News
Sajith requests govt to increase Rs 5000 relief allowance
By Saman Indrajith
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday (24) requested the government to increase the Rs. 5,000 relief allowance given to people in lockdown areas. He pointed out that the amount was not sufficient to cover monthly expenses of a family.
Making a special statement, Opposition Leader Premadasa said: “There are delays in distributing the Rs. 5,000 allowance to the low income families in lockeddown and isolated areas in Colombo. A Grama Niladhari can distribute the money only to 100 people a day because they do not have enough resources to do that. It is also said that the government would provide a basket of goods worth Rs. 10,000 worth each to the families under quarantine. But people in some areas allege that they have not yet received it. That is why the people in several areas staged protests on roads during the past few days.”
“Even in my election speeches I said that Rs. 5000 was not enough for a family and a family should be given at least Rs. 20,000 a month. Even for a family of two, at least Rs. 15,000 should be spent on meeting basic needs. Now, many people in locked down and isolated areas do not have any income. They have lost their jobs. So the government should grant them relief.”
Premadasa demanded to know whether the government was planning to enhance monetary relief. “How many families live in the locked down and isolated areas in Colombo? Does the government have a plan to provide reliefs to these people without any delay? How many families have got the monetary relief and essential goods packages at the moment? What are the steps you are planning to provide reliefs for people suffering from COVID-19 lockdowns in other Districts in the country?”
In response state Minister Shehan Semasinghe said that a detailed answer to Premadasa’s questions would be provided on Friday (27). “We will provide detailed answers for these questions on Friday. Our government will never let the people down. Until the answers are provided, I request Premadasa not to instigate the people.”
Opposition Leader Premadasa: “I do not instigate anyone. These are the real problems people are facing at the moment. It is sad that the government thinks that speaking about these things instigate the people.”
MP Semasinghe: “You were speaking about giving Rs. 20,000 to a family even during the election time. But people rejected you.”
Opposition Leader Premadasa: “I am glad that Semasinghe accepted that the government has no intention to increase the monetary relief. Thank you for that.”
MP Semasinghe: “Now, you are twisting what I said to mislead the people. I did not say that we would not increase relief. Ours is a responsible government. People voted for us because they believe we can protect them. We will not let them down.”
News
Students of Vihara Maha Devi Girls’ College Kandy visit Presidential Secretariat and President’s House
A group of students from Vihara Maha Devi Girls’ College, Kandy visited the Presidential Secretariat, the President’s House and Colombo Port City today (09).
This program, organized by the Presidential Secretariat, the Ministry of Education, and the Mass Communication Division of Parliament, offers schoolchildren the opportunity to explore important sites, including the Presidential Secretariat, the President’s House, Colombo Port City, and the Parliament. The students from Vihara Maha Devi Girls’ College, Kandy were fortunate to participate in this program.
During their visit, the students learned about the history of Parliament after touring the old Parliament building.
Director General (Legal) of the Presidential Secretariat Advocate J.M. Wijebandara, Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Air Vice Marshal Bandula Herath (Retd), and Principal of Vihara Maha Devi Girls’ College, Kandy Mrs. Nilakshika Hapugoda along with several teachers were present on this occasion.
Most Reverend Dr. Brian Udaigwe, the Vatican Ambassador to Sri Lanka, met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (09).
During the meeting, the Vatican Ambassador congratulated President Dissanayake on his recent election victory, conveying heartfelt greetings from His Holiness Pope Francis, the Head of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of the Vatican City State.
Ambassador Udaigwe also extended best wishes for the continued success and prosperity of Sri Lanka under the new President’s leadership. In his remarks, Dr. Udaigwe expressed optimism about Sri Lanka’s future, stating that positive developments were forthcoming in line with the people’s aspirations. He commended President Dissanayake’s commitment to the welfare of the country and its citizens, offering the Vatican’s support in realizing the President’s vision for Sri Lanka.
Dr Udaigwe also lauded President Dissanayake’s initiative to conduct transparent and credible investigations into the tragic Easter Sunday bombings and assured the fullest cooperation of the Vatican in supporting the President’s efforts to bring justice and healing to the victims and their families.
In line with the forthcoming 75th Army Anniversary (10 October) a solemn ceremony was held on 7th October 2024 at the Battaramulla War Heroes’ Monument (Ranaviru Smarakaya) to pay tribute to the heroic sacrifices of the nation’s fallen War Heroes.
The Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, presided over the ceremony as the Chief Guest, lending a significant sense of respect and prominence to the occasion. The event commenced with singing the National Anthem, followed by a two-minute silence observed in honour of the nation’s fallen patriots.
Thereafter, the Chief Guest, accompanied by several Senior Officers and Colonels of all regiments of the Sri Lanka Army laid floral wreaths and saluted paying a solemn tribute to the fallen War Heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for the sovereignty of the nation.
Kapp sets the tone before bowlers combine in South Africa’s NRR-boosting win over Scotland
Students of Vihara Maha Devi Girls’ College Kandy visit Presidential Secretariat and President’s House
Vatican Ambassador meets President, conveys greetings from Pope Francis
-
News4 days agoSajith top presidential election spender
-
Editorial7 days agoEaster Sunday carnage mastermind traced?
-
Latest News6 days ago“Ensure the continuity of the public service without disruption” – President
-
Business5 days agoSri Lanka Tourism surpasses 2023 tourist arrivals
-
Features7 days agoAKD pledges to clean the stables
-
News6 days agoSJB-UNP alliance talks break down due to senior UNPer’s intervention – SJB Chairman
-
Features4 days agoThe Economy, Executive Presidency, and the Parliamentary Election
-
Sports5 days agoAbheeth takes five but St. Anthony’s ahead