News
Police step up efforts to keep Sri Pada free from drugs and alcohol; 14 arrested and prosecuted
By Nalaka Ratnayake
The Hatton Police Division, covering Nallathanniya, Maskeliya, Polpitiya, Nortonbridge, Ginigathhena, and Norwood, have launched special operations to combat drug trafficking and the illegal use of alcohol along the Hatton Road leading to Adam’s Peak during the Sripada pilgrimage season.
Last week, 14 individuals had been arrested for carrying drugs, including hashish, ganja, ganja mixed with herbal pills, and marijuana-laced cigarettes. The suspects were apprehended while travelling with other pilgrims to the sacred site, Superintendent of Police Hatton Division P, Pradeep Weerasekera said.
Weerasekera said that police had been instructed to conduct random checks on bags at various locations along the road to the mountain peak. The special operations will continue throughout the pilgrimage season in an effort to arrest those attempting to bring illegal substances or alcohol into the area.
“We are committed to ensuring that the Sripada pilgrimage remains a sacred journey for all,” said Weerasekera. “This is not a picnic, and visitors must behave respectfully when visiting this holy shrine.”
He said that bringing alcohol or drugs to Sripada was inappropriate and would not be tolerated. All police stations in the Hatton Police Division have been placed on high alert, with officers specifically tasked to identify and apprehend individuals or groups attempting to carry alcohol or drugs during the pilgrimage season.
In addition, emergency roadblocks will be set up to check vehicles transporting pilgrims. Those caught with illegal substances will not be allowed to continue their pilgrimage and they will be detained at police stations and presented in court.
“We urge all pilgrims to visit the Sripada shrine with respect and reverence, without bringing alcohol or drugs,” Weerasekera said.
In terms of the provisions of the Establishments Code on payment of festival advance to government officers, there’s a possibility of obtaining rupees 10,000/- as an advance for celebrating festivals of Theipongal, Ramazan, Sinhala and Hindu New Year, Wesak, Deepavali, and Christmas as well as for pilgrimages (Sri Paada pilgrimage and Hajj pilgrimage).
Provisions have been given to recover the said advance in 08 installments or if required earlier without interest. It has been proposed by the Budget 2026 to increase the said festival advance up to rupees 15,000/-.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local governments to revise the relevant provisions so that the festival advance can be increased up to rupees 15,000/- .
As per the approval given by the cabinet meeting held on 02-06-2025, action is being taken at present to offer the underutilized lands/properties of the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Etate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation Company which are under the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure which have been identified under stage one to suitable investors.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure to provide following lands/properties on a lease basis to the suitable investors for optimal utilization following the prescribed procurement procedure.
• underutilized lands/properties identified under stage two owned by the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Estate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation
Company,
• The Mawarala watte land and the Tea factory 40.48 hectares in extent, located in Matara District belonging to the Tea Shakthi Fund.
• The underutilized land of 1,541 hectares in extent of Kondachchi Estate is enjoyed by the Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation.
The drafting of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has commenced with the objective of equitable distribution of the benefits of the fisheries industry and the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture. This policy has been updated from time to time according to current requirements. However, steps have not been taken to obtain the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for that purpose.
According to the policy declaration of the present government, ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’ the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has been redrafted, updating the aforementioned policy in line with the economic and development objectives of the government.
The recommendations of the Department of National Planning have been received for the drafted policy.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Marine
Resources to implement the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, integrating it with other relevant policies.
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Festival advance for government officers to be increased
Providing underutilized lands/properties to suitable investors for optimal utilization.
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