News
100th birth anniversary of Gilbert Paranagama
Boss, mentor and friend
The year was 1969. My employer, Whittall Boustead Ltd., managing agents for several estates had given me, a mere “podian,” my first charge as “Periya Dorai” on Cobo Estate, Badulla. I made discreet inquiries and found that I had to report to the Director, Mr. Gilbert Paranagama, whom I had never met.
Within a few weeks I was informed that the Director will be visiting Cobo! Just a few days prior notice, trepidation and nervousness gripped me. My first “encounter” with my Director, what should I do? I could hardly think properly.
But my disordered nerves were put to rest the moment I opened the car door for Mr. Paranagama. His smile, his gentle manner as his outstretched hand clasped mine saying “good morning, young man” were magical words to me, so gently said.
From that moment on was born our wonderful relationship of admiration and respect. Mr. Paranagama was not only my Director, he was also my mentor and friend. I learnt so much from him on how to manage life with all its challenges.
Honesty, reliability, responsibility, punctuality, kindness tempered with firmness, understanding concern for others and so much more. In short, Mr. Paranagama put me through the university of life.
Thank you, Sir, for the inspiring contribution you have made not only on my life, but, I am sure, on so many others too through your exemplary life. We can never thank you enough.
Sene Seneviratne
News
University Act No. 16 of 1978 amended by the University (Amendment) Act No. 17 of 2016 to be amended
The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the Prime Minister in her capacity as the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education to direct the Legal Draftsmen to prepare a draft bill to amend the University Act No. 16 of 1978 amended by the University (Amendment) Act No. 17 of 2016
News
Presidents’ Entitlements Act No. 4 of 1986 and the Parliamentary Pensions Law, No. 1 of 1977 to be amended
In par with the “Pohosath Ratak – Lassana Jeewithayak” (A wealthy country – a beautiful life) policy declaration presented to the public by the current government, the citizens have given a mandate to the government to repeal the special benefits given to the former Presidents and their families and to cancel the pension provided to the Members of Parliament 05 years after their tenure.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Justice and National Integration to instruct the Legal Draftsmen to formulate 02 draft bills to amend the Presidents’ Entitlements Act No. 4 of 1986 and the Parliamentary Pensions Law, No. 1 of 1977; so that cancelling the special benefits granted to former Presidents and their families as well as cancelling the pension of the Members of Parliament will be possible.
As proposed in the budget speech for the year 2025, the government has decided to implement a special fixed deposit scheme for senior citizens.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by the President in his office as the Minister of Finance, Plan Implementation and Economic Development to implement the proposed special fixed deposit scheme as follows:
• To implement this scheme for fixed deposits opened within the period from 01.07.2025 to 31.12.2025 by Sri Lankan citizens of age 60 years or more.
• The period of the fixed deposit is 12 months (one year) and, the maximum deposit value is rupees one million.
• Payment of the higher value from the value when a 3% of additional annual amount to the average weighted fixed deposits rate (AWFDR) or the value when a 3% addition is made to the declared fixed deposit interest rate.
• Allocation of rupees 30 billion for payment of interest relief for this whole programme
University Act No. 16 of 1978 amended by the University (Amendment) Act No. 17 of 2016 to be amended
Presidents’ Entitlements Act No. 4 of 1986 and the Parliamentary Pensions Law, No. 1 of 1977 to be amended
Elderly citizens to get 3% more interest for FDs
-
Features5 days agoThey came, they won, they returned to Jaffna isles
-
News7 days agoUK confirms ongoing war crimes investigation into British mercenaries in Sri Lanka
-
News5 days agoITAK candidate elected B’caloa Mayor as NPP seeks alliance with Pillayan
-
Opinion6 days agoProf. Dissanayake honoured for oustanding contribution to Sinhala literature
-
Features3 days agoAs I remember, from 50 years ago: the 75-80 Katubedda Engineering Batch
-
News6 days agoEnhanced security for Israelis in Sri Lanka
-
Midweek Review7 days ago‘Aragalaya’ could have been thwarted and GR’s presidency saved: Mahinda Siriwardana
-
Business7 days agoBeyond the Numbers: The real costs and benefits of migration for migrant mothers