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Nano-nitrogen deal: Opposition calls for probe
The allegations of underhand payments in importing nano-nitrogen liquid fertilizer and in government depositing USD 1.275 million to an account of a private company as payment violating the due process should be probed, says Chief Opposition Whip Kandy District MP Lakshman Kiriella.
Speaking to journalists when he made a visit on Saturday to inspect alleged damage the Kandy Children Park has suffered due to the expansion of Getambe Roundabout, the Chief Opposition Whip said there were some who engaged in farming for hobby. Those engaged in farming as a hobby is a very insignificant number compared to the number of those engaged in agriculture as their livelihood. Now, those who are engaged in farming for leisure are making various statements about fertilizer problems and those statements ridicule the farming community. Importing fertilizer has been in practice for decades. Ministers have never been to the port or the airport to receive them. When the stock of nano-nitrogen fertilizer was brought down a minister went to receive it. That action corroborates the allegation that there were secret dealings in this affair. Further to that due process has not been followed in depositing a sum of USD 1.275 to a private company set up within 24 hours.
The Treasury had requested the People’s Bank to release USD 1.275 million as payment for nitrogen fertiliser, on Oct 18. Although the due process for this type of transaction was to make payments from the accounts maintained by the Ceylon Fertiliser Company Ltd., the government had ordered the People’s Bank to open a separate private account at its Town Hall Branch under the name ‘United Farmers Trust Limited’ on 18 Oct., and funds were transferred to a private company account to the tune of USD 1.275 million or Rs. 290 million.
Parliament had not been informed of the matter, the Chief Opposition Whip said.
He said that the Kandy Children Park had been constructed on a request he made to the then President Chandrika Kumaratunga to mark the 50th anniversary of Independence. “I made inquiries from Highways Minister Johnston Fernando in this regard. The minister promised that ongoing constructions would not harm the park. I spoke to the construction company and they too told me that they would re-construct the park once their roundabout widening project is completed,” MP Kiriella said.
News
We aspire to build a nation where all citizens coexist in peace and resilience for the future generation -PM
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government is ready to listen to the people and aspire to ensure a peaceful and united nation for future generations.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing public gatherings on April 20 at the Manik Farm Community Development Centre in Settikulam and the Ukkulankulam Ground in the Vanni electoral district.
The current Parliament has the highest number of female representation in its history. Previously, women constituted less than 5% of Parliament out of the total number of 225 However, 52% of the country’s population are women.
Women play a significant role in sustaining the economy, maintaining family structures, and upholding society yet their representation in decision-making bodies has been limited. Therefore, we urge you to elect not only male representation to Parliament but also more female representatives from the Vanni district.
Vavuniya is currently developing into a thriving city. Therefore, essential services expected from provincial councils must be effectively delivered. Local government bodies should actively participate in the development of the rural sector.
We recognize that education holds significant value for the people of the North. You place great importance on education. However, the country’s education system has deteriorated and weakened. Specifically, the lack of necessary attention to the education sector in the North has made it more challenging compared to other regions. Moreover, I have learned of a more alarming issue that the diminishing value placed on education by young men and women. Clandestine Drug Distribution and alcohol are now readily visible in everywhere. There are no avenues for youth to find joy while avoiding these substances. The underdevelopment of fields such as science, arts, and drama has left them without means to find happiness. Therefore, significant interventions must be necessary.
If you elect a group that is free from corruption and fraud, we can allocate funds without hesitation, ensuring they reach the appropriate hands. These funds can then be directed towards the development of your village. That is why your choice is important.
The events were attended by Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development, Upali Samarasinghe, Vavuniya District MPs S. Thileepan and M. Jegatheeswaran, along with the local government candidates and residents.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
The Sri Dalada Maligawa has announced that due to the large number of devotees coming to Kandy to venerate the sacred tooth relic, the time of exposition of the sacred tooth relic has been extended by an hour.
Accordingly the public can pay homage from 11.30am upto 05.30pm from today [21]
Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican has announced.
His Eminence, Cardinal Farrell, announced with sorrow the death of Pope Francis, with these words: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.” “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.”
Farrell adds: “With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Francis’s papacy heralded many firsts and while he never stopped introducing reforms to the Catholic Church, he remained popular among traditionalists.
He was the first Pope from the Americas or the southern hemisphere. Not since Syrian-born Gregory III died in 741 had there been a non-European Bishop of Rome.
He was also the first Jesuit to be elected to the throne of St Peter – Jesuits were historically looked on with suspicion by Rome.
Francis’s predecessor, Benedict XVI, was the first Pope to retire voluntarily in almost 600 years and for almost a decade the Vatican Gardens hosted two popes.
As Cardinal Bergoglio of Argentina, he was already in his seventies when he became Pope in 2013.
[BBC]
We aspire to build a nation where all citizens coexist in peace and resilience for the future generation -PM
Exposition of sacred tooth relic extended by an hour –
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