News

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

Published

2 years ago

2023/07/24

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.

All News Advertisement

Related Topics:Featured Jeevan Thondaman Modi Slpp

Up Next

Bomb attack on CB: Manohara frowns on presidential pardon for two convicted Tigers

Don't Miss

Ousting govt. only way to solve country’s problems – Women for Rights

Thilina Walpola

Click to comment

News

Two books written based on parliamentary legacy presented to PM

Published

4 hours ago

2025/03/18

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya was presented with two books namely ’Darkness at Daybreak’ by . Nandasiri Jasen Thuliyan and ’Memories of 33 Years in Parliament’ by Attorney-at-Law Nihal Senewiratne on March 15, at the Parliament premises.Both publications were written based on parliamentary recollection of events. Notably, Mr. Nihal Senewiratne, who served as the Secretary General to Parliament for 17 years, authored ’Memories of 33 Years in Parliament’ based on his extensive 33-year tenure in parliamentary service.The event was attended by the Attorney, Mrs. Dhanushki Liyanapatabendi.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

News

Strengthen law enforcement processes to protect public law and order without any external influence – President

Published

4 hours ago

2025/03/18

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Disanayake instructed police chiefs of the Southern Province to carry out their duties without any influence. The President further stated that his government would facilitate this process by ensuring political authority provides the necessary assistance.

President Disanayake made these remarks during a discussion held today (18) at the Presidential Secretariat with police chiefs of the Southern Province.

The President emphasized that everyone must abide by the country’s fundamental laws and stated that enforcing these laws is the responsibility of the police department.

During the discussion, police chiefs of the Southern Province briefed the President on reports related to organized crimes and drug-related offenses. In response, President Disanayake instructed officials to take all necessary measures swiftly to combat crimes.

He also directed the officers to strengthen law enforcement processes to protect public law and order without any external influence.

Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala; Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala; Acting Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya; and several Southern Province police chiefs were also present at the discussion.

Latest News

President holds discussions with Western Province Police chiefs

Published

5 hours ago

2025/03/18

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that steps will be taken to provide the necessary facilities to eliminate organized crime and drug abuse, as well as to introduce new legislation.

The President made these remarks during a discussion held today (18) at the Presidential Secretariat with the police chiefs of the Western Province.

He emphasized that maintaining the rule of law is a key responsibility of the Police Department.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake further stated that a just society cannot be established in Sri Lanka without ensuring the supremacy of the rule of law.

Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala; Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala; Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Ravi Seneviratne; Acting Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya; and several Western Province police chiefs were also present at the event.