News
Only a small amount of the funds allocations has reached for the development of the rural sector. Most of it ended up in the pockets of individuals along the way – Prime Minister
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that only a small amount of the funds allocated has actually been used for the development of the rural sector, and that as most of these funds have been diverted into the pockets of certain individuals, proper development has not taken place.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending public gatherings held on April 19 near the Nattankondal Public Market Complex belongs to the Manthei East Pradeshiya Sabha in the Mullaitivu District, and at the public library premises belonging to the Thunukkai Pradeshiya Sabha in the Mallavi area.
Addressing the public gatherings, the Prime Minister further stated:
“In 2024, taking the initiative to change the past 76 years of traditional political system that the country has persisted, you gave us a historic victory by placing your trust in us, and we are committed to honoring that trust.
I was informed that there is a shortage of doctors and that there is no surgical theatre in the nearest hospital requiring the patients to travel nearly 50 kilometers to access a hospital with surgical facilities. I was also informed that students who wish to pursue A /Level studies in science have no teachers in their local school and are required to travel about 50 kilometers to another school offering science education.
We are aware that the people in this area are suffering due to the lack of proper public transport, education, and electricity facilities. That is why you have elected us expecting to change these conditions. We must create opportunities for every child to develop their professional life according to their talents and skills. I assure you that this government will take initiative to make that happen.
According to the previous political system, when funds were allocated for development of the rural sector, about 75% ended up in the pockets of individuals, and only a small amount actually reached the villages. That is the reason why these areas remain underdeveloped to this day.”
The Prime Minister further added that the 2025 budget has allocated a significant amount of funds for the development of the rural economy and it is essential to elect a team for leadership at the local government level that could implement the development projects with honestly and transparently, and free from corruption and fraud. In such cause, the team of the National People’s Power is the most suitable group for this responsibility.
The Prime Minister addressing further, “Not only have the basic facilities been destroyed in these areas, but also a vast number of human lives. Some still haven’t received answers about what happened to their loved ones. Thousands of mothers and wives across the country continue to grieve, searching for answers about what happened to their children, husbands, and family members. We pledge to intervene in the search for those answers and ensure that such tragedies never occur again,”
The Prime Minister also stated that the National People’s Power is the non-racist, fair, and equal platform dedicated to working for the people of a culturally diverse country and invited everyone to take the next step in the historic transformative journey that the people of this country began in 2024, by uniting in the upcoming 2025 local government elections to build a clean and transparent local and municipal council system for the future.
The event was attended by Vanni District Members of Parliament Meiyilvaganam Jegatheeswaran and S. Thileepan, Thunukkai Pradeshiya Sabha candidate and team leader Ganesapulle Madanaraj, along with other candidates and a large number of local residents.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Level III landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale extended
The landslide early warning center of the National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] has extended the Level III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale until 1600hrs on 11th December 2025.
Accordingly,
The LEVEL III RED landslide warnings issued to the the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Kundasale, Pasbage Korale, Medadumbara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Pathadumbara, Doluwa, Panvila, Gangawata Korale, Ududumbara, Akurana, Yatinuwara, Harispattuwa, Deltota, Thumpane, Poojapitiya, Udapalatha, Udunuwara, Minipe and Pathahewaheta in the Kandy district, Aranayaka, Yatiyanthota, Rambukkana, Bulathkohupitiya and Mawanella in the Kegalle district, Mallawapitiya, Mawathagama and Rideegama in the Kurunegala district, and Rattota, Laggala Pallegama, Ukuwela, Matale, Wilgamuwa, Pallepola, Naula, Yatawatta and Ambanganga Korale in the Matale district have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Hali_Ela, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Kandeketiya, Bandarawela, Soranathota, Ella, Haputhale, Lunugala, Welimada, Haldummulla and Passara in the Badulla district, Warakapola, Galigamuwa, Kegalle, Dehiowita, Ruwanwella and Deraniyagala in the Kegalle district, Polgahawela and Alawwa in the Kurunegala district, Kothmale East, Walapane, Thalawakele, Nuwara Eliya, Kothmale West, Nildandahinna, Mathurata, Ambagamuwa Korale, Hanguranketha and Norwood in the Nuwara Eliya district. and Kolonna, Godakawela and Kahawaththa in the Ratnapura district.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Divulapitiya, Attanagalla and Mirigama in the Gampaha district, Narammala in the Kurunegala district, and Kiriella, Eheliyagoda, Balangoda, Kaltota, Openayake, Nivithigala, Imbulpe, Ayagama, Kuruwita, Kalawana, Elapatha, Pelmadulla and Ratnapura in the Ratnapura district.
News
“We cannot allow flooding to become a part of the daily lives of the people in the Colombo District” – PM
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that unauthorized constructions within the Colombo District, nor any form of residential developments that endanger the public carried out under the guise of development agenda will not be allowed.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the media at the conclusion of the Colombo District Disaster Management Committee meeting held on Tuesday [December 09] at the Colombo District Secretariat.
Addressing further, the Prime Minister stated:
“The Colombo District has become vulnerable to this extent due to the constructions carried out without any proper planning or understanding of regulations, along with personal and politically motivated decisions that have placed both the district and its people at risk.
Compared to the districts that suffered severe loss of life and property due to the recent cyclone, the damage to the Colombo District has been relatively lower. However, special intervention is being carried out together with the relevant institutions to manage the potential future flood risks in the district.
This matter was also given special attention during today’s District Disaster Management Committee meeting. We cannot allow the flooding to become a regular part of the lives of the people in Colombo. All relevant institutions will come together to put forward a common plan for flood control in the district.”
The Prime Minister further stated that discussions are already underway to provide sustainable solutions for the people living in high-risk areas within the Colombo District.
The discussion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara, Deputy Minister of Mass Media Kaushalya Ariyaratne, and Colombo District Members of Parliament Aruna Panagoda and Chandana Suriyarachchi.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
The handover of 35 tonnes of Russian Humanitarian Aid to Sri Lanka, recently affected by the cyclone «Ditwah», took place at Katunayake today (10th December)
The shipment was welcomed at the Katunayake airport by Ambassador of Russia Levan Dzhagaryan, Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka and Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd).
Ambassador Levan Dzhagaryan: said “This delivery is a reflection of long-term friendly relations between Russia and Sri Lanka and reaffirms Moscow’s commitment to support countries in a difficult humanitarian situation.”
The supplies brought by the EMERCOM (Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations) aircraft comprised a movable 60 kW electric power station, Pumping equipment for water drainage, Summer tents (10-person capacity) and Food supplies (sugar, vegetable oil, rice)
The total cargo weight is 35 metric tonnes. The aid will be distributed among the most affected regions.
Level III landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale extended
“We cannot allow flooding to become a part of the daily lives of the people in the Colombo District” – PM
Russia gifts 35 tonnes of Humanitarian Aid to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka squad named for ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup
Hospital CCTV helps clear long jumper of doping
Tickner and Rae bowl West Indies out for 205 to give New Zealand the edge
‘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
-
News3 days agoOver 35,000 drug offenders nabbed in 36 days
-
News7 days agoLevel III landslide early warning continue to be in force in the districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale
-
Business5 days agoLOLC Finance Factoring powers business growth
-
News5 days agoCPC delegation meets JVP for talks on disaster response
-
News5 days agoA 6th Year Accolade: The Eternal Opulence of My Fair Lady
-
News2 days agoCyclone Ditwah leaves Sri Lanka’s biodiversity in ruins: Top scientist warns of unseen ecological disaster
-
News3 days agoRising water level in Malwathu Oya triggers alert in Thanthirimale
-
Features4 days agoThe Catastrophic Impact of Tropical Cyclone Ditwah on Sri Lanka: