News
President meets with the staff of ‘Udayan’ Newspaper
President Ranil Wickremesinghe acknowledged the need for a permanent solution to the ethnic issue. However, he emphasized that, at this time, it is crucial for all Sri Lankans to unite in the effort to build the country, setting aside racial and religious differences.
The President made this remark during a meeting with the staff of the ‘Udayan’ newspaper this morning (03) in Jaffna. Several other journalists from the province were also present on the occasion.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, during his visit to Jaffna, attended a meeting where he was respectfully received by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Udayan Newspaper and Member of Parliament E. Saravanabhavan, along with Chief Editor Mr. T. Prabhakaran and other staff members.
The President engaged in a friendly conversation with the journalists and provided positive responses to some of their questions.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted that the country’s main challenge was to overcome bankruptcy. He noted that having resolved this issue last June, he can now concentrate on addressing other concerns.
The President noted that during his visit to Jaffna over the past two days, the primary concerns expressed by the youth were employment opportunities and future stability. He emphasized that these expectations of the youth are the same across both the North and South.
The President also stated that his goal is to create ample opportunities for provincial development by strengthening the provincial councils. He assured that the central government will support each province in this endeavour.
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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Providing underutilized lands/properties to suitable investors for optimal utilization.
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