News
Jeevan to consult hillcountry MPs over utilisation of Rs. 3 bn Indian grant

By Shamindra Ferdinando
CWC General Secretary and Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development Minister Jeevan Thondaman yesterday (23) said that he intended to consult lawmakers representing the hill country regarding Indian grant of Sri Lanka Rs 3 bn exclusively for the Indian origin Tamil community here. The new entrant to parliamentary politics said that their proposals would be submitted to New Delhi through the High Commission here.
Minister Thondaman said so in response to The Island query as to how he intended to proceed in the wake of the grant announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during talks with the Sri Lanka delegation, led by President Wickremesinghe. Minister Thondaman, who had been on Wickremesinghe delegation, said that the Indian grant would be utilized primarily to uplift education and health sectors.
The CWC contested the last general election on the SLPP ticket.
The Indian High Commission in Colombo quoted Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra as having told the media in New Delhi, soon after the conclusion of talks at Hyderabad House, India would implement a development package exclusively centered for the Indian origin Tamil community.
Kwatra said: “This year, as you would all know, marks the 200 years of the arrival of the Indian origin Tamil community in Sri Lanka and to commemorate this significant moment of history the Prime Minister announced that the Government of India will be implementing a development.”
Minister Thondaman said that their focus would be particularly on the education sector. According to him, the Delhi discussions covered the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, energy and economic development, and development of Indian Origin Tamil Community. “I highlighted that providing infrastructure facilities alone will not empower the up country but providing quality education will provide sustainable transformation.”
Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) leader Mano Ganeshan issued a statement appreciating the grant announced by Premier Modi.
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Prof. Gananath Obeyesekere passes away aged 95
Emeritus Professor of Anthropology Gananath Obeyesekere has passed away at the age of 95.
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Acceptance of nominations for Punakiri, Mannar and Dehiattakandiya local authorities ends at 12 noon on Thursday (27th March 2025)

The Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Rathnayake issuing a media release states that the acceptance of nominations for the Punakiri Pradeshiya Sabha in the Kilinochchi district, Mannar Pradeshiya Sabha in the Mannar district and Dehiattakandiya Pradeshiya Sabha in the Ampara district which commenced on 24th March will end at 12noon on 27th March 2025.
The poll notice for the three above named local authorities was published on 10th March 2025 and the acceptance of deposits for the same will end at 12noon on 26th March 2025.
News
Navy assist to conduct St. Anthony’s Church festival in Palaitivu

The annual festival of St. Anthony’s Church on the Palaitivu Island, Jaffna was successfully held on 21 and 22 Mar 25.
Demonstrating its commitment to community and social responsibility, the Sri Lanka Navy enabled facilities for the conduct of the event and
convenience of devotees.
In accordance with the directives of the Commander of the Navy and under the supervision of the Commander Northern Naval Area, the Navy provided sea transportation for the event. Additionally, they ensured the safety and convenience of devotees by providing sanitary and medical facilities, drinking water, essential infrastructure, and deploying lifesaving teams.
The main mass of the church festival was conducted by the Vicar General of the Jaffna Diocese Very Rev. Fr. P Josephdas Jebarathnam.
This year’s event saw the participation of a gathering of priests and nuns from various regions, alongside a significant number of devotees.
The festival also highlighted the Navy’s ongoing dedication to fostering social welfare and promoting religious and cultural harmony.
(Navy Media)
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