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“Release urgent funds for weather-affected relief” – President directs Finance Secretary

Published

2 years ago

2024/06/3

Priyan

Steps towards Rebuilding Devastated Homes.
Government Allocated Funds for Reconstruction.
Security Forces and Government Officials Lead Relief Efforts.
Full Engagement in Restoration Efforts.
Continuous Support for Shelter Residents.
On-going Provision of Food and Healthcare.
24/7 Emergency Hotline for Disaster Assistance- President Commends Dedication of Relief Workers.

President Ranil Wickramasinghe directed the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance to immediately release the necessary funds to the relevant District Secretaries to provide urgent relief to the victims of the recent disaster caused by adverse weather conditions following this year’s southwest monsoon.

Additionally, the President has instructed the concerned parties to rebuild all houses that were completely destroyed by the disaster, with assistance from the government, tri- forces, and police, within the next two months.

A comprehensive plan for this initiative will be implemented under the leadership of Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and Chief of the Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake and President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake.

Currently, the Ministry of Public Administration, the Ministry of Defence, tri-forces, the police, the Civil Defence Department, the Disaster Management Centre, the District Secretariats, and the essential officers of all affected Divisional Secretariats, along with Divisional Disaster Management Officers led by Grama Niladhari Officers, are working to provide relief to the affected.

The President, appreciating the dedication of all the officers, stated that the government would immediately provide all necessary support to the public to maintain a normal quality of life and ensure the continuation of essential services.

Retired Major General Adeepa Thilakarathne, the Acting Director General of the Disaster Management Centre, mentioned that he received instructions during a discussion held on Sunday (02) for the full implementation of the District Disaster Management Centres under the 25 District Secretariats. He also mentioned that they agreed to provide the necessary support equipment from the Tri-forces, Police, and Civil Defence Department, including operational vehicles, boats, and helicopters for use in flood situations. He pointed out that the Navy, Air Force, and Army are fully committed to this effort.

The meeting was attended by State Minister for Defence Pramitha Bandara Thennakoon, Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and Chief of the Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake, and Defence Secretary (Retired) General Kamal Gunarathne, with District Secretaries from high-impact areas joining via electronic means.

The Acting Director General of the Disaster Management Centre requested the public to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from areas damaged by floods or disasters, and refrain from water sports in flooded or waterlogged areas.

The Disaster Management Centre’s emergency hotline, 117, is operational 24/7 to report emergencies and provide further assistance to those affected. The Acting Director General emphasized that all relevant government institutions and officials will be coordinated and supported to ensure effective service delivery.

Rathnapura District Secretary, Wasantha Gunarathne, reports that eight high-risk Divisional Secretariat Divisions have been identified in the Rathnapura district, with disaster relief officers in all these offices working full-time. The identified high-risk areas are Ratnapura, Kuruwita, Alapatha, Kalawana, Ayagama, Kiriella, Nivithigala, and Eheliyagoda.

As on Sunday (02), 9,398 people from 2,574 families have been affected by the adverse weather conditions, with 2,219 individuals from 528 families sheltering in 18 relief centres. So far, five deaths have been reported in the Rathnapura district. Mr. Gunarathne states that the collaboration between Divisional Secretaries, GN Officers, and other local authorities has made the disaster relief efforts more efficient.

The Rathnapura District Secretary also emphasized that the food and health needs of all victims, both inside and outside the displaced persons camps, are being well met.

Meanwhile, Galle Acting District Secretary, Mrs. C.T. Rajakaruna, reported that out of the 22 Divisional Secretariats, the seven most at-risk areas are Neluwa, Thavalama, Nagoda, Niagama, Welivitiya Divithura, Baddegama, and Elpitiya. She noted that the impact associated with the adverse weather is decreasing. However, 3,455 people from 1,348 families have been affected by the disaster, and two people are currently missing. The Acting District Secretary assured that all necessary facilities have been provided for 608 people from 250 families at one main safety center.

Matara District Secretary, Ganesh Amarasinghe, reports that among the 16 Divisional Secretariat Divisions, Athuraliya, Akurassa, and Pitabeddara are in a state of extreme danger. Mulatiyana, Pasgoda, Kotapola, Thihagoda, and Malimbada have also been affected, while other divisions have suffered minor impacts. The calamities have resulted in the deaths of three people and two individuals are missing. A total of 10,937 people from 2,731 families have been affected. Additionally, 150 houses have been damaged in the Matara district. Currently, 123 people from 21 families are staying in five shelters and receiving necessary facilities. He assured that all required amenities have been provided to the disaster victims and mentioned receiving directives from the Ministry of Public Administration and the President’s Office to offer any further necessary services.

In Kaluthara district, 943 families have been affected by the disaster, displacing 3,539 people. Kaluthara District Secretary, Prasanna Janaka Kumara, stated that 30 shelters have been established, accommodating 2,274 people from 606 families with necessary facilities.

Disaster situations have been reported in just six Divisional Secretariat Divisions of the Colombo District, leading to the displacement of 6,839 individuals from 1,716 families. Acting District Secretary, Prasanna Janaka Kumara, stated that seven safe shelters have been set up by the Divisional Secretaries, accommodating 215 people from 58 families.

(PMD)

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Let’s build a new Sri Lanka upholding harmony, mutual respect by protecting the religious and cultural rights of others- PM

Published

3 mins ago

2026/01/15

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya in her ThaiPongal day message, called upon all Sri Lankans to build a new Sri Lanka upholding harmony, noble qualities such as mutual respect and the protection of the religious and cultural rights of others.

The full text of the PM’s message:

“I extend my heartfelt greetings to the Tamil people in Sri Lanka and abroad who celebrate the ThaiPongal festival, marking a pride tradition that expresses gratitude for the dignity of labour and the protection bestowed by nature.

This noble festivity manifests the world the inseparable bond between human life and nature. We are all creations of nature. There is no path we can take in defiance of nature or beyond it. In that sense, showing respect and gratitude in return for the blessings we receive from nature can be regarded as one of the highest human virtues.

As a nation, we stand today at a decisive turning point. We bear the collective responsibility of steering the country towards a “new era of revival” by bringing about a transformation in attitudes through policy and structural reforms. As a government we have accepted this responsibility and embarked with determination on a new year dedicated to the advancement of our nation even amidst numerous challenges,

As the saying goes, “We can place rice on our plate only if the farmer steps into the mud,” the commitment we make today for the future prosperity of the country is akin to preparing fertile fields in anticipation of a bountiful harvest. This ThaiPongal festival, which honours and expresses gratitude to nature, serves as a guiding light in nurturing citizens enriched with cultural values.

On this ThaiPongal Day, let us all resolve together to build a new Sri Lanka upholding harmony, noble qualities such as mutual respect and the protection of the religious and cultural rights of others.

I sincerely extend my wishes that all the hopes and aspirations of the Tamil people celebrating ThaiPongal may be fulfilled, and that this new beginning may bring happiness and prosperity to everyone.”

Latest News

Bangladesh cricketers threaten boycott unless BCB director Nazmul Islam resigns

Published

28 mins ago

2026/01/15

Priyan

Will the BPL matches go ahead on Thursday? [Cricinfo]

Bangladesh’s cricketers have threatened a boycott of all forms of cricket unless BCB director M Nazmul Islam tenders his resignation, following disparaging comments he made against players on Wednesday. Nazmul, the board’s finance committee chairman, had said earlier on Wednesday that he believes national cricketers should be asked to return the “crores and crores of taka” that the BCB spends on them.

Mohammad Mithun, the president of the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), raised the prospect of a boycott – which will have immediate impact on the BPL – hours after Nazmul’s press conference at the BCB’s headquarters in Dhaka.

“The remark made by the BCB director Najmul Islam has hurt the cricket fraternity greatly and it’s not acceptable,” Mithun told reporters on Wednesday evening. “We demand his resignation. If he doesn’t resign before tomorrow’s match, we will announce a boycott of all cricket, starting from the BPL matches tomorrow (Thursday).”

There are two BPL matches scheduled for January 15. ESPNcricinfo understands that team captains Najmul Hossain Shanto (Rajshahi Warriors), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Sylhet Titans), Mahedi Hasan (Chattogram Royals) and Mithun (Dhaka Capitals), along with Noakhali coach Khaled Mahmud have confirmed their solidarity with the boycott call.

Nazmul’s comments, which the BCB has officially distanced itself from, were made on the sidelines of the board’s prayer meeting for the late former prime minister Khaled Zia. They come as part of ongoing reverberations from the BCB’s decision to not play matches in India at the upcoming T20 World Cup. The ICC event is co-hosted with Sri Lanka and the BCB, citing security concerns, has remained firm in not wanting to play games in India, a decision they made after the BCCI instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Mustafizur Rahman from their playing roster.

Nazmul was asked questions about the potential financial implications for Bangladesh should they end up not playing in the T20 World Cup at all. He responded by saying the board would not take a hit and that only the cricketers would, adding that there would be no compensation for them should they miss out. “Why would there be? Are we asking them for the crores and crores of taka that we are spending on them? Answer me first.

“We are spending so much money on them, they are not being able to do anything in different places. Have we got any international awards? What have we done at any level? Let us now ask them for the money back after every time they couldn’t play. Give us back. Why should there even be a question of compensating the players?”

The BCB released a statement soon after, making it clear Nazmul’s views were his alone. “The Board expresses its sincere regret for remarks that may be deemed inappropriate, offensive, or hurtful. Such comments do not reflect the values, principles, or official position of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, nor do they align with the standards of conduct expected from individuals entrusted with the responsibility of serving Bangladesh cricket.

“The BCB reiterates that it does not endorse or take responsibility for any statement or remark made by any director or Board member unless issued formally through the Board’s designated spokesperson or the Media & Communications Department. Any statements made outside these authorised channels are personal in nature and should not be interpreted as representing the views or policies of the Board.

“The Bangladesh Cricket Board also makes it clear that it will take appropriate disciplinary action against any individual whose conduct or comments show disrespect towards cricketers or cause harm to the reputation and integrity of Bangladesh cricket.”

It is the second time in quick succession that Nazmul has put himself in the spotlight for comments against players. Earlier this week he had hit out at Tamim Iqbal in a Facebook post, over comments the former Bangladesh captain made last Friday, calling for the BCB to think through more carefully their decision-making over participation in the T20 World Cup. “Bangladesh cricket’s interest, future and everything else must be considered before making such a decision,” Tamim had said, urging for a resolution to be found through dialogue.

Nazmul and another board director Asif Akbar were harsh in their response to Tamim’s statement, saying that he was acting in the interests of India on this issue.

[Cricinfo]

Latest News

Mitchell upstages Rahul as New Zealand level series

Published

39 mins ago

2026/01/15

Priyan

Daryl Mitchell and Will Young helmed New Zealand's chase [Cricinfo]

Daryl Mitchell and Will Young powered Bew Zealand’s highest successful chase in India to end their eight-match losing streak against India. They might not have been chasing that high a total had it not been for a masterful KL Rahul century when the ball gripped the surface in the afternoon. India’s fast bowlers were superb in the early goings, reducing New Zealand to 46 for 2, but from the moment Mitchell targeted Kuldeep Yadav on his introduction, New Zealand didn’t look back.

The pitch quickened up in the cooler evening even though there was no dew, Kuldeep went for 82, Mitchell and Young added 162, Mitchell went on to get his eighth hundred, Rajkot’s new stadium had its first successful chase in five ODIs, and the high-scoring Indore was set for a decider. Rahul’s century in the afternoon was his eighth in 85 innings, an impressive feat in itself, which puts Mitchell’s eighth in his 53rd innings in elite echelons, especially given how Mitchell has been a career middle-order batter.

Mitchell now has 2553 runs, which, for a start to an ODI career, is matching Shubman Gill, who looked imperious in getting 56 off 53 earlier in the piece. Kyle Jamieson and Zak Foulkes started well with the ball, conceding just 10 in the first five overs, but, led by Rohit Sharma’s charge, Gill carried India to 70 for 0 in 12 overs. Rohit, though, was already showing signs of getting stuck: his innings had phases of 1 off 11, 18 off 9, and 5 off 18, ending with a catch at deep cover off Kristian Clarke.

Gill and Virat Kohli still looked in control even though debutant left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox started with five overs for just 18 runs. The slowness of the pitch was apparent when Gill’s pull off Jamieson ended up with short midwicket. Michael Bracewell then put the squeeze on in the middle overs with fast bowlers getting the wickets. Kohli played Clarke on, which tends to happen in such conditions, and Shreyas Iyer hit Clarke straight to mid-off.

The game had changed dramatically once the balls became soft. The first 100 legal balls produced 99 for 1 with 15 fours and a six, the next 100 went for just 58 for 3 with two fours. It was only Rahul, who injected some momentum into the innings.

At full strength, India will probably want Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel at Nos 6 and 7, but they must try their other options. Given the conditions, Jadeja fought hard for his 27 off 44, but fell to the returning Bracewell. Nitish Kumar Reddy didn’t do much wrong in his 21-ball 20, but India were still short of the power they needed to go past 300.

Rahul scored 112 off 92 out of the 169 that came while he was at the wicket for 28.3 overs, playing some delightful shots along the way, including a reverse-swept four, the only sweep of any kind played by India in 23 overs of spin, which went for just 2 for 89. By comparison, New Zealand played 13 sweeps for 23 runs in 18 overs of spin.

While 284 seemed a good effort for the conditions India had to face when they were batting, ODI cricket in India is seldom that straightforward. You have to almost always score above par because batting gets easier in the night even when there is no dew.

It is also imperative you do a lot of damage with the new ball when defending totals in India. For some reason, the new ball seamed more for India than it did for New Zealand, which threw them a bone. Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna were excellent in their first spells of five overs each, conceding just 53 in their 15 overs put together, getting rid of Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls. With the ball still seaming, Gill tried to get Reddy into the game before spin came on, but Mitchell started transferring the pressure back when he lofted hard length from Reddy down the ground for a six.

Prasidh and Jadeja still kept scoring under wraps, which meant New Zealand would have to take risks when Kuldeep was introduced at 82 for 2 in 20 overs. The second ball he faced from Kuldeep, Mitchell charged him and cleared deep midwicket not by much. He followed it up with a lap sweep for four. This was enough for Kuldeep to go largely defensive and flat. The one time he tossed up a wrong’un, he drew a false shot from Young, but it fell short of long-off. He eventually got Young for 87 off 98, which perhaps only saved him from the ignominy of the costliest analysis of his career by two runs.

That the returning fast bowlers couldn’t extract the same amount of grip from the surface with the older balls compounded India’s problems. Young, who had struggled his way to 40 off 61, and Mitchell batted in cruise mode once they had neutralised the Kuldeep threat. Mitchell, who narrowly missed out on a hundred last game and also dropped a catch that could have given New Zealand an outside chance, was reprieved twice in the 36th over when Jadeja missed a run-out from close range and Prasidh dropped him in the deep. However, needing only 98 in 15 overs, it can be argued New Zealand would still have won from there.

When Glenn Phillips drove Kuldeep for a four in the 40th over, the ask, which never reached seven an over, was now down to under a run a ball. Despite doing most things right, India were beaten handsomely by the transformation in the conditions. India would have batted first if they had won the toss anyway.

Brief scores:
New Zealand 286 for 3 in 47.3 overs (Daryl Mitchell 131*, Will Young 87; Prasidh Krishna 1-49) beat India 284 for 7 in 50 overs (KL Rahul 112*, Shubman Gill 56; Kristian Clarke 3-56) by seven wickets

[Cricinfo]