News
President pledges to commit Lankan forces to safeguard global peace and stability
President Ranil Wickremesinghe said on Thursday (29) that Sri Lanka has been committed to safeguarding world peace and regional stability, and that he is ready to make decisive decisions for global peace.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe made this statement at the Sri Lanka Air Force Cadet Officers Commissioning Ceremony held at the Air Force Base China Bay, Trincomalee.
He also said the armed forces are “responsible and accountable for achieving this objective.”He said if the economic rights of Sri Lanka are harmed in the Red Sea, the country will take action to protect them.
He urged the cadets “to be prepared to follow the directives of your superiors. True discipline can only be achieved through mutual respect and adherence to authority.”
The President said: “You are entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the country from internal and external hostile forces. Presently, our nation’s economy, social structure, and political system are emerging from a state of collapse. We cannot regress to that era; thus, we must progress forward from here. A significant modernization of the country is imperative for this purpose. We must embark on a swift economic transformation towards rapid development.
Moreover, it is essential not only to safeguard our nation from external threats but also to uphold regional security in light of the current international political landscape.
Any disturbance to the peace and stability of the region poses a threat to our country. We cannot thrive in isolation; rather, we must collaborate with other nations and progress together.
‘As a country that has experienced conflict, it is our duty to actively participate in initiatives aimed at maintaining stability and security in the region. Additionally, global peace is of utmost importance to us. Therefore, if the involvement of our armed forces is required in such endeavours, our nation should be prepared to intervene.
“Our security forces have played a significant role in safeguarding the state of Mali from terrorism, earning appreciation from others for their efforts. In the event that our economic rights are compromised in the Red Sea, we are steadfast in our commitment to protecting them.
Over the next decade, our armed forces will undergo significant transformations to align with the technological advancements of the modern era. In today’s technologically driven world, our military operations are increasingly reliant on technology, and it is imperative that we systematically adapt to this reality. I hereby declare that you, as members of our armed forces, are tasked with advancing as a formidable military force, equipped to navigate these evolving challenges effectively.”
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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