News
Switzerland donates Lanka $ 4 Mn worth COVID-19 relief package
Swiss Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dominic Furgler with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa
Swiss Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dominic Furgler called on Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees yesterday(28) and ceremonially handed over a consignment of US $ 4 million worth of medical aid to overcome the COVID-19 epidemic, The Prime Minister’s office said.
Commenting on the relief provided by the Swiss Government to South Asian countries, including Sri Lanka, to overcome the Covid Challenge, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis had previously stated, “We can only end this epidemic together. International support is essential. “
The Prime Minister thanking the government and the people of Switzerland for the donation stressed the importance of maintaining strong cooperation between the two countries.
Among the stocks of medical aid provided were equipment including oxygen concentrators and antibody gene testing kits to control the Covid-19 epidemic.
“I thank the Government and people of Switzerland on behalf of the government and people of Sri Lanka for the generous donation of oxygen concentrators and ventilators amongst other medical supplies,” Prime Minister Rajapaksa said.
The meeting also focused on the need to reactivate the Sri Lanka-Switzerland Parliamentary Friendship Association (SLSPFA) and the successful programs between the Members of Parliament of the two countries in the past.
The Prime Minister handed over the responsibilities to Premnath C. Dolawatta, Member of Parliament who is the Convener of the Sri Lanka-Switzerland Parliamentary Friendship Association (SLSPFA).
Ambassador Dominic Furgler assured the Prime Minister that the Government of Switzerland will support the development of activities and services of Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector in line with the global expectation that the tourism industry will be revived in the near future.
In terms of the provisions of the Establishments Code on payment of festival advance to government officers, there’s a possibility of obtaining rupees 10,000/- as an advance for celebrating festivals of Theipongal, Ramazan, Sinhala and Hindu New Year, Wesak, Deepavali, and Christmas as well as for pilgrimages (Sri Paada pilgrimage and Hajj pilgrimage).
Provisions have been given to recover the said advance in 08 installments or if required earlier without interest. It has been proposed by the Budget 2026 to increase the said festival advance up to rupees 15,000/-.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local governments to revise the relevant provisions so that the festival advance can be increased up to rupees 15,000/- .
As per the approval given by the cabinet meeting held on 02-06-2025, action is being taken at present to offer the underutilized lands/properties of the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Etate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation Company which are under the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure which have been identified under stage one to suitable investors.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure to provide following lands/properties on a lease basis to the suitable investors for optimal utilization following the prescribed procurement procedure.
• underutilized lands/properties identified under stage two owned by the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Estate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation
Company,
• The Mawarala watte land and the Tea factory 40.48 hectares in extent, located in Matara District belonging to the Tea Shakthi Fund.
• The underutilized land of 1,541 hectares in extent of Kondachchi Estate is enjoyed by the Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation.
The drafting of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has commenced with the objective of equitable distribution of the benefits of the fisheries industry and the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture. This policy has been updated from time to time according to current requirements. However, steps have not been taken to obtain the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for that purpose.
According to the policy declaration of the present government, ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’ the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has been redrafted, updating the aforementioned policy in line with the economic and development objectives of the government.
The recommendations of the Department of National Planning have been received for the drafted policy.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Marine
Resources to implement the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, integrating it with other relevant policies.
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Trump to meet Venezuelan opposition leader Machado at the White House
Festival advance for government officers to be increased
Providing underutilized lands/properties to suitable investors for optimal utilization.
Implementation of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy
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