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.
The quarantine period for foreigners will be reduced
The quarantine period for foreign tourists visiting the Sri lanka has been reduced from 14 days to 7 days. Director General of the Tourism Development Authority Dhammika Wijesinghe said that the Ministry of Health has issued a new set of guidelines and it is effective from today( March 23)
Bakery products price will be increase during the up coming festive season
All Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association (ACBOA) states that the prices of all bakery products will be increased during the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year season. The increasing is happening due to the current taxes and price revisions by the government because of the restriction on imports, excessive taxes and the increase in prices of ingredients. He further explained about the increase of the price of a litre of imported palm oil. The president of the association N.K. Jayawardene states that government should take appropriate actions as soon as possible as palm oil is a key ingredient of the bakery industry.
SJB protesting against the deforestation by the Sri lankan Government
A group of Samagi Janabalawegaya (SJB ) Parliament ministers protesting at the Parliament Road against the Government’s moves to destroy forest cover today (March 23)
Government has planned to construct two irrigation tanks inside the UNESCO Heritage Sinharaja Rainforest
Minister of Irrigation Chamal Rajapaksa clarified that government has planned on a project to construct two irrigation tanks inside the Sinharaja Rainforest as part of the Gin Nilwala Diversion Project to move clean water to southern areas including Hambanthota at a speaking in Weeraketiya on Saturday ( March 20). Each tank will span across five acres inside the rainforest and 100-acre forest will be grown at a separate location for the five acres lost in Sinharaja because of this project.The project was planning to awarded to a Chinese company that prepared the plans before five years. Minister of Irrigation Chamal Rajapaksa has informed Parliament about this project and further explained as it will be carried out after receiving necessary approval from UNESCO and other relevant authorities. He further explained that government is going to study the environmental harm prior to launching the project.
Van crashes into police barrier in Rajagiriya: Two died
Police Spokesman, Deputy Inspector General Ajith Rohana said that two people including a Sub Inspector in police in Rajagiriya today (March 23) morning. Policemen were inspecting a mini lorry “Dimo Batta” on the Parliament Road between the Ayurveda round-about when the accident occurred. A 52-year-old Sub Inspector and an assistant of the lorry driver being killed in the incident and the driver of the van has been arrested later.
Wild elephant chase a safari vehicle in Yala national park
A group of young traveller faced a tragical experience after a wild lone elephant case their vehicle. They were following and fillming a wild lone elephant but unexpectedly elephant started to chase turning back. However the driver took appropriate action to make everything safe.