News
Japan donates PPE to solid waste management workers
Governor of the Western Province Roshan Goonetileke (left) at a recent event to receive JICA assistance(pic courtesy Japanese embassy)
Extending Japan’s continuous support to Sri Lanka, helping to protect solid waste management workers, currently engaged in work amidst Covid-19, Chief Representative, JICA Sri Lanka Office Fusato Tanaka, handed over Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to State Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Sarath Weerasekera recently, JICA said in a statement.
Governor of the Western Province Roshan Goonetileke, and other officials from both institutions were also present on the occasion. The grant included 17,000 masks, 3,000 gloves, 360 pairs of boots, hand sanitizers, and protective kits to be used to protect more than 500 essential solid waste management workers currently engaged in work under Covid-19.
Over the years, JICA has been extending technical support for solid waste management in Sri Lanka under its Technical Cooperation Projects where Japanese experts and Sri Lankan counterparts work together solving challenges towards the proper management of solid waste in the country.
Currently, under the ‘Project for Formulation of Western Province Solid Waste Management Master Plan’, JICA is supporting the National Solid Waste Management Support Center (NSWMSC), Waste Management Authority, Western Province, relevant government agencies and local authorities, to formulate a long-term strategic plan for solid waste management in the Western Province.
The Project also helps capacity development of relevant authorities under emergency situations such as Covid-19. Hence, in response to the spread of Covid-19, a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) for the Western Province has also been added to the scope of the Master Plan. This will enable local authorities in Sri Lanka to continue their essential work under any emergency situation such as the present pandemic.
At the handing over ceremony, Fusato Tanaka has stated that solid waste management is essential work for the community. Therefore, it is vital to pay attention towards their personal hygiene as well as assist them in maintaining a healthy work environment to protect themselves and the entire community. He further emphasized that catastrophic situation such as the present pandemic heightens the need for cooperation among countries to face them successfully and Japan has always been willing to extend a helping hand to Sri Lanka.
Seven newly appointed foreign ambassadors to Sri Lanka presented their credentials to President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (15) at the Presidential Secretariat.
The new ambassadors represent the State of Israel, the Argentine Republic, the Republic of Zimbabwe, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Tajikistan, the Kingdom of Cambodia, and the Kingdom of Denmark.
Accordingly:
* Mr. Mariano Agustin Caucino has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Argentine Republic, based in New Delhi.
* Ms. Stella Nkomo has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Zimbabwe, based in New Delhi.
* Mr. Reuven Javier Azar has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the State of Israel, based in New Delhi.
* Ms. Nina P. Cringlet has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Republic of the Philippines, based in Dhaka.
* Mr. Lukmon Bobokalonzoda has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Tajikistan, based in New Delhi.
* Ms. Rath Many has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, based in New Delhi.
* Mr. Rasmus Kristensen has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Denmark, based in New Delhi.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, were also present at the occasion.
News
Presidential secretariat launches initiative to install sanitation facilities at fuel stations under “Clean Sri Lanka”
In a landmark move to promote public hygiene and accessibility, the Government on Wednesday (14) launched a national-level initiative to install modern sanitation facilities at fuel stations across the country under the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme.
The official launch was held at the Presidential Secretariat, with the participation of top government officials and key industry stakeholders.
The initiative aims to transform fuel stations into clean, safe and inclusive spaces by providing essential sanitation infrastructure accessible to all segments of the public, particularly women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities.
An MoU was signed between the Presidential Task Force on Clean Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Energy and the island’s four major fuel providers: Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), Lanka IOC PLC (LIOC), Sinopec Energy Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and RM Parks (Pvt) Ltd.
Under the three-year programme, 540 modern public sanitation facilities will be established at selected fuel stations islandwide. The timeline for rollout is as follows:
| Company | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPC | 25 | 50 | 50 |
| LIOC | 25 | 50 | 40 |
| Sinopec | 25 | 50 | 75 |
| RM Parks | 25 | 50 | 75 |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 240 |
By the end of 2025, at least 100 of these facilities are expected to be operational, providing clean and user-friendly amenities to travellers across the country.
Speaking at the event, Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake stated, “This is not just a policy commitment but a promise to build a healthier, cleaner and more dignified Sri Lanka. The Clean Sri Lanka initiative seeks to deliver long-term public services that meet modern hygiene standards.” He also highlighted that this partnership between the public and private sectors sets an example for delivering effective and sustainable services. Plans are in place to encourage further participation from large-scale private sector entities, such as retail chains, to extend the reach and impact of the programme.
The event was attended by Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, Prof. Udayanga Hemapala; Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Russell Aponsu; senior executives from the four fuel providers; and officials from the Clean Sri Lanka Presidential Task Force.
News
Financial assistance from the President’s Fund for next of kin of victims of the Kotmale bus accident disbursed through Divisional Secretariats
On the instructions of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, the funds allocated from the President’s Fund for those who lost their lives in the recent bus accident in the Garandiella area, Kotmale have now been forwarded to the relevant Divisional Secretariats.
Accordingly, a sum of Rs. 1 million will be provided to the next of kin of each individual whose life was lost in the accident, and the funds will be handed over to their respective family members.
These funds have been released to the Divisional Secretariats of the following areas—Tissamaharama, Lunugamvehera, Welimada, Haldummulla, Ella, Kundasale, Bamunakotuwa, Paduwasnuwara West, Polpithigama, Wanathawilluwa, Chilaw, Buttala, Thanamalwila, Wellawaya, Kanthale and Rambewa where the 22 individuals who lost their lives in the accident were residents.
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