273 buses belong to Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) which were taken out of service due to dilapidation were repaired and re-added to the passenger transportation under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Galle Face Green today (31). These buses will be utilized to meet the passenger transportation needs in rural areas throughout the country.
The project based on a concept of the State Minister of Vehicle Regulation, Bus Transport Services and Train Compartments and Motor Car Industry Dilum Amunugama was implemented under the guidance of Transport Minister Gamini Lokuge.
In order to rebuild the collapsed economy vehicle imports were restricted after the new government came into power. As a result, there occurred a shortage of buses for passenger transport. Launched as a solution to this issue, the new project will save foreign exchange spent on importing buses.
273 buses that were completely out of service at 107 depots island-wide have been repaired at a cost of Rs. 115 million.
The project is being carried out by SLTB depots and Lakdiva Engineering with the full support of the Sri Lanka Public Transport Employees Union.
After inspecting the standard of the buses President had a cordial chat with the workers of SLTB and motivated them.
Transport Minister Gamini Lokuge, State Minister Dilum Amunugama, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Chairman of SLTB Kingsley Ranawaka were also present.
– Do not disturb livelihoods of those depend on agriculture
– Provide rapid solutions to displaced people when planning development projects – President instructs officials
Air Force to develop “Kanugahawewa” as a model village
- 21 tanks and several dams to be renovated soon
- Quick solutions to land issues
- Measures to develop main and byroads
- Pastures for milch cows
- Remedies to number of health, education and transportation problems
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa visited Kanugahawewa in Kebethigollawa to participate “Discussion with the Village” programme. This marks the fourth in the series of “Discussion with the Village” attended by the President.
The programme commenced on September 25, 2020 at Welanwita in Haldummulla Divisional Secretariat Division in Badulla district. The idea behind this programme is for President to talk to the rural communities living in remote and difficult areas without intermediaries about their long-standing unresolved problems and to present them directly to the officials in order to find solutions. Problems that can be solved on the spot are instantly addressed . The rest which take time to deal with are noted down to find solutions later.
The second of the series was held on October 2 in Himbiliyakada in Wilgamuwa Divisional Secretariat Division in Matale district while the third was held on December 18 in Rawanakanda, Imbulpe in Balangoda.
The village of Kanugahawewa in Kebethigollawa Divisional Secretariat located 73km away from Anuradhapura city was chosen for the today’s (30) discussion. The public gathering was held at the playground of Kanugahawewa Primary school. Villagers from several surrounding hamlets including Thalgahawewa, Halmillawatiya, Thammannawa, Herath Halmillawa and Nikawewa gathered there to present their grievances to the President seeking redress.
LTTE terrorists frequently attacked Kebethigollawa during the separatist war. 68 villagers from Kanugahawewa and the vicinity were killed when the LTTE terrorists exploded a passenger bus using a claymore mine in Halmillawatiya on June 15, 2006.
Residents of these villages had to live in welfare camps from 1995 to 1998 and from 2006 to 2008 due to terrorist activities. Although the threat of terror is over now, they still face a number of serious economic and social issues. The poverty ratio in the village stands at 54% of the total population.
Paddy and chena cultivation is the main source of livelihood of the people in Kanugahawewa as well as many surrounding villages. Loss of traditional habitat as a result of displacement due to terrorist threat is a major issue. Therefore, the farming lands have become residual forests. Marking such lands as reserves by the Wildlife and Forest Conservation Departments during their surveys makes it very hard for the people to cultivate. The threat of wild elephants is another major issue faced by the villagers.
Stating that the Government’s and his policy is to develop agriculture on a priority basis President instructed officials not to disturb the daily cultivation activities of the people who make a living from agriculture. President Rajapaksa also said that they should have the full support of the political authority.
It was decided to hand over the lands identified as residual forests when marking reserves according to the Google map after 2012 back to the people for cultivation purposes immediately.
It was revealed during the public gathering that a large number of people have lost their lands due to the implementation of Yan Oya project but no compensation has been paid. President stressed that from now on, priority should be given to providing alternative lands and compensation must be made accordingly to those who lost their lands in the implementation of such projects.
Commander of Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Air Marshall Sudarshana Pathirana undertook the responsibility of developing Kanugahawewa village with housing facilities to mark the 70th anniversary of the SLAF. Kanugahawewa villaged will be developed as a model village under this initiative.
The President sought cooperation of the Chief Incumbent of the village temple, the Grama Niladhari, the Divisional Secretary and the Chairman of the Pradeshiya Sabha to jointly take steps to identify the needs of the people living in the village and submit plans to the Commander of the Air Force.
Renovation of existing tanks needed for farming was one of the main demands of many villagers present at the public gathering. Out of the tanks that have been filtered, 21 were decided to be rehabilitated speedily. Many canals and dams will also be renovated under under this scheme. It will benefit more than one thousand families and nearly 8,000 acres of land can be cultivated.
The monthly milk production by the residents of Kebithigollewa area is one hundred and thirty thousand liters. The officials pointed out that the income from this exceeds Rs. 10 million. Farmers are able to achieve higher milk production in 2020 than in 2019. The main challenge faced by the dairy farmers, is the lack of grasslands. Therefore, special attention was paid to develop grasslands for dairy farming industry. Instructions were given to the officials to allow the owners of dairy cattle to release their cows to grazing in the surrounding areas of the forest reserves.
The President instructed the education officials to expedite the process of providing solutions for the teacher shortage as well as other requirements at Kanugahawewa Primary School, Halmillawetiya and Kebithigollewa Schools.
President wanted officials to expedite the development of major and by-roads including the Medawewa Road from Kanugahawewa to Rambakapuwewa, Kebithigollewa to Buhalmillewa and the road from Yakawewa, Bogaswewa, Wahalkada to Yan Oya.
The President directed the Provincial political authority to intervene to expedite the process to ensure adequate supply of drinking water and sanitation facility for the villagers.
It was decided to develop Nikawewa in order to provide water for drinking and cultivation purposes.
The farmers also briefed the President on the Armyworm caterpillar menace affecting maize cultivation.
It was also decided to provide medical and nursing facilities for Kebithigollewa Base Hospital and Wahalkada Rural Hospital. President Rajapaksa paid special attention to providing transport facilities for school children and rural people.
President Rajapaksa also opened the ‘ Smart Classroom’ equipped with computers donated by Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) Mobitel to Kanugahawewa Primary School in support of “Discussion with the Village” programme. Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Director General Oshadha Senanayake and SLT Mobitel Group Executive Lalith Seneviratne were also present.
On this occasion, two books written by Lalith Seneviratne were also presented to the President.
After conversation with villagers, President visited the Vihara Halmillewa Siri Sulugal Dambulla Vihara main Pirivena and called on the Chief Incumbent of the Temple, Ven. Viharahalmillewe Dhammarakkitha Thero. The President applauded the Thero for his yeoman service for the benefit of Buddha Sasana by protecting the temple in the face of terrorist threats.
The President also pledged to provide his fullest support to the development of the temple.
Minister S.M. Chandrasena, State Ministers Duminda Dissanayake, Shehan Semasinghe, Channa Jayasumana, Members of Parliament S. Nandasena and Uddika Premaratne, Governor Mahipala Herath, Principal Advisor to President Lalith Weeratunga, people’s representatives, Secretaries to the Ministries, Heads of Government Institutions and many others joined with the “Discussion with the Village” programme.
- Use of maize for alcohol and ethanol production strictly prohibited
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa directed the subject Minister and the officials to intervene to stop the irregularities perpetrated in purchase of crops including turmeric and maize from farmers.
Local farmers have successfully expanded the cultivation of turmeric and maize. Harvesting in the next season is nearing. President emphasized that farmers should receive a fair price for their produce. The Government should intervene to stop irregularities that take place in the stockpiling by traders, President pointed out.
President also highlighted the need for a mechanism to collect quality seeds for the 2021 and 2022 Maha seasons. He has given orders to destroy stocks of turmeric illegally imported by crooked businessmen.
The Director General of Customs and the Inspector General of Police have been instructed to strictly enforce the law against unscrupulous businessmen.
The Commissioner of Excise was directed to issue a gazette notification banning the use of maize for the production of alcohol and ethanol. President Rajapaksa emphasized the need to ensure a wider market for turmeric, maize as well as cowpea, undu, green gram, sesame and sorghum, instead of granting loan facilities to grain collectors.
Banks were instructed to identify entrepreneurs and maintain inventory information commensurate with the loan amount. President Rajapaksa also said that the Central Bank of Sri Lanka should focus scrutinizing its activities on providing development financing.
All District Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries, Commissioners of Agrarian Services and all field officers should successfully purchase agricultural produce in order to strengthen the farming community. The President also instructed the officials to be vigilant to prevent damage caused by insects such as Army Worm caterpillars (‘Sena’).
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa visited Pahalagama, Elepaththuwa in Anuradhapura yesterday (26) to inspect the damage caused by Sena caterpillars to the maize cultivation.
Farmers have been severely affected by the Sena caterpillar menace for the past two years. They told the President that the caterpillar menace had damaged crops in many districts this year as well and that the yield had dropped far below the expected amount.
President was also briefed by the farmers on the threat posed by wild elephants to cultivation lands.
Farmers commended the President for visiting the farming lands to find out the difficulties they were facing.
Chief Incumbent of Mirisawatiya Maha Viharaya Ven. Eethalawatunawawe Gnanathilaka Thero was also present on the occasion.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa paid homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic at Dalada Maligawa, Kandy and obtained blessings yesterday(Dec. 25).
The President was warmly welcomed by the custodian of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Diyawadane Nilame Nilanga Dela.
The President called on the Chief Prelate of the Malwathu Chapter, Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Nayaka thera and inquired into his well-being.
The President also called on the Anunayake theras of the Malwatta Chapter, Most Ven. Dimbul Kumbure Wimaladhamma and the Most Ven. Niyangoda Vijithasiri and engaged in pleasantries.
Thereafter, President Rajapaksa visited the Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter, Most Ven. Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana thera and obtained his blessings.
The President also called on the Most Ven. Anamaduwe Dhammadassi Anunayake thera and the Registrar, Most Ven. Medagama Dhammananda thera of the Asgiriya Chapter and inquired into their well-being as well.
The President visited the Asgiriya Gedige Vihara and had a brief conversation with the Anunayake Most Ven. Wendaruwe Upali thero of the Asgiriya Chapter and inspected the development work in progress of the vihara.
The President also visited the Asgiriya Maha Pirivena and called on the Deputy Registrar of the Asgiriya Chapter, Ven. Narampanawe Ananda Nayaka thero as well.
Christmas is a noble religious event in the Christian calendar, associated with the birth of Lord Jesus Christ, which inspires the devotion of millions of Christians in God around the world and second only to the Easter. It exemplifies the noble values that make up the foundation of civilized human society such as peace, love, kindness, coexistence and compassion that Lord Jesus Christ preached and demonstrated by practice. From a social perspective, Christmas is also a joyous occasion for Christian families to get together, exchange gifts, forget enmity and renew bonds.
The doctrine preached by Lord Jesus Christ encompasses a body of teachings that contributes to the perpetuation of the society. Foremost among these teachings is to eliminate the darkness of sin and help those who have been neglected and marginalized with a sense of brotherhood and be committed to the salvation of the entire mankind. This doctrine can be utilized to revive the economically, socially and culturally disrupted world in the wake of COVID – 19 pandemic.
I am aware that Christian brethren of this country celebrate this Christmas while still anguishing in the bitter pain created by the brutal attacks that took place on Easter Sunday little over a year ago. Nevertheless, we have been able to dispel the feeling of fear and insecurity that was generated as a result and to bestow everyone with the opportunity to engage in religious observances freely. In the same manner justice too will be meted out to the affected.
May the gospel of peace and love expounded by Lord Jesus Christ spread across the world! I wholeheartedly wish all Christians in Sri Lanka a Merry Christmas.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
December 24, 2020
The new PCR machine purchased under the guidance of Chief Incumbent of Kurunduwatta Maha Viharaya, Horana and the Adviser of Suwasarana Health Fund Ven. Udugalmote Siri Wimala Thero and with contributions from well-wishers was officially handed over to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa recently.
The machine will be installed at the National Institute of Health in Kalutara to cater to the needs of the district.
Ven. Siri Wimala Thero handed over relevant documents to the President.
Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardene, State Minister Jayantha Samaraweera were also present on the occasion.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday (23) unveiled the statue of the Late Ven. Aluthnuwara Sumanatissa Nayaka Thero erected at the Gangathilake Viharaya at eyamporuwa, Madiwela, Kotte.
Venerable Aluthnuwara Sumanatissa Nayaka Thero held the positions of Chief Incumbent number of Buddhist temples namely Pannipitiya Arawwala East Siri Wijayasiriwardanaramaya, Gangathilake Viharaya at eyamporuwa, Madiwela, Kotte and Lankarama Buddhist Institute in Los Angeles,U.S.A and also he was the Chief Sanghanayaka of North America. The Nayaka Thero passed away on May 2, 2019.
Late Venerable Sumanatissa Thero has rendered a yeomen service in propagating Buddhism both in Sri Lanka and overseas.
The President also participated in a brief ceremony organized to commemorate late Thero’s contribution towards the community.
The Chief Incumbent of the Temple, Venerable Aluthnuwara Chandima and Chief Sanghanayake for Japan and South East Asia Ven. Pelpola Vipassi Thero delivered the anusasanas.
The Maha Sangha, Minister Sarath Weerasekera, Members of the Dayakasabhawa of the Lankarama Vihara in Los Angeles, USA and Members of the Dayakasabhawa of other Temples participated on this occasion.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today (22) decided to suspend arrival of passengers from the United Kingdom with effect from today due to a new strain of COVID – 19 currently spreading across UK.
The decision was taken at the daily meeting of COVID – 19 Prevention Committee held at the Presidential Secretariat today (22) following a review of the new strain of the virus and its spread.
Passengers arriving in the island from the UK today will be accommodated at hotels after conducting PCR tests and will be quarantined for 14 days under the supervision of the health officials. They will be further subjected to 14 more days of home quarantine.
The crew members of cargo flights inbound from London are also subjected to quarantine.
President drew the attention of the COVID Committee to the need to expedite introduction of the COVID vaccine to Sri Lanka.
COVID vaccines have been developed by a number of countries led by US, UK and China. The Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga was authorized to coordinate necessary action in consultation with the relevant countries and local health authorities after an in-depth study of the vaccine.
The groups to be vaccinated will be determined based on the need and priority. It was also decided to collect data on high risk areas including estates, flats and hostels and groups.
Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi, State Minister Sudarshani Fernandopulle, Member of Parliament Madura Vithana, Secretary to the President P. B. Jayasundera, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga, officials of the airport and aviation and members of the COVID Prevention Committee were also present.
The government has decided to provide supplementary financial facilities at a concessionary interest rate to every household to meet their various needs during the upcoming Christmas and New Year festive seasons.
Loans are provided under 3 categories based on the monthly income. Individuals with a monthly salary/income above Rs. 50,000 are entitled to a loan of Rs. 50,000 while those who are with a monthly salary/income between Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 50,000 could request for a total loan of Rs 25,000. Finally, those who are below a monthly salary/income of Rs. 25,000 are qualified to apply for a loan of Rs. 10,000. Festive loans are provided by Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank, National Savings Bank, Regional Development Bank and Samurdhi Bank.
Employees in both the public and private sectors who expect to receive supplementary financial facility should notify their Heads of Institutes to commence the loan process. The Heads in turn will submit the certified list of applicants to the closest branch of the State Bank to their place of employment. The respective branch will credit the amount due to the employees’ accounts without any delay.
The loan should be repaid within 10 months. The interest rate is 0.625. Loans will be recovered from the employees on monthly installment basis from January to October 2021.
The provision of loans to state pensioners and Samurdhi beneficiaries is vested with the Department of Pensions and the Samurdhi Bank.
Those who own three-wheelers, school vans, buses and individuals employed at private bus services can apply for the concessionary loan by presenting their National Identity Card to the State Bank where their bank account is maintained. In addition, those who don’t belong to the above category and yet if they earn daily wages and maintain an account at a State Bank are entitled to this festive loan facility.
The government is determined to steer the country forward in 2021, with the economy and people’s lives completely restored and catching up the loss incurred during 2020 due to the COVID 19 pandemic.
The workforce and entrepreneurs made immense sacrifices to gradually restore exports, tourism, construction and other manufactures and services during the two-month period of travel restriction at the height of the COVID 19 pandemic. It was backed up by overwhelming support from the health, security, police, and public service. Therefore, in 2020, it was able to revive productions in the field of agriculture. It ensured the supply of food for the survival of the urban population. The supplementary finance facility for the festive season has been arranged as a token of appreciation for their contribution to the motherland during distressed times.