News
Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE gifts autographed books to the WNPS
Dr. Jane Goodall, recently gifted several signed copies of her “The Book of Hope” to the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS) for their library and to Sri Lankan youth as a means of spreading the word and inspiring them to remain hopeful of their future,.
An ethologist and environmentalist, Dr. Goodall is Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and a UN Messenger of Peace and is known for her ground-breaking research into the lives of wild chimpanzees in Gombe, western Tanzania. Dr. Goodall was interested to learn of the work being done by WNPS to protect Sri Lankan nature and its different species, including the Toque Macaques, who were under threat of export in the recent past ( www.wnpssl.org ).
Dr. Goodall’s powerful message to protect all living creatures is complemented by her campaign to spread optimism and hope for future generations as evidenced by Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots programme. Founded in 1991, Roots & Shoots empowers young people of all ages to become involved in hands-on projects of their choosing to benefit people, animals (including domestic animals) and the environment and is now active in more than 65 countries.
At the invitation of the WNPS, she addressed and inspired Sri Lankan audiences through the Nations Trust WNPS public lecture series two years ago, (see Monthly Lectures – The Wildlife & Nature Protection Society, Sri Lanka (wnpssl.org) ) and continues to engage with the team when possible. Among many elements touched on during her message for International Biodiversity Day this year she spoke of the importance of Ecosystems, Rewilding, and Green Forest Corridors as critical elements for species protection and was happy to hear about the efforts of WNPS PLANT to build more forest corridors in Sri Lanka (www.plantsl.org).
“She encouraged us all to keep working on these tough challenges and urged us to seek to find a better balance with our wildlife. Dr. Goodall also pointed out the similarities in the work being done by the WNPS Youth Wing and her global humanitarian and environmental programme Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots (www.rootsandshoots.global) and encouraged WNPS to explore opportunities to partner further,” the release said.
Accepting the books and thanking her on behalf of the WNPS team, Past President Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne extended the WNPS appreciation to her for her inspiration and support for the work being done by the teams and partners, and for shining a bright light for so many to follow.
“The WNPS, as the third oldest conservation organization in the world, wishes her all success and good health, as she continues her tireless dedication towards building hope for the natural world, and for humanity. The WNPS hopes that she might be able to find time amidst her busy schedule to visit Sri Lanka at some future date to address local audiences in person,” the release concluded.
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.
Implementation of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy
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