News
New Surveyor General A. Dissanayake
A. Dissanayake officially assumed duties recently as the 52nd SG of the Survey Department of Sri Lanka.
He received his primary education from Sri Sumangala Maha Vidyalaya, Weligama and after completing his degree in Physical science from the University of Ruhuna, obtained his first appointment in the Public Service in 1985 as an Assistant Superintendent Surveys.
After successfully completing the Higher Diploma in Surveying from the Institute of Surveying and Mapping, Diyatalawa, he has been involved in the development chain of the country since 1988 by supervising surveyors across the country.
He received a scholarship under the United Nations Program in 1991. After successfully completing his Master’s Degree (MSc.) in Geodetic Science and Surveying from the Ohio State University in the United States. The new Surveyor General has contributed to various development activities in the country by directing the Department for the Geodetic surveying work, and has been working for a long period as a Senior Lecturer in Geodesy for the Institute of Surveying and Mapping, Diyatalawa.
The Geodetic Survey Control Network which was established in the year of 1800 was improved to adapt to the accuracy required for modern surveying. For this, he is a pioneer in establishing the new geodetic control network using modern technology.
He later served as the Director of Institute of Surveying and Mapping, Diyatalawa and has been contributinmg to the development of the institute. Dissanayake held various posts in the department. He has demonstrated outstanding leadership through his skills and expertise in various aspects by introducing modern technology.
Dissanayake has climbed to the top post having served in various parts of the island during a career spanning 36 years.
A discussion with the Catholic Council was held on Thursday (21) afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat under the co-chairmanship of Minister of Science and Technology, Chrishantha Abeysena and Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
Discussions focused on administrative issues relating to Catholic schools taken over by the Government, the formulation of a structured teacher cadre system for Catholic religious education, the need to recruit Catholic nuns and priests into the teaching profession and the establishment of a mechanism to obtain the support of the Ministry of Education for the administration of Government-acquired Catholic schools.
It was also decided that discussions with the Catholic Council would be held three times annually, while Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage would serve as Secretary to the forum.
Expressing appreciation on behalf of the Catholic Council, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith thanked President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Government for facilitating the discussion.
His Eminence further stated that the expectation was to ensure every student, without discrimination, is given the opportunity to learn his or her own religion and stressed the importance of resolving the prevailing issues within the education sector.
Also present at the occasion were Most Rev. Bishop Harold Anthony Perera, Most Rev. Bishop Christy Noel Emmanuel, Most Rev. Bishop Anton Ranjith, Most Rev. Bishop Wimal Siri Jayasuriya, other clergy representing the Catholic Council, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Nalaka Kaluwewa and senior officials of the Ministry of Education.
(PMD)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to broaden the Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy, which was launched last year. Unlike the inaugural edition held in November 2025 that featured eight Associate teams, the second edition will comprise 10 teams, including five Test-playing nations. The tournament is scheduled to be held in November this year.
Italian Navy’s ITS GIOVANNI DELLE BANDE NERE, which arrived in Colombo (21 May 2026) on a replenishment visit, departed the island today (22 May).
The Sri Lanka Navy bade a customary farewell to the departing ship in compliance with naval traditions at the port of Colombo.
During her brief stay in Colombo, the Commanding Officer of the ship, Commander Antonio BUFIS called on the Commander Western Naval Area at the Western Naval Command Headquarters.
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