Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala announced in Parliament yesterday that the government expected to save Rs. 1,200 million annually in taxpayer funds by pruning down VIP security. The announcement was made following a review of security arrangements for former Presidents.

The Minister defended the government move in response to concerns raised by critics, stating that those opposing the decision were primarily motivated by personal interests, seeking to misuse public funds.

Minister Wijepala emphasised that the government remained committed to fiscal responsibility while maintaining necessary security measures.

As part of the cost-cutting initiative, the government will begin withdrawing Tri-forces personnel from the security details of former Presidents, starting next week. This move is expected to help reduce the burden on the public purse, without compromising the safety of the individuals concerned.

To further justify the changes, Minister Wijepala provided a detailed breakdown of security expenditure for former Presidents for the first 11 months of 2024, up to 15 December. The cumulative expenditure for this period amounted to Rs. 1,448 million.

The breakdown of security expenses is as follows: Mahinda Rajapaksa’s security costs totalled Rs. 710 million, with Rs. 328 million spent on Tri-forces, Rs. 327 million on police, and Rs. 55 million on the Presidential Secretariat. Maithripala Sirisena’s security expenses amounted to Rs. 207 million, with Rs. 6 million for Tri-forces, Rs. 185 million for the police, and Rs. 16 million for the Presidential Secretariat. Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s security costs were Rs. 307 million, with Rs. 258 million spent on Tri-forces, Rs. 39 million on police, and Rs. 10 million on the Presidential Secretariat. For Ranil Wickremesinghe, the total for three months was Rs. 82 million, broken down as Rs. 19 million for Tri-forces, Rs. 60 million for police, and Rs. 3 million for the Presidential Secretariat. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga incurred no costs for Tri-forces but spent Rs. 99 million on police and Rs. 12 million on the Presidential Secretariat, bringing her total to Rs. 110 million. Hema Premadasa, the widow of the late President Ranasinghe Premadasa, spent Rs. 33 million, with no costs for Tri-forces, Rs. 30 million for the police, and Rs. 3 million for the Presidential Secretariat.

SJB chickens out at eleventh hour

NPP MP (Polonnaruwa) Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne was elected Speaker unopposed yesterday in Parlament following Asoka Ranwala’s resignation over his questionable academic qualifications,

The SJB opted out of the contest. SJB MP Nalin Bandara, on Sunday, declared his party’s intention to contest for the post of Speaker.

Sri Lanka once again showcased its scientific prowess at the prestigious 21st Edition of the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) 2024, where six talented young Sri Lankan students brought home three silver medals and three bronze medals, according to a statement issued by Sri Lankan mission in Bucharest.

The competition, held from 02 to 12 December 2024, was organised by the Ministry of Education of Romania in cooperation with the National University of Science and Technology Politechnica Bucharest, as well as the University of Economic Studies Bucharest. The event that celebrated excellence in the natural sciences saw the participation of over 50 countries.

The success of the Sri Lankan team underscores the country’s commitment to nurturing future scientists through the Sri Lanka Junior Science Olympiad (SLJSO) organized annually by the Institute of Physics of Sri Lanka (IPSL). The SLJSO selects top students, aged 12-16, through rigorous exams covering physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics, and top performers earn the honour of representing Sri Lanka on the international stage.

The leadership of Prof. H.H. Sumathiapala and the dedication of his team of mentors from the University of Kelaniya, including Prof. Mangala Ganehiarachchi and Dr. Chamila Kadigamuwa, played a crucial role in guiding the gifted students. Through their efforts, Sri Lankan students have consistently performed well at IJSO, since 2016.

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Romania, Madurika Joseph Weninger appreciated the students’ achievements, and hosted a celebratory lunch for the winners and the members of the faculty, at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bucharest, following the participation in the official award ceremony. Inaugurated by Minister of Education of Romania, Ligia Deca, the ceremony was held at the National University of Science and Technology Politechnica Bucharest, where medals were presented to the students who excelled.

The IJSO, which was founded in 2004, is a global platform for young scientists to engage in critical thinking, experimentation, and problem-solving. The competition aims to foster scientific curiosity, encourage international collaboration, and inspire the next generation of scientists. With their impressive achievements, Sri Lankan students have once again demonstrated their potential to excel on the world stage.