News
Students lead cleanup effort to restore Maha Oya-Kammalthota Estuary and its surroundings
A coordinated environmental cleanup programme was conducted recently at the Maha Oya–Kammalthota Estuary, in Kochchikade, removing substantial debris and waste deposited by the recent floods along the riverbank and in estuarine waters.
The initiative was organised by the Maris Eco Friends Society of Maris Stella College, Negombo. It saw active participation from student prefects, scouts, Red Cross members, and society volunteers, supported by teachers and members of the Maris community.
The programme was carried out under the guidance of Maris Stella College Principal Rev. Br. Sunanda Alwis, Marist Provincial Rev. Br. Nicholas Fernando, and Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Hemantha. Their presence, alongside dedicated staff, including Society Master-in-Charge Jude Fernando, helped motivate the volunteer teams.
Student leaders, including Society President Thenuka Wijethunga, played a key role in coordinating the effort, demonstrating the impactful role youth can play in local environmental conservation.
The cleanup also benefited from the support of Dr. Geethal Siriwardane of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, environmental advocate Sunil Jayakodi, and the Poruthota Fisher Society — highlighting the vital link between a healthy estuary and the community livelihoods it supports.
Approval of the Cabinet of Ministers has been granted at their meeting held on 19.05.2025 in order to introduce amendments to the Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of 2017 including the proposed tax revisions to enhance the tax structure paving way for state financial integrity based on revenue.
Accordingly, the revised draft bill has been prepared by the legal draftsman and clearance of the Attorney General has been received.
Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval for
the resolution furnished by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Policy Planning and Economic Development to publish the aforementioned draft bill in the government gazette notification and subsequently, forward the same to the Parliament for its concurrence.
The National Mineral Policy was prepared for the first time in the year 1999, and the aforementioned policy has been amended in 2023 to cover matters such as preparing an updated data system related to mineral resources, adding value to the export of minerals, encouraging mineral-related industrialists, extracting mineral resources and managing the environment sustainably, and resolving the issues related to the ownership of the land arising in extracting mineral resources.
The revised National Mineral Policy has been reupdated in line with the manifesto “A Sustainable Resource Utilization – Generation of the Highest Benefit” under the policy statement of the current government” A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life.”
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution presented by the Minister of Industries and
Entrepreneurship to implement the so-formulated “National Mineral Policy—2026.”
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Amendment of the Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of 2017
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