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Attract 5 million tourists annually – President instructs officials

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe urged officials to accelerate efforts towards the goal of attracting 5 million tourists annually to Sri Lanka. These directives were issued during a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday (16), where he engaged with a committee responsible for assessing the progress of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry enhancement program and proposing measures to establish the country as a prominent tourist destination.

During the discussion short, medium, and long term plans were thoroughly deliberated upon to enhance Sri Lanka’s appeal and comfort for tourists. President Wickremesinghe inquired about ongoing plans and the role of the private sector in promoting the nation’s tourism industry. Officials briefed the President on current initiatives and emerging trends.

According to the recommendations set forth by the committee tasked with establishing Sri Lanka as a leading tourist destination, the Ministry of Tourism and its affiliated bodies are currently formulating a strategic plan for up to 2025.



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Urgent investigation ordered regarding role salinity barrier has on Nilwala River flooding

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A special discussion was held on Friday (08) at the Presidential Secretariat, led by Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake the Secretary to the President, and attended by officials from the Irrigation Department, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, and related Ministries to determine if the Salinity Barrier across the Nilwala river is contributing to the floods which lead to agricultural damage.

Dr. Kumanayake has instructed officials to prepare a proposal based on a study by the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Peradeniya. The solutions derived from this report will guide the second phase of the project, with necessary funding requests to be submitted.

Additionally, officials reported that saltwater intrusion has adversely affected livelihoods, with many residents losing farmland. The Secretary highlighted that restoring normal conditions is both a government and official responsibility and directed further action to address flooding in the Matara area.

 

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Chinese funds for Disaster Relief and Monitoring project transferred to General Treasury

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The People’s Republic of China has provided financial assistance totaling approximately Rs. 30 million to compensate for damage to houses and properties caused by natural disasters from January 1 to October 30, 2024. This amount has been transfered to the Treasury.

In addition, the Department of National Budget has allocated further financial provisions to the Ministry of Defence for the reconstruction of homes affected by the disasters. The Department of Treasury Operations has promptly released these funds to the Ministry of Defence.

These additional provisions were necessary because the 2024 budget did not include adequate funds to address the needs of disaster victims.

Furthermore, material assistance worth 10 million Yuan is expected from the People’s Republic of China under the Emergency Humanitarian Assistance Program. The goods will be properly accounted for and distributed once received.

Finally, steps have been taken to ensure the timely disbursement of compensation for damaged homes and properties, as well as the swift completion of reconstruction and renovation efforts, through the Disaster Relief and Monitoring Project.

[PMD]

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Chairman and Vice Chairman appointed

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Names of Chairman and Vice Chairman, who are declared appointed in terms of section 66 B (1) of the Local authorities elections Ordinance, for the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha situated in the administrative District of Galle

Accordingly, Kolamba Thanthreege Nishantha Perera has been appointed Chairman and Wagoda Pathirage Sumith chandana has been appointed Vice Chairman.

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