News
Printing driving licences temporary task, primary role ensuring country’s security always – Defence Secy
Defence Secretary Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said the driving licence printing project taken over by the Army was a temporary measure following a Cabinet decision to save state funds.
Responding to media queries on Monday (Jan 4) he said, “There is no acquisition of state sector institutions by the military as alleged. The other functions of the Motor Traffic Department’s system remain unchanged and the Army is involved only in the printing process.
Responding to the issue of Ukrainian tourists arriving in the country as part of a pilot project launched to resume the key tourism industry, the Defence Secretary said, “There are some areas where improvements have to be effected. We will attend to it.
“The revival of the tourism sector is vital since many Sri Lankans involved in it, including hoteliers and others who have lost their source of income,” the Defence Secretary said.
Responding to the issue of cremating coronavirus victims, he said “A clear decision would be taken by the government before long”.
Asked for his comments on the practice of banned items being hurled into prisons over their walls, the Defence Secretary said: “We have streamlined the prisons system and will also intensify the security in prisons further. and plans are afoot to recruit new jailers to run the system smoothly.
“We have also looked into the facilities provided to the prisoners. Increase in the number of drug offenders in remand prisoners was a result of intensified raids carried out by the law enforcing agencies. Among those who were granted bail were youngsters addicted to drugs.”
They would be rehabilitated and reintegrated into society and it was the motive behind their release on bail, Gen. Gunaratne said.
“The entire prison system will be reformed,” the Defence Secretary said, adding that the law enforcement agencies continued to seize narcotics, and on Jan 04 the Sri Lanka Navy had seized 104 kilos of ICE and 80 kilos of Hashish.
The second day of the “Vesak Bhakti Gee Saraniya”, held in parallel with the “Buddha Rashmi Vesak Kalapaya” jointly organized by the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, the Presidential Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s Office, commenced on Tuesday (13) at 6:30 p.m. under the patronage of Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat premises.
The evening featured musical performances by renowned vocalist Ilyas Beg and the Sri Lanka Air Force Bhakti Gee Troup, accompanied by the Air Force Band. A Vesak lantern exhibition was also held at the venue. The event was attended by the Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, along with several senior officials of the Presidential Secretariat.
This Bhakthi Gee programme will continue today [May 14] and tomorrow at the same location. Additionally, a short-eats dansala is being held near the Presidential Secretariat for the benefit of the public visiting Colombo for Vesak, and will continue until May 16.
Meanwhile, a ‘Buth Dansala’ organized jointly by the Presidential Secretariat and the Sri Lanka Army was inaugurated yesterday near the Presidential Secretariat, with the participation of senior military officers. A large number of devotees from across the country attended the event.
In line with the ‘Buddha Rashmi’ and ‘Bauddhaloka Vesak Kalapya’, several Vesak programmes have been organized in the vicinity with the support of the Presidential Secretariat. These include the illumination of nearby government buildings and roads with decorative lights, and the display of Vesak lanterns, with the active participation of the Presidential Secretariat staff.
[PMD]
The French Navy Ship ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ which arrived in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit (09 May 25), departed the island on Tuesday (13 May).
The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ visited some tourist attractions in the country. In addition, the Commanding Officer and a group of
crew members of the ship called on senior officers of the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) to discuss key hydrographic matters of bilateral importance.
News
“Clean Sri Lanka” joins hands to Improve facilities and sanitation at Kotmale Regional Hospital
Following the bus accident in the Garandiella area of Kotmale, a large number of injured individuals were admitted to the Kotmale Regional Hospital for treatment. In response, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme has collaborated to improve the facilities and sanitation of the hospital.
Accordingly, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme actively worked to clean the hospital ward complex and the hospital premises, aiming to create a comfortable environment for the patients’ treatment and to enhance other facilities.
A notable aspect was the voluntary participation of the local community in this effort. The “Clean Sri Lanka” secretariat appreciates the dedication shown by the doctors and hospital staff of the Kotmale Regional Hospital, who provided emergency treatment to those injured in this unexpected incident despite having access to limited resources.
-
Features4 days agoSAITM Graduates Overcome Adversity, Excel Despite Challenges
-
Business7 days agoJohn Keells Properties and MullenLowe unveil “Minutes Away”
-
News4 days agoDestined to be pope:Brother says Leo XIV always wanted to be a priest
-
Sports4 days agoASBC Asian U22 and Youth Boxing Championships from Monday
-
Foreign News5 days agoMexico sues Google over ‘Gulf of America’ name change
-
Opinion7 days agoRatmalana: An international airport without modern navigational and landing aids
-
Opinion4 days agoDrs. Navaratnam’s consultation fee three rupees NOT Rs. 300
-
Features3 days agoChampioning Geckos, Conservation, and Cross-Disciplinary Research in Sri Lanka