News
President affirms protection of religious rights under the Constitution
At the Graduation and Ordination Ceremony of the Apostolic Diocese of Ceylon held at the BMICH this morning (7) , President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the importance of religious rights and unity and highlighted the progress made by religious communities in Sri Lanka and discussed the challenges and opportunities facing them in the digital and technological age.
In his address, President Wickremesinghe began by extending his congratulations to Rt. Rev. Dr. Kirby de Lanerolle on his new role as General Secretary of the International Independent Apostolic Diocesan Synod (IIADS). He commended Rt. Rev. Dr. Kirby de Lanerolle and the Apostolic Diocese for their significant contributions to the Ministry of Reconciliation over the past decade.
Acknowledging the broader socio-economic context, President Wickremesinghe emphasized the importance of addressing basic needs before focusing on religious matters. “It is always said, you must look after the stomach before you can look after anything else. You have to first feed the people, and then think of the religion,” he stated.
The President lauded the achievements of the Christian community in Sri Lanka, noting that the teachings of Jesus Christ have resonated in the country for centuries. He also stressed the importance of upholding the freedom of worship and the need for religious facilities to be accessible to all denominations.
Reflecting on the current political landscape, President Wickremesinghe pointed out that recent elections are less influenced by racial or religious factors, focusing instead on economic issues. He expressed hope that this trend would continue, keeping religion separate from governance and ensuring a fair approach to all religious communities.
Addressing the future of religious practice, President Wickremesinghe highlighted two major challenges: the impact of the digital age and artificial intelligence on organized religion. He noted that technology, such as the printing press invented by Gutenberg, has historically played a crucial role in spreading religious teachings. However, the rise of digital platforms and AI presents new questions for religious institutions.
“Now we are coming into a new age where even organized religions will have a question mark,” the President said. He urged religious leaders to adapt and consider how technology and AI will affect religious doctrines and practices.
President Wickremesinghe also spoke about the importance of providing psychological guidance, particularly to young people who are increasingly influenced by digital media. He highlighted recent troubling incidents involving youth and emphasized the need for religious and community leaders to address these issues. “In this coming period, it’s best that everyone gets together and considers this problem,” he urged. “The guidance we provide must be adaptable to the evolving world, focusing on the needs of all individuals, regardless of their religious background.”
The President concluded his address by reiterating the government’s commitment to supporting all religions in Sri Lanka, in accordance with the Constitution. He called for continued cooperation between religious groups to tackle the challenges of the modern age and to ensure that spiritual guidance remains relevant and effective.
The ceremony, attended by Rt. Rev. Dr. Kirby de Lanerolle, the Governor of the Western Province and distinguished guests highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Apostolic Diocese in fostering reconciliation and unity within Sri Lanka’s diverse religious landscape.
Meanwhile, President’s Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor on National Security Sagala Ratnayaka addressing the Graduation and Ordination Ceremony of the Apostolic Diocese of Ceylon, focussed on Sri Lanka’s economic challenges and recovery. He emphasized that during the peak of the economic crisis, unity transcended social and economic divides, as people across the country faced similar hardships. He praised the President for taking responsibility during this difficult time and commended his calm, confident leadership.
Mr. Ratnayaka highlighted the country’s stabilization efforts, noting significant reforms such as the independence of the central bank, new public finance management laws, and the passing of a world-class anti-corruption bill. He emphasized the importance of transparency, with top officials declaring their assets online. He also pointed out improvements in the economy, including reduced inflation, a strengthened currency, and rising tourism.
Looking forward, Mr. Ratnayaka stressed the need for continued teamwork and staying on track to ensure future prosperity, particularly for future generations.
News
Joint programme between President’s Fund and Janashakthi Foundation to expand healthcare facilities for children
A special collaboration between the Presidents’s Fund and the Janashakthi Foundation, aimed at expanding healthcare facilities available to children under the age of 18, was launched on Wednesday (06) morning.
Implemented under the theme “Building a Healthier Today for a Winning Tomorrow”, this national initiative has been introduced through the joint efforts of the President’s Fund and the Janashakthi Foundation with the objective of reducing the financial barriers associated with children’s healthcare.
Under the President’s Fund, only a portion of the medical expenses incurred by a patient is generally covered. However, under this new collaboration, the Janashakthi Foundation will provide either an equivalent amount or the remaining balance of the treatment cost, whichever is lower.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary to the President’s Fund and Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Roshan Gamage, stated that the present Government had taken steps to decentralise and digitalise the operations of the President’s Fund, thereby transforming it into a truly people-centric fund. He noted that this had reinforced public confidence in the Fund’s transparency, accountability and effectiveness and added that the collaboration with the Janashakthi Foundation had further strengthened this process.
Gamage further stated that close and meaningful coordination with the private sector would help enhance healthcare assistance provided to children and minimise the gap between the financial aid available and the actual cost of essential medical treatment.
Also addressing the gathering, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of the Janashakthi Group, Ramesh Schaffter, stated that difficulties in accessing medical treatment constitute a major obstacle preventing children from progressing towards a better future.
He further stated that the collaboration seeks to reduce that obstacle by extending support to children who are in urgent need of assistance, thereby laying the foundation for future generations to face tomorrow with greater confidence.
Under this programme, applicants seeking additional financial assistance are required, when applying to the President’s Fund, to duly complete and submit a consent form authorising the secure sharing of their information with the Janashakthi Foundation.
The identification of children requiring financial assistance, verification of their information and approval of funds will continue to be carried out by the President’s Fund.
Under this initiative, payments will generally be made to the guardians of children following the completion of treatment. However, in cases involving emergency treatment and treatment conducted overseas, payments will be made in advance.
Applicants submitting medical assistance applications to the President’s Fund from 15 May 2026 onwards will be eligible to apply for additional funding from the Janashakthi Foundation.
The event, held at the Hilton Colombo, was attended by J.M. Wijebandara, Director General of Legal Affairs at the Presidential Secretariat and Advisor to the President (Legal Affairs); C.T.A. Schaffter, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Janashakthi Group; Gamika De Silva, Group Chief Marketing Officer; Dilshan Wirasekara, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Janashakthi Group; as well as officials of the President’s Fund and the Janashakthi Foundation.
President’s Media Division (PMD)
The President of the Republic of Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, departed Sri Lanka on Wednesday morning (06) from the Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, concluding a successful state visit to the country.
The visit by the Maldivian President and his delegation further strengthened the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, while delivering a range of mutual benefits to the peoples of both nations.
This marked President Muizzu’s first state visit to Sri Lanka, during which several mutually beneficial areas of cooperation were agreed upon, underscoring the success of the visit.
Minister of Science and Technology, Krishantha Abeysena, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports , Sunil Kumara Gamage, Member of Parliament Oshani Umanga, along with senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, were present at the airport to bid farewell to the Maldivian President, the First Lady and the accompanying delegation.
(President’s Media Division)
Close on the heels of the USD 2.5 mn theft from the Treasury, the Welfare Benefits Board has reported payment of nearly Rs 500 mn in excess to Aswesuma beneficiaries.
Public action group ‘Free Lawyers’ has raised the latest fiasco to come to light with Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, while requesting that the Parliament, in line with its constitutional obligations, initiate an inquiry.
The letter, dated 06 May, signed by Maithree Gunaratne, PC, Attorney-at-Law Athula de Silva, and Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon, on behalf of ‘Free Lawyers’, has alleged that some of the Aswesuma beneficiaries have been paid twice while others received the additional/extra payment.
Responding to The Island queries, Tennakoon said that sheer negligence on the part of those responsible for public finance was shocking.
Alleging that the NPP government seemed to be operating outside basic rules and regulations pertaining to public finances, the former Governor asked the Speaker whether the wrongful Aswesuma payments had been made due to political appointments made at the expense of the experienced and competent staff. (SF)
Joint programme between President’s Fund and Janashakthi Foundation to expand healthcare facilities for children
Maldivian President concludes state visit to Sri Lanka
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Govt. draws flak over Rs. 500 mn excess Aswesuma payments
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