UNHRC statement on Sri Lanka
The Human Rights Council renewed the mandate of the special rapporteur on the issue of human rights today ( March 25) The statement was made for a period of three years relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment. Also it adopted resolutions on Sri Lanka, Nicaragua, Occupied Palestinian Territory, democracy and the rule of law, unilateral coercive measures, freedom of religion or belief, and the effects of foreign debt. In a resolution on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka the Council decided to strengthen the capacity of the Office of the High Commissioner to collect, consolidate, analyse and preserve information and evidence and to develop possible strategies for future accountability processes for gross violations of human rights or serious violations of international humanitarian law in Sri Lanka. It was happened after the resolution was adopted by a vote of 22 in favour, 11 against and 14 abstentions.
Men banned from marrying foreign womens
Saudi Arabia has prohibited its men from marrying women from four countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Chad, and Myanmar. The move is aimed at discouraging Saudi men from marrying women from foreign countries.According to some reports there are about 500000 foreign women from above prohibited countries currently residing in Saudi Arabia. Makkah Police Director Major General Assaf Al-Qurashi said Saudi men wishing to marry foreigners have to undergo additional formalities such as ; They have to get approval from relevant government officers and also they have to submit the marriage applications through official channels. Applicants should be over 25 and divorced men would not be allowed to apply within six months of their divorce. They should attach all identification documents signed by the local district mayor, including a copy of his family record book.
All Paddy stocks purchased by the Paddy Marketing Board will be converted into rice from today
All Paddy stocks purchased by the Paddy Marketing Board will be converted into rice from today The government has decided to convert all stocks of paddy purchased by the Paddy Marketing Board into rice from today (March 25) Duminda Priyadarshana, Deputy Chairman of the Paddy Marketing Board stated that the stocks of rice will be distributed through supermarkets including Sathosa. He also stated that the Paddy Marketing Board has purchased over 25000 metric tons of paddy
Tomorrow declared as a day of mourning (March 25)
The funeral of the late Most Venerable Aggamaha Panditha Most Ven.Kotugoda dhammawasa maha thero, decleared to be held tommorow and the day of cremation will be declared as day of mourning tomorrow. ( March 25) The cremation of the late Thero will be held at the Independence Square premises in Colombo with full state honors. Thero was receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo. Most Ven. Kotugoda Dhammawasa Maha Nayaka Thera was 88 years old and was resided at the Mount Lavinia Dharmapalarama Temple. Meat and liquor outlets and liquor stores in the Colombo district will also be closed tomorrow.
July 31 declares “National Sports Day”
The Cabinet Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella states that Government has declared July 31 as the National Sports Day of Sri Lanka at weekly media briefing at the Information Department. He further explained that decision was taken on 10th of July 2014 at a cabinet meeting. This decision made because of the proposal made by the Youth and Sports Minister for the declaration of July 31 as the National Sports Day. It was the date Duncan White won the silver medal for 400-metre hurdles to at a Summer Olympic festival as the National Sports Day. That was the day which sri lanka recognize globally for sports. The minister also explained that athletes and the community, should be aware of sports activities and love for sports should be developed across the country by declaring a sports day.
CEB employees protesting
The Joint trade union of the Ceylon Electricity Board protesting in front of the Ceylon Electricity Board in Colombo requesting several demands (March 2
Government allowed to import ceramics and sarees; Gazette tabled in parliment
The Sri lankan Government decided relaxed the ban on importing ceramic products and sarees due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to submit Gazette Notification No. 2214/56 issued on 11.02.2021 under the Import and Export Control Act No. 1 of 1969 for parliamentary approval. It allows allows the importation of suspended ceramic products on a 180day loan basis and the importation of sarees except batik and the handloom garments and textiles were also permitted to import on a 90day loan basis. The proposal submitted by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in his capacity as the Finance Minister forapproval in terms of Section 20 of the said Act.
Fire breaks out at a shop in Maradana : One dead
One person was reportedly killed after a fire broke out in a food shop at Sangaraja Mawatha in Maradana Colombo, today morning (March 24) Police said thar at least five fire engines from the fire brigade had been dispatched to douse the flames. Also police stated that fire has started from a small explosion in the kichen area in the food stall. A resident of Balapitiya who was inside the shop when fire started had died from the incident.