News
Colombage seeks Kadawatha people’s support for flood management plan
By Thushara Athapaththu
Colombo District candidate for the New Democratic Front (NDF), Roshan Colombage, announced his plan for managing floodwaters in the Kelani River valley and urged voters to support his party to implement this initiative.
Speaking at a rally in Kadawatha in support of candidates contesting under the gas cylinder symbol, Colombage said: “We have recently fought against the Rajapaksa family’s rule, which has led to this country’s bankruptcy, and they must be held accountable for the ongoing crisis. Kadawatha has experienced severe flooding, and while the political landscape may change, we need effective solutions for this water issue. What proposals does the NPP have? I am committed to presenting a viable solution that will benefit not only Kadawatha but also the entire Kelani valley, ultimately aiding the country.”
As a former municipal council member and organizer for the Sri Lanka Freedom Party in Kadawatha, Colombage said, “This election offers the people of Kadawatha the chance to send a representative to Parliament. I have consistently spoken out against corruption and fraud. A few years ago, I successfully intervened to stop a massive corruption scheme worth 150 million rupees in the Kadawatha municipal council. I operate with integrity and transparency.
I have also personally invested in supporting new entrepreneurs, who are now successfully establishing their businesses. We need to develop a strong business class to advance this country. Just look at how much progress China has made, with women playing a significant role in that development. Empowering our female community is essential for the betterment of our nation. I urge the people of Kadawatha to support me as their representative under the gas cylinder symbol, striving for a greater turnout than in the last presidential election.”
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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