News

Prez says he told AG perpetrators of Easter carnage and bond scams must be brought to justice

Published

5 years ago

2021/02/5

‘No escape for wrongdoers’

Steps had been taken to implement the recommendations of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) on the Easter Sunday attacks, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said, yesterday, addressing the nation on the Independence Day.

Rajapaksa said that he would also take into consideration the recommendations of the previous Parliament’s Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security, and action would be taken against all parties involved in the carnage.

“We will not allow those responsible for designing and enabling this tragedy to escape justice. We will never allow extremism to raise its head again in this country,” the President said.

President Rajapaksa also said that he had advised the Attorney General to take necessary action on the Treasury bond scams.

The President said that he had established a Presidential Deregulation Commission to change the outdated laws and regulations that negatively affected the general public as well as the domestic and foreign companies.

For a long time the importance of simplifying outdated laws and regulations had been discussed but nothing to address it. Implementing the recommendations of this Commission would provide significant impetus to the country’s future economic development, he said.

“Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour” policy statement articulated the need for educational reforms to foster a knowledgeable and skilled future generation. Accordingly, a separate State Ministry had been created to undertake the reforms needed in the education sector.

Two task forces had been created to obtain specialist assistance for these reforms, and their recommendations were already being implemented, said President Rajapaksa.

“During the course of this year, the number of students gaining admission to universities will increase by 10,000, or 30 percent. Provisions have been made to double the number of students entering the state Technical Colleges from 100,000 to 200,000. Approval has been granted for the creation of a system of city universities catering to every district in order to increase the capacity of universities. We are acting quickly to implement recommendations for educational reforms. As a result, we anticipate that there will be an appreciable qualitative improvement in the education sector within the next few years,” he said.

President Rajapaksa said that he established a dedicated Ministry of Technology and brought it under his purview. Through that Ministry, steps would be taken to develop the policies and legal framework required to improve the technology sector, as well as to simplify the functioning of the state sector and markets through the use of information technology as a tool for broader digital governance. Action had already been taken to create five technology parks with all facilities in five identified districts in order to encourage entrepreneurs and start-ups in the technology sector.

Rajapaksa said that a number of groups supported him when he ran for presidency and that he believed that a vast majority of those people did so not in search of personal benefits but because they expected him to serve the nation diligently.

“I am always prepared to fulfill the genuine expectations of the public that supported me with honest intent. However, I will never take decisions that will damage the country and to please those who seek gains for themselves personally or for their businesses”, the President said.

Given below are excerpts of the speech:

I have always loved and respected the environment. In the past, whilst serving as the Secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development, I strove to protect the environment when undertaking such activities as urban beautification, urban development, and the creation of walking paths and urban parks. Today, too, our Government has paid particular attention to preserving the environment for future generations. What the creation of urban forests, designing of green cities, promotion of green businesses, undertaking of nationwide tree planting programmes, reconstruction of irrigation tanks and canals, recultivating of fallow paddy fields, promoting the use of organic fertilizer, and limiting the use of plastics demonstrate is the implementation of this sustainable environmental management policy.

The foundation of our citizen centric economic policy is that the true potential of the economy cannot be unleashed without economic freedom. To achieve the Government’s aims of eliminating poverty, providing equal opportunity for improvement of all citizens, and developing domestic businesses, we require a clean and efficient public service.

The public service is a powerful, nationwide mechanism. This represents an opportunity that many countries in the world do not possess. Therefore, I expect this powerful mechanism to make a significant contribution to the national decision making process. However, I observe that weaknesses currently prevail in decision making at every level. Even on very simple institutional matters, I have observed that officials avoid making decisions and refer them to the Cabinet of Ministers. They expect advice from circulars for every activity. They avoid taking decisions even within the limits of their authority. If we do not change this situation, it will be extremely difficult for us to take this nation forward.

The legal reforms necessary to protect those in the public service who take correct decisions are currently being formulated. I therefore request all those in positions of authority to ease the limitations and practices that obstruct the general public through the state administration.

I personally participate in the ‘Conversation with the Village’ programme because rural development is one of my Government’s priorities. The public administration system at both the District and Divisional level is extremely important to achieving the citizen centric economic development articulated in my vision statement “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour”. There is a clear responsibility incumbent on everyone involved in this development process, from the Governors, District Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries and Public Health Officials, to officials such as Grama Niladharis, Samurdhi Officials, Agriculture Research and Production Assistants, Family Health Service Officials and Development Officials at the village level. They have all provided tremendous support in controlling the spread of the COVID-19 virus and in providing other essential services. Similarly, I look forward to the unstinted support of all public servants in successfully overcoming the challenges that confront us in terms of our economic development.

The political leadership has a grave responsibility not only on matters at the national level but also in rural development. We have instituted mechanisms to ensure the active participation of Cabinet and State Ministers, Members of Parliament, and Members of Urban and Municipal Councils in the development activities at District and Divisional levels.

Corruption and waste are significant obstacles to a nation’s development. We are setting an example to eradicate corruption and waste in the public administration. We will not be lenient on anyone who is found guilty of corruption or waste. However, one of the difficulties we face in preventing corruption is the indirect support given willingly or unwillingly by the public to such activities. I request the general public not to encourage corruption either directly or indirectly. If anyone is found to be engaging in corrupt practices, please inform the relevant authorities.

I invite everyone to join in a national effort to mobilize public opinion against corruption and waste. Our future generations too must be educated in this regard. I appreciate the support that is being extended by the media for this initiative.”

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Government’s objective is to ensure the continuous functioning of the country’s economic activities and essential services through effective energy management – President

Published

12 hours ago

2026/03/17

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that, in light of the challenges that have arisen due to the prevailing conflict situation in the Middle East, plans are being implemented to manage energy resources effectively while ensuring the uninterrupted continuation of the country’s economic activities and essential services.

The President made these remarks while participating in a discussion held on Monday (16) afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat to review the immediate measures required to ensure the country’s energy conservation and maintain the uninterrupted functioning of economic activities and essential services, in view of the current disruptions affecting energy supply.

During the discussion, which was attended by the relevant Ministers and Ministry Secretaries, special attention was focused on the measures required to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of public services in light of the prevailing situation.

Extensive discussions were also held on alternative methods that could be adopted in maintaining the operations of government offices. In this context, attention was drawn to the possibility of limiting energy consumption while continuing essential services by granting a one-day holiday for the public service.

Particular attention was also given to examining alternative measures that could be adopted to ensure the continued provision of services with minimal energy consumption, taking into account the specific nature and practical requirements of sectors such as education, health, tourism, fisheries, industry, agriculture, ports and shipping, airport services and digital services.

The President instructed a committee, comprising Ministry Secretaries and sectoral experts, to submit a report by the end of today to determine the fuel allocation required to maintain services in the key sectors.

In addition, the discussion highlighted the importance of making ministerial-level decisions regarding the practical feasibility of performing official duties from home under such circumstances. It was proposed that decisions on summoning officers to their workplaces be delegated to the heads of institutions and that appropriate methods be adopted to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of services.

In view of the prevailing situation, the President paid special attention to the challenges faced by farmers in the agricultural sector and by small and medium-sized industrialists in the industrial sector.

The President further emphasised that, in the current circumstances, the contribution and commitment of all are essential to minimise the potential impact on the country’s economy, while noting that certain groups may be provided with assistance through relief measures.

It was noted that the introduction of the QR system is intended to manage daily fuel consumption in response to the ongoing challenges. This system will allow for the daily analysis of fuel allocations, emphasising the importance of releasing fuel in a manner that safeguards the country’s energy conservation while supporting economic and service activities.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of using the QR system in an orderly manner during fuel distribution and the need for each Ministry to promptly provide all necessary data to the Ministry of Digital Economy. Accordingly, it was proposed that the relevant Ministries, together with the legally recognised petroleum institutions, work to further streamline the QR system.

In addition, it was proposed to temporarily suspend state celebrations in light of the prevailing situation and to establish a procedure for informing the private sector of any further measures the Government intends to take in this regard.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Professor A.H.M.H. Abeyratne, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Ratnayake, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Governor of the Central Bank Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Senior Advisor to the President on the Digital Economy Hans Wijesuriya, Senior Economic Advisor to the President Duminda Hulangamuwa and a group of officials, including the Secretaries of the relevant Ministries, participated in the discussion.

News

UN resolution on Iran ‘unbalanced’: FM Herath

Published

13 hours ago

2026/03/17

Sahan Weerasooriya

Vijitha / Zuhair

Zuhair castigates sponsors who failed to condemn aggressors

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said that the recently adopted United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution that strongly condemned Iran for, what it called, “egregious attacks” on its regional neighbours, was not fair as it did not make reference to Israeli-US initiating the latest conflict.

Herath said so in response to The Island query. He said that the government wouldn’t support country specific resolutions. Minister Herath described the resolution, adopted by a vote of 13 in favour, none against, and two abstentions (China, Russian Federation), as unbalanced. Sri Lanka refrained from co-sponsoring the resolution that had the backing of nearly 140 countries. Both India and Pakistan co-sponsored the resolution.

The JVPer reiterated that both sides should cease attacks and deal with the developing situation in terms of the UN Charter.

The Council condemned, “in the strongest terms,” Iran’s attacks against Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan and reiterated its strong support for those countries’ sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence.

Former Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in Iran, M.M. Zuhair, PC, said that those who co-sponsored the controversial resolution, and the UNSC that adopted it, conveniently failed to take into account unprovoked Israeli-US attack on Iran and the killing of over 1,400 civilians, including nearly 160 children and staff at a girls’ school. The former lawmaker said that the UN Security Council had failed in its fundamental duty to prevent or end the Israeli-US joint aggression on Iran or, at least, to condemn the unprovoked military action.

By Shamindra Ferdinando

News

Japan provides grant for reinforcement of Cyclone Ditwah damaged bridge

Published

13 hours ago

2026/03/17

Sahan Weerasooriya

Ambassador Isomata and Ven. Nagolle Nandaratana, Chairman of DIMUTHU Community Development Society signed the agreement (pic courtesy Japanese embassy)

Japanese ambassador in Colombo Akio Isomata on 16 March signed a grant contract for reinforcing a bridge in Buttala under the scheme of “Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)”. The contract was signed with Ven. Nagolle Nandaratana, Chairman of DIMUTHU Community Development Society.

The text of the Japanese embassy press release: “The Government of Japan has provided USD 25,432 (approx. LKR 7.8 million) for a project implemented by the DIMUTHU Community Development Society. This grant will fund urgent reinforcement of the bridge abutments which were damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, and construction of retaining walls to safeguard the bridge, which ensures safe access of 3,200 residents to education and healthcare services.

Emphasising Japan’s focus on strengthening institutional frameworks to address natural disasters in Sri Lanka, Ambassador ISOMATA remarked: “As Sri Lanka moves on to the phase of recovery and reconstruction, Japan remains steadfast in its resolve to stand by the people of Sri Lanka”. Ambassador also said: “The project for which we signed today will not only contribute to the recovery and reconstruction of areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah and socio-economic development of the country, but will also stand as an enduring symbol of the unwavering friendship between the peoples of Japan and Sri Lanka.”

Commenting on the receiving of this grant assistance, Ven. Nagolle Nandaratana, Chairman of DIMUTHU community Development Society, stated, “Japan and Sri Lanka share a beautiful, long-standing friendship. Beyond just development, we’ve always admired the Japanese way of doing things—with precision, discipline, and kindness. This approach has truly been our guide in making our past collaborations, like our water projects and community buildings, such a lasting success.

Special thanks to the Ambassador, the hardworking Embassy team, and our coordinator for making this happen. “

Since 1989, Japan has been providing a total of USD 62 million in assistance for Sri Lanka through the GGP (Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects) scheme.”