To address policy decisions related to ensuring food security, the Food Policy and Security Committee, chaired by Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation K.D. Lal Kantha, along with Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe, convened a meeting for the first time on Wednesday (22) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The primary objective of the Food Policy and Security Committee is to take necessary actions to implement the government’s policy of ensuring a safe, secure and sustainable food system for all citizens.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that accurate data and information are essential for making informed policy decisions related to food security. The government highlighted that it is unwilling to take risks by making decisions without reliable data. Consequently, establishing a robust data and information system has been identified as a top priority.

The Minister of Agriculture further highlighted the need to provide rice not only for direct consumption but also as an essential resource for industries such as poultry, egg production and beer manufacturing, all of which contribute to human consumption. He stressed the importance of considering these needs in the implementation of the government’s progressive agricultural policies.
Additionally, the Minister emphasized the necessity of studying the country’s food consumption patterns to foster a healthier population and minimize food waste. He advised committee members to take appropriate steps in this regard.

Several key areas were discussed, including the establishment of a national food security policy framework, the maintenance of an essential food information system, the formulation of new strategies aligned with internationally recognized standards and the development of plans to increase and distribute local production based on scientific evidence. The discussions also addressed food security, food pricing and market management.

The meeting was attended by committee members, including Secretary to the Prime Minister G.P. Saputhanthri, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara, and other ministerial secretaries.

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President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasized that a country cannot progress solely through laws and regulations and highlighted that tradition is a vital component of a nation.

President Disanayake emphasized that Sri Lanka has accomplished a remarkable mission through the traditions built on Buddhism and that it is the responsibility of everyone to safeguard these Buddhist traditions and pass them down securely to future generations.
The President expressed these views during a discussion held on Wednesday (22) at the Presidential Secretariat on the 74th Upasampada Vinaya Karma’ ceremony of the Sri Lanka Rāmañña Maha Nikāya.

The President, recalling the historical significance of the Upasampada Vinaya Karma, a major ceremony in Buddhism, stated that the cessation of ordained monks (Upasampada Bhikkhus) would mean the dissolution of the Buddhist institution itself. He emphasized the importance of preserving these ancient traditions and carrying them forward with honour.

The national Upasampada Vinaya Karma ceremony, organized biennially by the Sri Lanka Rāmañña Maha Nikāya, is scheduled to take place from June 30 to July 5, 2025, at the Punyawardhanarama Viharaya in Vijithapura, Palugaswewa, within the Udakukkhepa Sima Malakaya.

This grand ceremony at which over 250 novice monks (Samanera), are to be ordained will be conducted under state sponsorship and  the President instructed officials to ensure that all necessary facilities are provided without any shortcomings.

The discussion was attended by prominent figures, including the Most Venerable Makulewe Wimala Mahanayake Thero, the highest prelate of the Sri Lanka Rāmañña Maha Nikāya of the Sangha ancestry of Mahavihara; Most Venerable Professor Aththangane Rathanapala Nayaka Thero, Supreme Judicial Leader of Sri Lanka Rāmañña Maha Nikāya; the Anu Nayaka Theros, Most Venerable Waleboda Gunasiri Thero and Most Venerable Ankumbure Premavansa Thero; along with the Maha Sangha, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath; Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi; Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake; Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage; former High Court Justice and Governor of the North Central Province Wasantha Kumara Wimalasiri; Chairman of the Rāmañña Nikayarakshaka Sabha and former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya; Secretary of the Rāmañña Nikayarakshaka Sabha and former Member of Parliament Lasantha Alagiyawanna, among others.

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By AJA Abeynayake

The Fort Magistrate’s Court yesterday (22) took up a case involving alleged financial irregularities amounting to Rs. 70 million during the leasing of 4.3 acres of land at the Krrish Transworks Square in Fort, Colombo.

 SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa, who has been named as a suspect in the case and is currently out on bail, was present in court during the proceedings.

The case, which has drawn significant public attention, centres on allegations of financial misconduct related to the leasing of prime land in the Colombo Fort area. The CID is leading the investigation into the matter.

 During yesterday’s hearing, investigating officers informed the court that the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) had initiated a separate inquiry into MP Rajapaksa concerning the same incident.

Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura, after considering the submissions, directed that the ongoing case be taken up again on 04 June, pending further advice from the Attorney General’s Department. The court’s decision to adjourn the case allows time for the CID and CIABOC to continue its parallel investigations.