for the respondents. President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris represented the aggrieved party.
Police sources said that the discovery that Jayasekara had already left for Thailand, on August 31, has raised concerns over the timing and enforcement of the travel ban.
Sources said that the CID had notified the Attorney General’s Department and was taking further action in relation to the development.
By Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon
The number of deaths from dengue fever in Sri Lanka has risen to 73 this year, with 96,228 cases reported across the country so far, according to the Dengue Control Unit.
The latest figures indicate that dengue continues to pose a significant public health concern, with 737 new cases recorded during the first four days of September alone.
Dengue infections peaked in July, when 29,964 cases were reported, according to the latest data. June recorded the second-highest monthly total, with 21,533 cases, while 10,155 cases were reported in August.
Earlier in the year, 8,590 cases were recorded in May and 7,866 cases in January.The Western Province remains the worst-affected area, accounting for more than half of all dengue cases reported nationwide. A total of 50,851 cases have been recorded in the province, representing 52.84% of the country’s total.
The Southern Province has recorded 13,950 cases, followed by the Central Province with 8,818 cases and Sabaragamuwa Province with 7,925 cases.
Sun directly overhead Galle, Angulugaha, Imaduwa, Telijjawila, Yatiyana and Tangalle about 12.08 noon today (07)
Showers above 50 mm are likely at some places in the Uva and Eastern provinces.
Harshitha’s composed knock seals Sri Lanka’s semi-final berth
‘Choka Malli’ slips out of country before travel ban
Dengue death toll rises to 73
Ranil accuses govt. of undermining democracy
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
News4 days agoDenied of promotion to SC despite vacancies, justice Gurusinghe retires
-
Latest News5 days agoGrade 5 scholarship exam results released
-
News4 days ago22A: SC urged to suspend hearing, appoint full bench
-
Midweek Review5 days agoThe local and global dynamics of Sri Lanka’s 22nd Amendment
-
News4 days agoGovt. seeks NATO assistance
-
News2 days agoNamal remanded until Sept. 18 over Airbus deal investigation
-
News5 days ago40 professional organisations and TU oppose proposed 22A
-
Latest News1 day agoTharanga creates history with Diamond League crown in Brussels