News
6th Lankan Aviation Contingent in Central African Republic holds UN Service Medal Awarding Parade
The United Nation Service Medal Awarding Parade of 6th Sri Lankan Aviation Contingent, Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), was held recently at the Contingent premises in Bria, Central African Republic, with all necessary precautionary measures against the COVID-19 pandemic, the Air Force said.
It said: Deputy Force Commander, Major General Paulo Maia Pereira, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and was received by the 6th Sri Lankan Aviation Contingent Commander, Wing Commander Jeeth Samarasekara.The local community leaders were also invited for the event to enhance more interaction between United Nations Senior Leadership and other key elements in Central Africa. The Medal Parade was commanded by Wing Commander W.G.N.D. Wewakumbura.
The Parade was followed by Sri Lankan cultural events and a Drill Display performed by contingent members. Pictorial memories of the Sri Lanka Aviation Contingent from its induction to MINUSCA was displayed as the backdrop adding glamour to the Parade. The combined dance performances done on the concept of uniting aesthetic cultural values of two continents was a strong sign of unity at MINUSCA.
These performances were presented by Sri Lanka Aviation Contingent and the Zambian Battalion personnel was greatly appreciated by the senior leadership of MINUSCA.
During the address by the Chief Guest, it was specially emphasised that the Sri Lankan Aviation Contingent was the first Aviation Contingent deployed in MINUSCA and highly appreciated all the Air Operations successfully conducted in Sector East Theatre and the Civil-Military Co-Operation (CIMIC) activities carried out by this Contingent, even with the COVID-19 pandemic situation.
The proceedings concluded after the taking of a group photograph with the Chief Guest which was followed by a social event and a lunch comprising Sri Lankan delicacies, along with Sri Lankan music provided by the Sri Lanka Aviation Calypso Band.
In terms of the provisions of the Establishments Code on payment of festival advance to government officers, there’s a possibility of obtaining rupees 10,000/- as an advance for celebrating festivals of Theipongal, Ramazan, Sinhala and Hindu New Year, Wesak, Deepavali, and Christmas as well as for pilgrimages (Sri Paada pilgrimage and Hajj pilgrimage).
Provisions have been given to recover the said advance in 08 installments or if required earlier without interest. It has been proposed by the Budget 2026 to increase the said festival advance up to rupees 15,000/-.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local governments to revise the relevant provisions so that the festival advance can be increased up to rupees 15,000/- .
As per the approval given by the cabinet meeting held on 02-06-2025, action is being taken at present to offer the underutilized lands/properties of the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Etate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation Company which are under the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure which have been identified under stage one to suitable investors.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure to provide following lands/properties on a lease basis to the suitable investors for optimal utilization following the prescribed procurement procedure.
• underutilized lands/properties identified under stage two owned by the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Estate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation
Company,
• The Mawarala watte land and the Tea factory 40.48 hectares in extent, located in Matara District belonging to the Tea Shakthi Fund.
• The underutilized land of 1,541 hectares in extent of Kondachchi Estate is enjoyed by the Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation.
The drafting of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has commenced with the objective of equitable distribution of the benefits of the fisheries industry and the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture. This policy has been updated from time to time according to current requirements. However, steps have not been taken to obtain the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for that purpose.
According to the policy declaration of the present government, ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’ the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has been redrafted, updating the aforementioned policy in line with the economic and development objectives of the government.
The recommendations of the Department of National Planning have been received for the drafted policy.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Marine
Resources to implement the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, integrating it with other relevant policies.
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Festival advance for government officers to be increased
Providing underutilized lands/properties to suitable investors for optimal utilization.
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