News
Speaker gives assurance on strict health guidelines being followed
By Saman Indrajith
Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena assured Parliament, on Thursday (8), that strict health guidelines would be followed at the parliament affairs services unit in Battaramulla to ensure the safety of all parliamentarians and staff members after a family member of an employee of the unit underwent a PCR test for suspected COVID-19 infection.
The parliament affairs services unit is located at Battaramulla outside the parliament premises.
Speaker Abeywardena said so when Galle District SLPP MP Shan Wijayalal de Silva brought to his notice that he had been held up at the entrance of parliament affairs services unit when he went there to get some work done.
“I was not permitted to enter. First, I thought they had failed to identify me because I was wearing a face mask. After identifying myself I found that it was not so. I had to keep standing there outside the office for 35 minutes. Later, the relevant official brought the documents I needed out of the office and gave them to me. I was not allowed in. I believe that there are strict health guidelines followed by the unit due to the present situation. However, since we too want to get our work done, please make arrangements so that those employees can provided an uninterrupted service.
The Speaker: “A family member of one of the employees at this services unit has undergone a PCR test. Thus, we have adopted precautionary measures. Everyone who goes there will have to abide by these guidelines. Hopefully, when we get this situation under control everything will go back to normal. These measures are for your own safety.”
Emeritus Professor of Anthropology Gananath Obeyesekere has passed away at the age of 95.
Latest News
Acceptance of nominations for Punakiri, Mannar and Dehiattakandiya local authorities ends at 12 noon on Thursday (27th March 2025)
The Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Rathnayake issuing a media release states that the acceptance of nominations for the Punakiri Pradeshiya Sabha in the Kilinochchi district, Mannar Pradeshiya Sabha in the Mannar district and Dehiattakandiya Pradeshiya Sabha in the Ampara district which commenced on 24th March will end at 12noon on 27th March 2025.
The poll notice for the three above named local authorities was published on 10th March 2025 and the acceptance of deposits for the same will end at 12noon on 26th March 2025.
The annual festival of St. Anthony’s Church on the Palaitivu Island, Jaffna was successfully held on 21 and 22 Mar 25.
Demonstrating its commitment to community and social responsibility, the Sri Lanka Navy enabled facilities for the conduct of the event and
convenience of devotees.
In accordance with the directives of the Commander of the Navy and under the supervision of the Commander Northern Naval Area, the Navy provided sea transportation for the event. Additionally, they ensured the safety and convenience of devotees by providing sanitary and medical facilities, drinking water, essential infrastructure, and deploying lifesaving teams.
The main mass of the church festival was conducted by the Vicar General of the Jaffna Diocese Very Rev. Fr. P Josephdas Jebarathnam.
This year’s event saw the participation of a gathering of priests and nuns from various regions, alongside a significant number of devotees.
The festival also highlighted the Navy’s ongoing dedication to fostering social welfare and promoting religious and cultural harmony.
(Navy Media)
Prof. Gananath Obeyesekere passes away aged 95
Acceptance of nominations for Punakiri, Mannar and Dehiattakandiya local authorities ends at 12 noon on Thursday (27th March 2025)
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