News
People’s Bank’s ‘Mahajana Mehewara’ uplifts seven under-resourced schools through solar power electricity
People’s Bank’s ‘Mahajana Mehewara’ corporate social responsibility program, dedicated to supplying electricity through solar power to under-resourced schools in rural areas together with Manusath Derana, has successfully empowered seven schools. These schools now have access to electricity, marking a significant stride in enhancing educational facilities and opportunities in our country.
The seven recipients of these solar powered electricity systems were Meemure Galamuduna Junior School, Meegahakiula, Kalukele Junior School Ratnapura, Ayagama, Dumbara Ellagawa, Dumbara No.2 Tamil Vidyalaya, Kebethigollawa, Ellawewa Muslim School, Bambare, Solepura Primary School, Mannar Gauriamman Government Tamil Mixed School and Galle Pitadeniya Maha Vidyalaya.
People’s Bank Chairman Sujeewa Rajapakse said: “For the past 62 years, People’s Bank has been dedicated to offering banking and financial services to all Sri Lankans, ensuring our commitment to society at every turn. Our success lies not in profit prioritization but in fostering a profound connection with the public. We stand by them in joyous and challenging times alike.
Last year, we initiated the ‘Mahajana Mehewara’ corporate social responsibility program as part of our ongoing mission to enhance social services nationwide. As a crucial first step, we brought electricity to rural schools through solar power installations. We believe these solar units will maximize benefits, fostering an enriched educational environment for children and securing a brighter future for them.”
People’s Bank CEO/General Manager Clive Fonseka said: “As a socially responsible financial institution, People’s Bank is committed to alleviating the challenges faced by today’s school children in their pursuit of education. We aim to achieve this by implementing solutions that not only ease their academic burdens but also contribute to environmental sustainability. The introduction of solar power systems in schools is a significant stride towards this objective.
These systems will bring substantial benefits by providing free electricity to the entire school, particularly crucial at a time when the cost of electricity has surged. This initiative aligns with our dedication to supporting educational institutions and fostering eco-friendly practices. Looking ahead, People’s Bank envisions numerous upcoming projects as part of the ‘Mahajana Mehewara’ corporate social responsibility program. These initiatives are poised to make a transformative impact on communities, enhancing lives across the country.”
Principal of the Kalukele Junior School W. Dissanayake commented, “We are very happy and excited to receive much-needed electricity to our school thanks to the wonderful contribution by People’s Bank. There is no doubt that this is a great strength to the school, the teachers and the children. We wish People’s Bank the very best in its efforts to continue with such corporate social responsibility programs.”
Latest News
Landslide Early Warnings issued to the districts of Kalutara, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura
The National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] has issued landslide early warnings to the districts of Kalutara, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura effective from 0400hrs on 12th June 2026 to 0400hrs on 13th June 2026
Accordingly,
LEVEL I [YELLOW] landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Palindanuwara in the Kalutara district, Doluwa in the Kandy district, Ambagamuwa in the Nuwara Eliya district and Pelmadulla, Ayagama, Ratnapura, Godakawela, Kalawana and Nivitigala in the Ratnapura district
News
Wife, counsel seek regular access to ex-Spy Chief Sallay held under President’s detention order
Wife of former State Intelligence Chief Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Suresh Sallay has asked CID Director retired SSP Shani Abeysekera to allow her, her family members and lawyers to visit her husband in the National Hospital, Colombo. Sallay’s counsel has also written to Abeysekera, asking for permission to visit the former spy held on a detention order signed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The text of Manori’s letter: “I respectfully request your assistance in granting me, and my daughter or alternatively my son, permission to visit my husband, Rtd. Major General Suresh Sallay, who is currently at the National Hospital, Colombo.
“As you are aware, my husband is presently engaged in a fast-unto-death campaign. His physical condition and emotional well-being are of deep concern to our family. During this difficult period, the presence and support of his immediate family are extremely important to him.
“I firmly believe that regular visits from me with our daughter or our son would help uplift his spirits, provide him with much-needed emotional strength, and may encourage him to reconsider continuing this course of action. Family support can play a vital role in preserving his mental and emotional health while he remains hospitalised.
“In view of these exceptional circumstances, I kindly request that permission be granted for either me and my daughter or my son to visit him daily during the period of his hospitalisation.
“I would be most grateful for your compassionate consideration of this request.”
“The text of the counsel’s letter: “I write in my capacity as Counsel for Rtd. Major General Suresh Sallay, who is presently under detention and admitted to the National Hospital, Colombo.
As you are aware, Major General Sallay has embarked on a fast-unto-death campaign, giving rise to serious concerns regarding his physical and mental well-being. In these circumstances, it is imperative that I be granted reasonable and regular access to my client during his hospitalisation.
As his legal representative, I have a professional obligation to monitor his condition and obtain instructions from him so that I may accurately apprise the relevant courts of his health status and any developments affecting his rights and welfare. Effective legal representation requires continuous communication with my client, particularly in light of the grave circumstances presently confronting him.
I also wish to respectfully highlight that Major General Sallay has placed explicit trust and confidence in me as his counsel. Indeed, I was the first person he contacted following his arrest.
Given the trust he reposes in me, I believe I am uniquely positioned to engage with him constructively and persuade him to discontinue this campaign and instead place his confidence in the legal remedies and judicial processes available to him.
For these reasons, I respectfully request that I be granted permission to visit my client on a daily basis during the period of his hospitalization.
Such access would not only facilitate the discharge of my professional responsibilities but may also contribute meaningfully towards safeguarding his health and encouraging a resolution through lawful and institutional means.
News
CIABOC summons Yoshitha over his participation in British Navy training programme
Yoshitha Rajapaksa, who served as a Lieutenant in the Sri Lanka Navy, has now been summoned to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption next Tuesday (16) for questioning over his participation in a Royal Navy training programme in the United Kingdom outside established procedures.
The Commission is expected to record statements in relation to several complaints received regarding his recruitment and subsequent service in the Navy after he enlisted on December 14, 2006.
According to sources, the investigation focuses on allegations concerning the educational qualifications considered at the time of his enlistment, as well as foreign training opportunities he is said to have received while in service, which are suspected to have been granted in violation of due process.
The Bribery Commission has launched the inquiry under the provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act, officials said.
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