New South Wales Police say 15 people, including a 10 year old girl were killed in a shooting at Bondi Beach on Sunday – their ages range from 10 to 87

The attack happened while an event was being held to mark the start of Hanukkah – police say they’re treating it as a terror incident

 The two gunmen were father and son, police say. The 50-year-old man also died at the scene while the 24-year-old remains in hospital in critical condition

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calls the attack “an act of pure evil” that “deliberately targeted” the Jewish community

(BBC)

The ninth phase of the islandwide programme to recognise outstanding achievers at the  G.C.E. Advanced Level implemented by the Presidential Fund, was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Sunday 14 th of December at Temple Trees.

Under this phase, students from the Western Province who obtained excellent results at the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examinations in the years 2023 and 2024 were recognised. Accordingly, 361 outstanding students from the Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara districts were awarded scholarships amounting to LKR 36.1 million by the Presidential Fund.

Addressing the event, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Presidential Fund is a public fund belonging to the people, and that the government has made a special effort to ensure it is perceived and functions in the interest of the general public.

The Prime Minister further noted that the government has succeeded in transforming the Presidential Fund which previously was  seen as accessible mainly to those holding special power or positions, and characterised by complex procedures difficult for ordinary citizens into a simplified system that allows applications to be submitted online and through Divisional Secretariat offices near you.

The Prime Minister emphasised that all these programmes are being implemented with the objective of developing human resources in a manner compatible with the contemporary world with the aim of moving the country forward. She further stated that the government is committed to nurturing human resources capable of understanding and navigating the complexities of the modern world.

She noted that in this regard, a new agenda has been initiated to bring a transformation into the education system from 2026 onwards, with the aim of producing productive and responsible citizens.

The Prime Minister also stressed the need to nurture a responsible human resource that values democracy, loves and protects the environment, demonstrates leadership, compassion, and a sense of collectivity.

The Prime Minister reiterated that every government has invested  in the education of students using public funds generated through the taxes paid by all citizens, and noted that, it is because you possess the ability to serve society and provide leadership

The Prime Minister stated, the recognition conferred today is an investment in you and those who receive education and recognition under the government  bear a responsibility to serve society.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning,   stated that while the Presidential Fund had previously been  known among the public primarily as a source of financial assistance for severe illnesses such as heart disease, the scope of its utilisation has been expanded under the new government, with education identified as a key focus area.

He further noted that the government’s vision of inclusivity is closely aligned with the objectives of the Presidential Fund.

The event was attended by the Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Secretary to the Presidential Fund,  Roshan Gamage; Members of Parliament  Chandana Sooriyaarachchi, Chandima Hettiarachchi, and Lieutenant Commander (Retired) Prageeth Madhuranga; Governor of the Western Province  Hanif Yusoof; the Chairman of the University Grants Commission; members of the Board of Management of the Presidential Fund; public officials; the students who were recognised; and their parents and guardians.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that education should not be a burden to children during the recovery period after the disaster, and priority must be given to their psychosocial well-being. The Prime Minister emphasized that this approach would help foster a supportive school environment during disaster situations.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing a discussion held with education authorities of the Nuwara Eliya District on measures to restore educational activities and reopen schools for students following the recent disaster situation.

Although the Ministry of Education has decided to reopen schools island-wide on the 16 th of December, the Prime Minister noted that the authority has been granted to the relevant provincial and district authorities to make decisions regarding the reopening of schools in the affected areas.

The Prime Minister further stated that prior to reopening schools located in high-risk areas, recommendations from the National Building Research Organization must be obtained, and special attention should be paid to access roads and infrastructure. The Prime Minister further mentioned that teachers and students who have experienced hardships should be allowed flexibility in wearing comfortable attire.

During the meeting, District education authorities informed that, despite numerous challenges, educational reforms are progressing rapidly, and that 51% of teacher training activities in the Nuwara Eliya District have already been completed. Addressing the meeting, the Prime Minister further stressed that these challenges must be overcome collectively in order to move forward to achieve a better position than before following the disaster situation.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Seneviratne; Chairman of the District Coordinating Committee and Member of Parliament Manjula Suraweera Arachchi; Members of Parliament Kalai Chelvi and Anushka Tilakaratne, Nuwara Eliya District Secretary Ms. Thushari Tennakoon; and several government officials.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)