Gotabaya Rajapaksa: Latest News

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17.03.2022 / 08:54

President has NOT asked Cabraal to resign – PMD

COLOMBO (News 1st); The President’s Office said on Thursday (17) that there was no truth to the reports that claim that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had asked CBSL Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal to resign.It stated that a local newspaper report claiming that the IMF delegation had laid down such a condition is a total canard.The IMF did not discuss officials and the talks covered only the monetary issues, said the President’s Media Division.It went on to note that the President and the Government have the fullest confidence in the CBSL Governor and there is no reason whatsoever to seek his resignation.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa Ajith Nivard Cabraal president Government reports

Sri Lanka will continue talks with IMF on its debt obligations, says President

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has started discussions with international monetary agencies and other friendly nations on its debt servicing obligations, said President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Wednesday (16), in a televised address to the nation.“We need to clear the deficit and increase our foreign reserves,” said the President, adding that the government is in talks with various factions to implement necessary processes that would not be detrimental to Sri Lanka.‘We held talks with the International Monetary Fund yesterday (15). We hope to secure a process that would see us service our annual debt installments and sovereign bonds,” said the President adding that it was decided to further work with the IMF after studying the pros and cons of the proposed process.President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that certain decisions made by him in the past attributed to the control of import expenses, and that is why vehicle imports were suspended two years ago, and local industries were encouraged to boost production.The President said the main issue faced when controlling import expenses is the rapidly rising petroleum prices in the world market.“Over 20% of our import expenses are spent on petroleum products.

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‘Go Home or Call for Presidential Election’ ; Sajith’s message to Govt

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa leading a protest opposite the President’s Office in Colombo on Tuesday (15) said that the government that promised relief, has only brought about the burden to the people.Sajith Premadasa was clear in his message to the government “Go home or allow the people to decide at a Presidential Election.”“The government led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa must leave if they cannot do what they were elected to do, and let us carry on with governance,” he told the protestors.“We cannot bear this suffering anymore,” Premadasa told a gathering of thousands of protestors in Colombo, adding that the Rajapaksa Government, the Rajapaksa Family are responsible for the suffering and the time is now to send them home.“We are here to tell the government that ruined this country, to go home,” he said.Heavy security was experienced around the President’s Office when the protest was taking place, with protestors also making attempts to break through the police cordon to make their way into the premises.He said the Samagi Jana Balavegaya led government will bring back the Sri Lankan identity that was lost as a result of the actions of the present government.Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa told the protestors that it is time to be prepared to save the country from the brink of destruction.“Thousands have come here with no fear of bullets, tear gas, bombs, water cannons, and even baton charges,” he said in a message aimed at the government.Commenting on the fuel crisis, Premadasa said that three middle-eastern governments have promised to supply fuel for two years with no up-front payment to a Samagi Jana Balavegaya led government.He said

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Sri Lanka’s finance minister meets top IMF official – Reuters

(Reuters) – Sri Lanka’s finance minister held talks with a top International Monetary Fund (IMF) official on Monday, two sources said, as the island nation seeks help to deal with its plunging reserves, a sliding currency, and surging inflation, according to Reuters.It was reported that IMF’s Asia Pacific Director had led a delegation to Sri Lanka.It was earlier reported that a Senior Official of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will pay a visit to Sri Lanka on Monday (14) and Tuesday (15) to brief Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa of the IMF assessment of the current economic crisis.

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Battle of the #hashtags : #GoHomeGota vs #WeAreWithGota

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lankan Twitter-sphere is abuzz with two new #hashtags that have started to trend among pro & anti-government activists.The two hashtags are #WeAreWithGota and #GoHomeGota.According to the local newswire website, several Government officials have extended their support to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa amidst the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka.President Gotabaya Rajapaksa can resolve the current economic crisis of Sri Lanka, the Additional Director General of the Government Information Department Milinda Rajapaksa assured on Monday (14).

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Saudi Foreign Minister meets President, PM & GL

The visiting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdulla Al Saud paid a courtesy calls on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa followed by a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof.

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President to address the nation on 16th March

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is expected to address the nation on 16th March, said the President’s Media Division on Monday (14).

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ADB Chief pledges to support Sri Lanka’s development efforts

COLOMBO (News 1st); Masatsugu Asakawa, President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), stated with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa that the projects that have been implemented with the assistance of the ADB have made significant strides and he pledged to support Sri Lanka’s development efforts continuously.Asakawa made these remarks when he met with President Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat, on Thursday (10).The ADB President also said that special attention will be paid to support small and medium scale enterprises as well as private sector entrepreneurial development.The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has provided US $ 750 million as concessional loans last year. Asakawa said that loans worth US $ 2 billion would be allocated for operational projects this year.The ADB President assured assistance in the efforts to revive the tourism sector in Sri Lanka and the development of human capital, which has suffered a setback due to the Covid-19 pandemic.The President thanked the ADB for providing nearly US $ 600 million worth of loans and financial assistance to Sri Lanka to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.The President said Sri Lanka seeks the assistance of the Asian Development Bank for green agriculture, renewable energy generation and foreign direct investment in industrial zones.The government aims to achieve 70% of the total energy generation from renewable sources.

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Duties of two State Ministries & One Ministry amended

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has issued an extraordinary gazette amending the Duties and Functions of the State Minister of Defence, State Minister of Disaster Management, Minister of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation.

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President to chair Economic Council; EC will convene every week

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has decided to convene the Economic Council on a weekly basis with the objective of accelerating the economic growth in the country through the management of the entire economy by thoroughly discussing the local economic policies including macroeconomic policies, the behavior of the national economy after Covid – 19 pandemic situation, economic restructuring as well as the major development projects that directly affect the economic policies and financial policies of the government.The Cabinet of Ministers decided to grant their concurrence to the measures to be taken by the President to let implement the decisions taken by the relevant Ministries, Departments and Statutory institutions when necessary subject to the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers followed by the instructions and guidance of that Board as well as to invite intellects with esteem/standard in the respective fields as required for the meetings of the Economy board.Accordingly, the composition of the Economic Council is comprised as follows.• His Excellency the President Gotabhaya Rajapaksha (Chairman)• Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa• Minister of Trade Bandula Gunawardhana• Minister of Highways Johnston Fernando• Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksha• Minister of Agriculture Mahindananda Aluthgamage• Minister of Plantation Ramesh Pathirana• Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Ajith Nivard Cabraal• Secretary to the President Gamini Senerath• Secretary to the Treasury S. R.

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Sri Lanka’s largest cement plant opens in Hambantota

COLOMBO (News 1st); The state-of-the-art cement manufacturing facility of Lanwa Sanstha Cement Corporation (Pvt) Ltd., was inaugurated by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday (7).A BOI venture, the Lanwa Sanstha facility spread across 63 acres is located in Hambantota’s Mirijjawila Export Processing Zone, and saw an investment of US $ 100 Mn.The total capacity of the plant would be 4mn MT per annum and is one of the largest such facilities in the whole of South Asia.The President and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa also placed the foundation stone for the proposed steel factory at the premises which will cover 250 acres, with an investment of US $ 400 Mn.

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Nadungamuwe Raja to be named a National Treasure

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has advised the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs to name the late ceremonial tusker ‘Nadungamuwe Raja’ as a National Treasure.Further, he had noted to conserve the remains of the Tusker for future generations.The President’s Media Division said that a team from the National Museum was dispatched to Gampaha, where the remains of the ceremonial tusker are currently placed.

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Ex-DIG Ravindra Seneviratne files FR seeking injunction to prevent his arrest

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Deputy Police Chief Ravindra Seneviratne filed a Fundamental Rights application with the Supreme Court on Monday (7) seeking an order to prevent his arrest.Ravindra Seneviratne was also the Former Head of the Criminal Investigations Department.The Former DIG in his application sought an interim order preventing any attempt to arrest him based on the contents of the B report produced to the Kuliyapitiya Magistrate’s Court on charges that include the failure to properly investigate Zaharan Hashim, who led the suicide bomb attacks on 21st April 2019.In addition, the Former DIG also sought an interim order restraining President Gotabaya Rajapaksa from issuing a detention order as the Minister of Defense to arrest him under the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act.The petitioner also seeks an order quashing the B report filed against him in connection with a fraudulent investigation report allegedly made on an anonymous petition.The Former DIG has requested the court to order his immediate release if he is arrested and to pay Rs. 100 million as compensation.Assistant Superintendent of Police Meryl Ranjan Lamahewa of the CID, Women Inspector Niroshani Pathirana among 14 others were named as the respondents in the application.The Former DIG pointed out that he could be arrested at any time on the basis of that report, thereby violating his fundamental rights.

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‘There was NO fuel crisis, misleading statements led to panic’ – Prime Minister Rajapaksa

COLOMBO (News 1st); Misleading statements lead to public panic, warned Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Saturday (5).President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has made it clear that he has taken the necessary steps to drive the country towards development, said the prime ministers while noting that all public servants, not only himself and the ministers & mps, must work towards realizing these goals.“The topic discussed in recent days was the fuel crisis. In fact, there was NO fuel crisis,” he said, adding that misleading statements claiming that fuel reserves would only last for four days led to mass panic.He said that during his administration, at time fuel reserves would last only a day, however, shipments were ordered and what only remained to do at the time was to unload the shipments and deliver.The Prime Minister said that statements made with less experience in politics led to mass panic among the people, leading to long queues for fuel across the country.“We are changing that situation.

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Sri Lanka respects international laws, says G.L. at UNHRC

COLOMBO (News 1st); The resolution which was adapted at the United Nations Human Rights Council is in direct contradiction to the council’s founding principals, including impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity, which goes beyond the mandate of the council, says the Foreign Minister Prof. G.L.

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Basil wanted to become President; Weerawansa reveals in first briefing as Ex-Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Sri Lankan Minister Wimal Weerawansa on Friday (4) revealed that Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa wanted to become President even before Gotabaya Rajapaksa was nominated as the candidate for the President of the country.“Basil Rajapaksa wanted to use the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna as his personal property to realize his intentions of becoming president,” Weerawansa told reporters in Colombo, in his first-ever briefing after he and Udaya Gammanpila were stripped of their ministerial portfolios on Thursday (3) evening.He said that as the group that created the call for Mahinda Rajapaksa’s return, it was opined that Gotabaya Rajapaksa was most suitable to be the candidate if Mahinda Rajapaksa did not wish to contest.“We worked on that premise and that itself posed challenges to Basil Rajapaksa’s dreams of becoming President,” revealed Weerawansa, adding that Basil Rajapaksa eventually had to accept in a disgruntled manner that Gotabaya Rajapaksa was the Presidential Candidate.Wimal Weerawansa also said that after Mahinda Rajapaksa was defeated on the 8th of January 2015, Basil Rajapaksa had met with then-President Rajapaksa and requested for the post of Opposition Leader.“However, Mahinda Rajapaksa did not want to do that.

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Vasudeva says he cannot function as Minister anymore; Hints resigning

COLOMBO (News 1st); Vasudeva Nanayakkara has announced that he expects to resign from his position as the Minister of Water Supply.Speaking to reporters on Friday (4), he said the government committed a grave mistake in removing Udaya Gammanpila and Wimal Weerawansa from their ministerial portfolios.Nanayakkara said he cannot function as a Minister until justice is meted out to Weerawansa and Gammanpila.Udaya Gammanpila and Wimal Weerwansa have been removed from their ministerial portfolios with effect from Thursday (3) evening, said the President’s Media Division.The PMD statement notes that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa removed Minister of Industries Wimal Weerawansa and Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila from their portfolios, as per the powers vested in him by the constitution,

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Wimal & Gammanpila removed from positions by President

COLOMBO (News 1st); Udaya Gammanpila and Wimal Weerwansa have been removed from their minesterial portfolios with effect from Thursday (3) evening, said the President’s Media Division.The PMD statement notes that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa removed Minister of Industries Wimal Weerawansa and Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila from their portfolios, as per the powers vested in him by the constitution,

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‘Will NOT accept any position from this President again’ – Wimal

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa revealed that he will not accept any ministerial position under the government of the incumbent President.Weerawansa was speaking reporters in Colombo, in his first-ever briefing after he and Udaya Gammanpila were stripped of their ministerial portfolios on Thursday (3) evening.Udaya Gammanpila and Wimal Weerwansa were removed from their ministerial portfolios with effect from Thursday (3) evening, said the President’s Media Division.The PMD statement notes that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa removed Minister of Industries Wimal Weerawansa and Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila from their portfolios, as per the powers vested in him by the constitution,Watch the Media Briefing Here:

Gotabaya Rajapaksa Wimal Weerawansa president Government reports

S. B. Dissanayake replaces Wimal as Industries Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st); S. B.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa Wimal Weerawansa president

President assures PUCSL that electricity crisis will be solved

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has assured the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka that all necessary action will be taken immediately to avert the electricity crisis prevailing in the country.The Chairman of the PUCSL Janaka Ratnayake told News 1st that the Treasury and Central Bank will make sure to facilitate the import of fuel for the generation of electricity with immediate effect, as per a directive of the President.

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Freedom is being abused in many ways: President

COLOMBO (News 1st); Although the country is being ruled by the Government in a manner which ensures the freedom of the people, that freedom is being misused by many, says President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Speaking at the event of distribution of 100,000 Mahaweli Ranbima deeds at the Mahaweli Stadium in Embilipitiya today (26), the President stated that especially today, himself and the present Government is ruling the country in a way which democracy is ensured.President Rajapaksa also said that the cause of the foreign exchange crisis is not his own fault or the fault of the government.The 100,000 Mahaweli Ranbima deed program is being implemented in line with the Government’s policy statement, “Vision of Prosperity”. Under this program, the Government plans to complete the distribution of 100,000 land deeds to farmers in the Mahaweli areas before the end of next year.35,000 deeds settled under the first phase will be handed over to farmers in 10 Mahaweli zones, and deeds were symbolically awarded to 30 persons today.The President further went onto state that although there are many complaints about the lack of power and electricity in the country, the previous Government did not take any action to implement a single power plant in the country after former President Mahinda Rajapaksa established the Norochcholai power plant.President reiterated that he has been able to reaffirm the security of the country.Citing the promises made to implement a green agriculture in the policy statement, the President said that unfortunately the intent was not able to be communicated to the farmers in the correct manner, and many remained misinformed.

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President goes to Milco, tells to buy milk from farmers for Rs. 100/- per liter

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday (25) visited Mico for Inspection.State Minister D. B.

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No shortage of essential goods; necessary measures taken – Basil

COLOMBO (News 1st); Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa has said that necessary measures have been taken to ensure there is no shortage in the supply of essential goods to the country.Speaking at the meeting with state officials at the Presidential Secretariat chaired by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Wednesday (23), the Finance Minister said a mechanism is also in place to inquire into the shortcomings at the regional level and obtain information via the Divisional Secretariats.The meet was held to raise awareness on the government’s forward plans, and speaking at the meeting President Gotabaya Rajapaksa noted that it is his aspiration that all state institutions commit to serving the general public.“A majority of the public servants wish to work. What is required is supervision, guidance, and encouragement and that will lead to a productive service,” the President told the meeting.He stressed the need for Governors, and the Secretaries of Ministries, Provinces, and Districts, as well as all high-ranking state officials, to personally intervene to provide leadership in this effort.The President recalled the fact that he personally visits state offices and supervises them, called on the Governors and state officials to also visit all institutions under their purview and conduct inspections, whilst encouraging the staff.“We are here to ensure the people survive and the proper environment for that needs to be created.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa Basil Rajapaksa president information Provident

PCoI on Anti-Corruption Committee to commence recording evidence

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry appointed to investigate allegations against the Anti-corruption Committee and its Secretariat will commence recording evidence from the 28th of February 2022.The Department of Government Information said recording of evidence will commence at 10:30 AM on the 28th of February 2022 at the BMICH premises.President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed the Special Presidential Commission on the 28th of January 2021, as per provisions of the Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry Act No.

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Final volume of Easter Attacks report, tabled in Parliament

COLOMBO (News 1st); All the volumes, including the final report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the Easter Sunday attacks and related witness records, were tabled in Parliament on Wednesday (23).The complete 88-volume report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry was handed over to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena by the Director-General of Legal Affairs of the Presidential Secretariat, Harigupta Rohanadeera on Tuesday (22).The final report of the PCoI into the Easter Sunday attacks was handed over to Parliament on April 8, 2021 but the witness records were not released due to legal reasons.The relevant files were handed over to Parliament on the instructions of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the findings of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry should be communicated to the public and for further perusal by the Members of Parliament.Accordingly, the Members of Parliament will now be allowed to peruse the report.

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From out of service to back in service; SLTB adds 200 renovated buses to fleet

COLOMBO (News 1st); 200 buses that were taken out of service were repaired and re-added to the passenger transportation under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat premises on Tuesday (22).The project was implemented based on a concept of State Minister of Vehicle Regulation, Bus Transport Services and Train Compartments and Motor Car Industry Dilum Amunugama and under the guidance of Transport Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi.The importation of buses was also suspended along with the restriction on the importation of vehicles.Accordingly, steps were taken to repair the dilapidated buses as a solution to the shortage of buses and in order to save foreign exchange.Under the first phase of the project, 273 buses were repaired and added to the bus fleet in December 2020.Under the second phase, 200 buses that were completely out of service at 107 depots across the country were repaired at a cost of Rs. 136 million.The project is being carried out by Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) depots and Lakdiva Engineering Company with the full support of the Sri Lanka Public Transport Employees Union.The President inspected the standard of the buses, engaged in conversation with the SLTB employees.

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The economy is recovering, says President during meeting with professionals

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that the nature or extent of the challenges will not matter in fulfilling the promises made to the people.He noted that development activities continue in the country while taking necessary steps to control the COVID-19 pandemic.The President also pointed out that the economy, which had been collapsed for nearly two years, is gradually recovering.The President made these remarks participating in the first round of discussions in a series of sessions with professionals representing various fields, held at the President’s House on Friday (11).The professionals who participated in the discussion said that they are further committed to make the national programme a success by giving the necessary strength to achieve the goals desired by the President, said a statement.The professionals vehemently rejected the allegations spread by some sections with the objective of achieving narrow political agendas, the statement added.Experts in the field said that the new approach to agriculture initiated by the President is being continuously supported by the researchers and entrepreneurs who are engaged full time in these fields, further noted the statement.Representatives from a wide range of fields, including education, policy, sociology, agriculture, research, water and renewable energy, medical, engineering and innovation, were present at the discussion with the President.Ministers, State Ministers, Members of Parliament, the Governor of the Central Bank, the Secretary to the President, the Principal Advisor to the President and many others were also present.

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Forex shortage is short-lived, says Basil while assuring sufficient stocks of many goods

COLOMBO (News 1st): The foreign exchange shortage experienced in Sri Lanka will be short-lived, said the country’s Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa.Speaking to officials at the Finance Ministry of Friday (11), Rajapaksa said the government expects to minimize the effects the forex shortage might have on the people.On Monday (7) President Gotabaya Rajapaksa instructed the officials to take steps to immediately release the containers containing essential items at the custody of Customs.The President also appointed a committee headed by Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa to ensure that there is no shortage of essential commodities including food, and this committee met for the first time on Friday (11).A statement from the Finance Ministry noted that though there is a shortage of Milk Powder, Gas, Wheat Flour, and Cement in the local market, there are sufficient stocks of all other essential items and there will be no shortage.In addition, the tax reliefs granted by the government for essential food items not being enjoyed by the people were discussed and it was revealed at the meeting that errant traders abuse the concessions granted by the government and sell goods at exorbitant prices.The implementation of a new mechanism to expedite the release of essential commodities including food to the market, and to regulate and oversee this matter, was also discussed.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa Basil Rajapaksa Sri Lanka president Government Assurant

University of Vavuniya – Sri Lanka’s 17th State University, declared open

COLOMBO (News 1st); The new University of Vavuniya was declared open by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday (11).The University of Vavuniya is the 17th State University in Sri Lanka and was established with effect from the 1st of August 2021 via an Extraordinary Gazette on the 8th of June 2021 that elevated the Vavuniya Campus of the University of Jaffna, to a separate state university in Sri Lanka.The new state university was established for the purpose of providing, promoting, and developing higher education in the branches of learning of Business Studies, Applied Science, and Technology Studies.

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‘All promises will be fulfilled’, assures President during SLPPs ‘Podujana Rally’

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Wednesday (9) said that his policies and the policies of the government were prepared with the future generations in mind.President Rajapaksa assured that all promises will be fulfilled.He said the government is facing challenges in various sectors, including education, agriculture, and electricity.Noting that the economy is reviving following the pandemic, President Rajapaksa urged the masses to obtain the booster dose and not leave any reason for the country to go into lockdown again.The President urged the public sector employees to fulfill their duties and responsibilities in line with the government’s policy statement.“I promised the farmers that fertilizer will be given for free and the certified price for paddy will be increased, and that was my first duty,” said the President while addressing a crowd at the Salgado Stadium in Anuradhapura.The President also promised to increase the income of the local farmers by 100% with or without fertilizer.

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Sri Lanka’s Health DG frowns on mass gatherings as SLPP readies for ‘Podujana Rally’

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Deputy Director-General of Public Health Services, Dr. Hemanth Herath has slammed the organizing of mass gatherings in the wake of the COVID-19 spread in the island.‘This is not something that needs to be said over again.

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Expedite release of essential goods from customs – President

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed officials to take the necessary steps to release freight containers with essential items that are held by Sri Lanka Customs.The President had reached this decision with the objective of ensuring that there is no shortage of food and essential goods in the local market.The President had also appointed a committee headed by Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa to ensure that there is no shortage of food and essential items.The President on Monday (7) had stressed the need to provide the general public with the opportunity to make purchases for the upcoming holiday season without having to experience any shortage.The President had noted that the opportunity will be given to import selected essential items and there should be no room for anyone to import in excess for ulterior motives and to conceal stocks for profits.The committee led by Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa was tasked with preparing streamlined mechanisms to release essential items to the local market while regulating and monitoring the process.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa Basil Rajapaksa Sri Lanka president Provident

MPs, Ministers & politicians must set an example – President

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has requested all MPs, Ministers and politicians to conduct themselves in an exemplary manner.The President made this request during his address to the nation at the 74th Independence Day celebrations in Colombo.Furthermore, the President requested Sri Lankans living overseas to take the opportunity to invest in their motherland.The President also noted that Sri Lanka as a country that respects the Rule of Law and International Conventions will never allow for human rights to be violated and the government has never permitted such act and will never do so in the future.

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Sri Lanka celebrates 74th Independence Day

COLOMBO (News 1st): As a sovereign nation, Sri Lanka celebrates its 74th Independence Day on February 4th.The main ceremony to mark the historic occasion will be held at Independence Square in Colombo under the patronage of President of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Cabinet Ministers, State Ministers, Members of Parliament, foreign diplomats and senior government officials.The President will hoist the national flag and later deliver a televised speech to the nation.It was after 450 years of colonial rule, under three of Europe’s maritime and military powers that Ceylon gained her independence from Great Britain in 1948.One week after winning independence, the Independence Hall in Colombo 7, was transformed into a Kandyan audience hall of yore as a setting for the crowning ceremony, the State opening of the first Parliament of Independent Ceylon by the Duke of Gloucester, brother and representative of King George VI.Sir Henry Monk Mason was sworn in as the first Governor-General of the Dominion of Ceylon during that historic colourful ceremony. The oath was administered by the Chief Justice, Sir John Howard.

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NO power cuts until April 2022 – Minister Lokuge

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Minister of Power Gamini Lokuge has assured there would be NO power cuts until April 2022, following a special meeting with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday (31).The Minister said from Tuesday (1) 270 MW of electricity will be added to the grid from the Norochcholai Power Plant, and fuel is being delivered to the other power plants in Kelanithissa, Sapugaskanna, and the Barge-mounted power plant, and therefore, there will be no issue in supplying electricity.The Minister said authorities will prepare an electricity generation plan until April 2022, and hydro-power generation will have to drop as water needs to be released for irrigation and agriculture purposes.

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6,500 personnel, 111 mechanized vehicles & 26 aircraft for Independence Day parade

COLOMBO (News 1st); The 74th Independence Day will be celebrated with pride with the participation of security forces in accordance with the COVID health guidelines, said General G.D.H.

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Learn from lessons imparted through experience – President

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa says it is the fundamental duty of young officers to develop their skills and move forward in their careers.The President made these remarks addressing the Commissioning Parade of the Sri Lanka Air Force held at the Sri Lanka Air force Base – Katunayake, on Saturday (29).“You must work hard to continuously improve your knowledge, further develop your skills, and learn from the lessons imparted through your experience,” the President said.The President commended the Air Force for over 70 years of service to the motherland and for its service to the nation building as well as national security.

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Turkish markets open for Sri Lankan products; FM Çavuşoğlu tells President Rajapaksa

COLOMBO (News 1st); Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye has told President Gotabaya Rajapaksa that his government is keen on further promoting trade between the two nations.He made this observation when he met with President Rajapaksa on Friday (28), during his official visit to the island nation.The Turking Foreign Minister noted that the Turkish market is wide open for a plethora of Sri Lankan products through market diversification.Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu had once again extended an invitation to President Rajapaksa to visit Turkey, said the President’s Media Division.

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Renovated ‘Sirimathipaya’ Prime Minister’s Office opened

COLOMBO (News 1st): The renovated ‘Sirimathipaya,’ the Prime Minister’s Office at Flower Road, Colombo, was declared open by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Thursday (20).President Rajapaksa inspected the photographs displayed in the renovated office and inspected the office premises as well.A first day cover and a commemorative postage stamp was also released marking the inauguration of the duties of the new office under the aegis of the President.The Sri Lanka Navy renovated the building under the supervision of former Secretary to the Prime Minister Gamini Senarath as per the vision of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.This two-storeyed mansion was built by Albert Emmanuel de Silva in 1916 for his son Sir Albert Ernest de Silva.The mansion was handed over to the State by family members in 1960 following the demise of Sir Ernest de Silva.The Ministry of Education and Broadcasting, and the Ministry of Local Government, Housing and Construction were then established in Sirimathipaya.In 1978, the then Prime Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa established the Prime Minister’s Office in Sirimathipaya.Sirimathipaya, which is more than a hundred years old, has undergone a complete overhaul after 44 years.A book consisting of the history and photographs of Sirimathipaya was presented to the President by the President’s Secretary Gamini Senarath.

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UN commends Sri Lanka’s Green Agri Program

COLOMBO (News 1st); The United Nations commended Sri Lanka’s green agriculture programme at a meeting held between UN Assistant Secretary-General Kanni Wignaraja and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday (04).Wignaraja serves as the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific.Wignaraja said Sri Lanka was ranked 87th out of 165 countries in the 2021 Sustainable Development Report, moving seven points ahead from the previous year’s ranking. The possibility of attracting foreign investors to the green agriculture programme by further developing these conditions was also discussed.The President pointed out the steps being taken by Sri Lanka to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals while seeking solutions to the socio-economic impacts caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.The President said that a comprehensive mechanism has been set up for this purpose, including the Presidential Task Force on Economic Revival and Poverty Alleviation and the Presidential Task Force on Creating a Green Sri Lanka and Sustainable Solutions to climate change.UNDP Resident Representative Robert Juhkam, Deputy Resident Representative Malin Herwig, Secretary to the President P.B.

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Adjournment debate on Govt Policy Statement on Wednesday (19)

COLOMBO (News 1st); The adjournment debate on the Government’s Policy Statement presented by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is due to commence on Wednesday (19).The Head of State presented the Policy Statement on Tuesday (18) with the beginning of the 2nd session of the 9th Parliament.Earlier, it was decided that the Adjournment debate on the Statement of Government Policy presented by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, will be held on January 19th and 20th.During Tuesday’s (18) meeting, Chief Government Whip Johnston Fernando had requested for the debate to run until Friday (21) as most government MP’s had wanted to express their views.Accordingly, the Prime Minister had instructed to allocate Friday (21) for the debate after informing the Speaker.

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President declares open 2nd Session of 9th Parliament

COLOMBO (News 1st): President Gotabaya Rajapaksa ceremonially declared open the 2nd Session of the 9th Parliament on Tuesday (18).The President will present the Government Policy Statement in accordance with the powers vested in him by Article 33 (2) of the Constitution.On the instructions of the President, arrangements were made to hold the ceremony in a very simple manner thus that there were no gun salutes or car parades.Instead, the President was received in front of Parliament with a cultural salute with the participation of the Police Cultural Division.Following the presentation of the Government Policy Statement by the President, the House will be adjourned. Afterward, a tea party is organized for the members of Parliament and invited guests.Foreign diplomats, former Presidents, Prime Ministers, Chief Justice, Supreme Court Justices, and the Attorney General were invited to the ceremonial opening of the second session of the Ninth Parliament, Secretary-General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake said.The Adjournment debate on the Statement of Government Policy scheduled presented by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, will be held on January 19th and 20th.Accordingly, the Adjournment debate by the Government will be held on January 19th from 1.00 p.m.

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President awarded ‘Sri Lankadheeshwara Padma Vibhushana’

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been bestowed with the ‘Sri Lankadheeshwara Padma Vibhushana’ award on Sunday (2), tweeted the President’s SpokespersonIt was awarded by the Sri Kalyani Samagridharma Maha Sangha Sabha of the Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte Maha Viharaya. අතිගරු ජනාධිපති ගෝඨාභය රාජපක්ෂ මැතිතුමන් වෙත, මහාවිහාරවංශික ශ්‍රී ජයවර්ධනපුර කෝට්ටේ ශ්‍රී කල්‍යාණී සාමග්‍රිධර්ම මහාසංඝසභාව මගින් “ශ්‍රී ලංකාධීශ්වර පද්ම විභූෂණ” ගෞරවාභිධානය පිරිනමනු ලැබුණා.#LKA— Kingsly Rathnayaka (@KingslyRathnyka) January 2, 2022

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President inspects renovations of 400 year old Ehelepola Walawwa

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa inspected the renovation work of the Ehelepola Walawwa, which is more than 400 years old, at Raja Veediya in Kandy on Thursday (06).The building, which was used as a prison during the British colonial period and then a remand prison, was taken over by the Urban Development Authority and developed under the supervision of the Department of Archeology.All renovation works of the building, which is of historical value, have been carried out without compromising the ancient design of the Walawwa.The President gave instructions to complete the renovation immediately.

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President continues Kandy visit, Obtains blessings from Maha Sangha

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa visited the Malwathu Vihara on Thursday (06) and received blessings from the Most Venerable Dimbulkumbure Wimaladhamma Anunayake Thera.The Anunayake Thera chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the President. The Thera said that the Maha Sangha have faith that the aspirations of the people would be fulfilled by overcoming all obstacles.The President called on the Most Venerable Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thera, the Anunayake of Malwathu Chapter, and engaged in a brief conversation.Ven.

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Priority for Electric Vehicle imports & NO coal power plants – President

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa delivered the Government’s Policy Statement, after declaring open the 2nd session of the 9th Parliament on Tuesday (18).The President said that while successfully encountering short-term problems, the primary responsibility is to continue to implement the long-term development program presented by the government to the people and endorsed by a majority.“The sustainable future of the country is built on it,” said the President.Here’s are some of the key takeaways from the President’s speech:National Security:“Our Government has secured national security and the people have no fear of terrorism today,” said the President in his statement.He said the government has been able to change the situation concerning the underworld that terrorized people, during the past two years.The President further stated that Sri Lanka was becoming a hub for international drug traffickers and the situation today is largely under control due to the action taken by the security & intelligence services in the country.Human Rights:The President in his statement said Sri Lanka needs to correct the misconceptions that have been taken to the international community in the past with regard to Human Rights in the country.“During my tenure, the government did not support any form of human rights violations. We do not condone such actions in any manner,” he said.Electricity:“We will not approve the construction of coal power plants in the future for any reason,” said the President adding that “Our goal is to achieve the carbon-neutral target by 2050.

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NO gun salutes or car parades for 2nd Session of the 9th Parliament

COLOMBO (News 1st): President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will ceremonially declare open the 2nd Session of the 9th Parliament on the 18th January 2022.The President will present the Government Policy Statement on Tuesday (18) at 10:00 AM in accordance with the powers vested in him by Article 33 (2) of the Constitution.Prior to this, the second session of the Ninth Parliament will be ceremonially opened under the patronage of the President, Parliamentary Secretary General Dhammika Dasanayake said.On the instructions of the President, arrangements have been made to hold the ceremony in a very simple manner thus that there will be no gun salutes or car parades.Instead, the President will be received in front of Parliament with a cultural salute with the participation of the Police Cultural Division.Following the presentation of the Government Policy Statement by the President, the House will be adjourned. Afterward, a tea party is organized for the members of Parliament and invited guests.Foreign diplomats, former Presidents, Prime Ministers, Chief Justice, Supreme Court Justices, and the Attorney General have been invited to the ceremonial opening of the second session of the Ninth Parliament, Secretary-General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake said.He also stressed that the second session of the Ninth Parliament will be ceremonially opened following all health guidelines.

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