News
US, Sri Lankas and Maldivian militaries work on strengthening disaster response capabilities
The Montana National Guard and U.S. Pacific Air Forces, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Air Force and members of the Maldives National Defence Force, are conducting ‘Atlas Angel,’ a joint military exercise aimed at enhancing preparation and response to natural and man-made disasters, the US Embassy said in a press release.
Given below is the press release : “From August 5- 9, more than 70 U.S. personnel and two C-130 Hercules aircraft will participate alongside their Sri Lankan and Maldivian counterparts, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in disaster response and U.S. commitment to fostering a resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
“Atlas Angel will feature six exercises, including urban and medical search and rescue, as well as airfield repair, culminating in a crisis management exercise on August 9. These exercises are designed to test and improve response capabilities across various scenarios, ensuring participants are prepared for real-world disasters. Following the main exercise, U.S. Air Force surgeons will engage in a knowledge exchange session at the Kotelawala Defence University in Colombo, sharing best practices with Sri Lankan military and civilian medical counterparts.
“U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung applauded the disaster response cooperation: “Disasters know no borders and are increasing in frequency and intensity worldwide. The United States is committed to enhancing disaster preparedness, recognizing the importance of international collaboration to minimize damage, protect lives and livelihoods, and foster resilience and prosperity in the region. By sharing our expertise through practical exercises like Atlas Angel, we strengthen communities’ abilities to respond swiftly and effectively when disaster strikes.”
“Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa stated, “Exercise Atlas Angel is one of the main combined exercises operationalized under the Montana State Partnership Programme and it provides space for greater engagement between Sri Lanka Air Force and Montana National Guard through subject matter expert exchanges, developing strategic foresight on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief as well as Search and Rescue missions and promoting interoperability for collective security in the region.”
“Montana National Guard Adjutant General Pete Hronek emphasized the critical role of training in disaster management: “Effective disaster management hinges on robust training that equips first responders, local authorities, and community members with the skills and knowledge they need to act decisively in times of crisis. Throughout this week, I look forward to working with regional counterparts and learning from their expertise as we go through realistic simulations, ensuring we are all ready to act in the event of an emergency.”
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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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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