News
Institute of Chemistry launches action plan
Institute of Chemistry Ceylon (IChemC) recently launched an action plan for 2022/2023 at a ceremony held at Waters Edge, Battaramulla. The plan included the inauguration of a Secretariat for Professional Practice of Chemistry, Professional Development (CPD) programme, VChemEX 2023 – Virtual Educational – Industrial Exhibition and Trade Fair, introduction of proposal postgraduate degrees of Chemical Science and establishment of a Chemical Laboratory and Chemist Training Centre.
Minister of Education and Leader of the House Dr. Susil Premajayantha was the Chief Guest, while Prof. Sirimali Fernando participated as the Guest of Honour.
The welcome and the introductory address was delivered by the President of IChemC 2022/2023, N. M.S. Hettigedara, emphasising the continuous professional development of chemists who can play a vital role in the development of the economy, as well as in achieving the sustainable development goals.
Dr. Susil Premajayantha appreciated the action plan meant to enhance economic development through professional development of chemists and quality improvement of the chemical industries in the country. The Minister emphasised the importance of achieving Sustainable Development Goals of the agenda 2030 of the United Nations as a member country of IUPAC and as a professional organiation in Chemistry.
Prof Sirimali Fernando, Secretary General to the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO (SLNCU), expressed her appreciation on launching a set of activities that promote basic sciences which is on par with the 2022 International Year of Basic Sciences to achieve SDG declared by UNESCO.
Hettigedara explained that formation of the National Secretariat enables to create a group of chemistry professionals to be responsible to certify the quality of raw materials and industrial products, as well as authorized persons to be regulated on handling and disposal of chemicals in the country.
He also introduced VChemEX 2023 as a platform to promote the industrial products of manufacturing companies, while enhancing the consumer protection by providing product information such as raw materials, processors and quality assurance. This exhibition will be conducted for a period of one year.
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.
Lanka Premier League draft set to take place on March 22
Trump to meet Venezuelan opposition leader Machado at the White House
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
Expressions of Interest called to develop selected locations within the Pelawatte Sugar Factory premises
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
News3 days agoSajith: Ashoka Chakra replaces Dharmachakra in Buddhism textbook
-
Business3 days agoDialog and UnionPay International Join Forces to Elevate Sri Lanka’s Digital Payment Landscape
-
Features3 days agoThe Paradox of Trump Power: Contested Authoritarian at Home, Uncontested Bully Abroad
-
Features3 days agoSubject:Whatever happened to (my) three million dollars?
-
News3 days agoLevel I landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Badulla, Kandy, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended
-
News3 days agoNational Communication Programme for Child Health Promotion (SBCC) has been launched. – PM
-
News3 days ago65 withdrawn cases re-filed by Govt, PM tells Parliament
-
Opinion5 days agoThe minstrel monk and Rafiki, the old mandrill in The Lion King – II