News
Walk a Mile for STC fund raiser launched by OBA

A major ‘Walk a Mile’ fund raiser for S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia has been organized by its old boys who have invited presen boys, old boys, parents and old boys to find sponsors for the event to build 80 more smart class rooms for the school, complete the
senior quadrangle classroom block and cricket pavilion development. Under this promotion a participant can walk a mile anywhere in the world for seven days from Mar. 5 to 11 to support their alma mater, the organizers said.
A news release issued in this connection said the STC OBA has created for the first time a custom made website, walkamile.stcmloba.com where each and every donation, contribution and sponsorship is clearly updated and shown. A novel platform was launched at the College Hall recently in front of a toned down audience and corporate sponsors who had the opportunity of viewing the projects that are being developed and how it would benefit the present boys of the school and the future generations, a news release said.
“An overwhelming response to the appeal made by the school culminated the business of the meeting by spontaneously raising a sum that was unprecedented by all past endeavours. In fact a special motto too has been created for this initiative – ‘For All We Have and Are’!,” it said.
The Walk A Mile Chairman Richard de Zoysa , stated at the website launch ,that it was a privilege to work with a committed core committee who are dynamic and progressive. The prime movers of this project are Puritha Wijewickrama and Sanjeev Palihawadana who were responsible for the design, construction and the proper functionality of the fund raising platform, while Senaka de Fonseka and Ashean Karathelis plotted the fund raising avenues.
External Communications are handled by Rukshan Kuru-Utumpala ,Shadwell Weerasinghe and Ravin Fernando and mentored by the Hony.Secretary of the OBA Tilan Wickremasinghe . The Secretary of Walk A Mile , Chandana Williams heads the all important liaison with the foreign chapters of the OBA supported by Milinda Hettiarachchi and Sriyan Jayasekera. Sudath Perera (De Silva) is entrusted with the task of inspiring the Parents and Teachers of the students to be cornerstones of this unique fund raising initiative.
The Warden and the Sub Warden together with the Hony. Secretary of the OBA have been omnipresent in guiding this project from the point of concept to its’ unfolding . Manojith Weerasuriya who is the Treasurer of Walk A Mile plays the pivotal role of ensuring that all engines are firing smoothly and without blemish, the release said.
News
Government focuses on developing a unique Food Security Index for Sri Lanka

The government is currently prioritizing the development of a country-specific Food Security Index, with the goal of completing the initiative within the next three months.
This tailored index is expected to better reflect Sri Lanka’s unique food security landscape, addressing the limitations of global indices such as the Global Food Security Index (GFSI), which have been criticized for failing to capture the nuances of the local context. Policymakers have also noted that existing data is often insufficient or imprecise, making it challenging to develop effective strategies.
The proposed index aims to identify key national priorities and guide food security policy over the next five years.
As a first step in this effort, a workshop titled “Identifying a Suitable Food Security Index for Sri Lanka and Formulating a Strategic Plan” was held on Tuesday (17) at the Colombo City Center. Organized by the Food Security Expert Committee in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), the event brought together experts and stakeholders from across the sector.
Delivering the opening remarks, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Gunaratne emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating that the development of a precise, country-specific index is a vital step toward ensuring both economic stability and national food security. The workshop focused on the four key dimensions of food security; availability, accessibility, utilization and stability and explored how these can be incorporated into a comprehensive and practical national index.
Participants included members of the Food Security Expert Committee, such as Senior Professors Buddhi Marambe and Jeevika Weerahewa, along with representatives from various government agencies, academic institutions, the FAO, the WFP and the private sector.
News
Opp. MPs stage walkout over Speaker’s bias against them

Govt. blames them for misbehaviour in Parliament
MPs of the SJB and some other Opposition parties staged a walkout in Parliament yesterday, protesting against the Speaker’s refusal to allow them to discuss the escalating Israel-Iran conflict and its potential impact on Sri Lanka.
The walkout was followed by a special meeting of Opposition leaders, held at the Parliament complex, chaired by Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa. Among those present were MPs Dilith Jayaweera, Namal Rajapaksa, and Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna.
Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilleka said that the protest was against the Speaker’s refusal to allocate time for an urgent debate on the Middle East conflict, which Opposition MPs argued poses serious risks to Lankan nationals and businesses, particularly about 10,000–20,000 Lankans currently working in Israel.
Premadasa accused Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne of silencing the Opposition, stating that he had been denied the opportunity to raise a matter of national importance. “We no longer approve of your conduct in this House,” he said, warning that continued disregard for parliamentary procedure would lead to more protests.
Premadasa emphasised the need for immediate government action to ensure the safety of Sri Lankans in the war-torn region and to mitigate economic fallout from the conflict, which, he warned, could escalate into a broader war with possible nuclear implications.
Health and Mass Media Minister and Chief Government Whip Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa assured Parliament that the government would address the issue during an adjournment debate later in the day and that a statement from the Foreign Ministry would follow.
Kurunegala District MP Dayasiri Jayasekara criticised the Speaker for suppressing Opposition voices, adding that the decision to boycott the remainder of the day’s sessions was a direct result of repeated restrictions.
Leader of the House, Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake rejected the allegations, placing blame on the Opposition for ‘unacceptable conduct within the chamber’.
ITAK Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam opted to remain in Parliament and participate in the debate, though he, too, condemned the government’s repeated efforts to curtail the Opposition’s right to speak.
By Saman Indrajith
News
Senior SLAS officer succeeds Bogollagama as SL’s UK HC

Nimal Senadheera officially assumed duties as Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom on Monday, 16 June, at the Sri Lanka High Commission in London. The occasion was marked by a traditional and dignified ceremony.
Senadheera succeeded Rohitha Bogollagama who took over the mission in Nov 2023 during Ranil Wickremesinghe tenure as the President.
Senadheera was warmly welcomed by officials and staff of the Mission. In his address, he highlighted the Government’s vision to strengthen the Mission’s role in advancing Sri Lanka’s interests abroad, reflecting the aspirations of the people and the mandate entrusted to the current administration. He called on all staff members to work collaboratively in further enhancing Sri Lanka–UK relations.
The formal assumption of duties included the traditional lighting of the oil lamp, followed by the serving of milk rice and sweetmeats, in keeping with Sri Lankan customs.
Senadheera is a senior officer of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS) with over two decades of experience in public administration, diplomacy, and education. He has previously served at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Pretoria and held senior positions in the Central Provincial Council and the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration.
He holds an MSc in Public Policy from the University of Strathclyde (UK), a Master of Public Administration from Flinders University (Australia), and a Master of Arts in Linguistics from the University of Kelaniya (Sri Lanka). He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Peradeniya, specialising in English, Economics, and Sociology.
Senadheera and his wife arrived in London over the weekend. Upon arrival, they were received by Gordon Wetherell CMG, Special Representative of the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs.
Later in the evening, the High Commissioner, accompanied by his wife and staff, visited the London Buddhist Viharaya to invoke blessings as he begins his new diplomatic assignment.
Sujeeva Nivunhella reporting from London
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