Ranil Wickremesinghe: Latest News

All news where Ranil Wickremesinghe is mentioned

Joe Biden - Ranil Wickremesinghe - Bill Clinton - Without President Biden, we will not be having a successful Maha Season – President Wickremesinghe - newsfirst.lk - Usa - Sri Lanka
newsfirst.lk
53%
446
Without President Biden, we will not be having a successful Maha Season – President Wickremesinghe
COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that measures have been taken to strengthen the 74-year-old ties between the United States and Sri Lanka, adding that the support rendered by the United States whenever Sri Lanka was in difficulty would never be forgotten.President Ranil Wickremesinghe made this statement while attending the official opening of the new building of the United States Embassy in Colombo on the 28th.Expressing his views on the diplomatic relations and mutual understanding between the United States and Sri Lanka during the war, the President also recalled with gratitude the support given by the United States under the leadership of George Bush in 2001 during President Wickremesinghe's tenure as Prime Minister.The President also recalled the support provided by the US government led by Bill Clinton to help Sri Lanka recover from the Tsunami disaster in 2004 and said that if not for the intervention of the US led by President Joe Biden, Sri Lanka would not have been able to make a success of the Maha Season.President Wickremesinghe, who further pointed out the 74 years of US-Sri Lanka friendship, partnership and bilateral relations, expressed his appreciation for the support rendered by the United States for the preparation of the first monetary law and the well-drafted legal system for the establishment of the Central Bank.Having experienced such a long and cordial relationship, Sri Lanka and the United States will work as close friends in the future as well, said the President, adding that the United States and Sri Lanka, as inseparable partners, will forge ahead with respect and confidence in each other to preserve peace and democracy.Following is the full speech made by President
Bandula Gunawardena - Ranil Wickremesinghe - Yala Fiasco : President orders probe, says Cabinet Spokesperson - newsfirst.lk - Sri Lanka
newsfirst.lk
65%
765
Yala Fiasco : President orders probe, says Cabinet Spokesperson
COLOMBO (News 1st)- Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed the security forces to conduct an investigation in an impartial manner in to the recent incident inside the Yala National Park where a fleet of Off-Road vehicles were seen performing doughnut inside the park premises.Cabinent Spokesperson & Minister Bandula Gunawardena said that the President also instructed to penalize those accountable.Nine people and seven jeeps that were involved in the Yala Fiasco over the weekend, that received widespread condemnation, were produced to the Tissamaharama District Court on Wednesday (26) after they surrendered to the Yala National Park Rangers Office earlier in the day.The Magistrate ordered for the suspects to be released on a personal bail of Rs. 500,000/- each.In the meantime, a three-member Committee was appointed to conduct further investigations on the Wildlife officials who have been temporarily suspended for failing to prevent incident from taking place.This committee will be chaired by an Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resource Conservation.A total of seven Park Rangers have been interdicted until the investigations are over, and they are charged with dereliction of duty and for their direct or indirect involvement in the incident.The matter was also raised during Wednesday's (26) cabinet briefing, and Minister Bandula Gunawardena.
Ranil Wickremesinghe - Full state-sponsored funeral for Most Ven. (Dr) Pallegama Siriniwasa Thera - newsfirst.lk - Thailand - city Sangha
newsfirst.lk
64%
861
Full state-sponsored funeral for Most Ven. (Dr) Pallegama Siriniwasa Thera
COLOMBO (News 1st) – Most Venerable (Dr) Pallegama Siriniwasa Thero, Custodian & Chief Priest of the Maha Bodhi & Atamasthanadhipathi of Anuradhapura passed away on Tuesday (18).President Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed North Central Province Governor Maheepala Herath &  Buddhasasana, Religious & Cultural Affairs Minister Vidura Wickramanayaka to coordinate arrangements for the full state-sponsored funeral of Most Venerable (Dr) Pallegama Siriniwasa Thero, Custodian & Chief Priest of the Maha Bodhi & Atamasthanadhipathi of Anuradhapura.The Most Venerable Thero passed away at the age of 69 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.The Venerable Thero also served as Chief Sangha Nayake for the North Central Province.Chief Incumbent of Ruwanweli Maha Seya Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero announced that the remains of the late Most Venerable (Dr) Pallegama Siriniwasa Thero will be moved to Anuradhapura on Wednesday (19) evening.The remains will be placed at a private funeral parlor until 12 noon on Wednesday (19).The Most Venerable (Dr) Pallegama Siriniwasa Thero was born in Pallegama, Dambulla on the 2nd of January 1953 to Karunasena Mudiyanselage Tikiri Bandara Nilame, and Dukganna Walawwe Anula Kumarihamy.The late thero was ordained at the Ruwanweli Maha Seya in Anuradhapura in 1968.He was educated at the Vidyodaya Pirivena in Maligakanda, Sandalankawa Shasthrodaya Pirivena, Sri Jinarathana Pirivena in Gangarama, and later graduated from the University of Kelaniya.The Late Most Venerable (Dr) Pallegama Siriniwasa Thero was also bestowed with a doctorate by the Government of Thailand commending his services to the Dhamma.In 1975 the late thero obtained the Upasampada, the Buddhist rite of higher
Ranil Wickremesinghe - President optimistic that debt restructuring discussion will end successfully following talks with the Chinese Finance Minister - newsfirst.lk - China - Japan - India - Sri Lanka - Washington
newsfirst.lk
60%
157
President optimistic that debt restructuring discussion will end successfully following talks with the Chinese Finance Minister
President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that he had recently discussed Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring with the Chinese Finance Minister and he is optimistic that the discussions in this regard would be concluded successfully.The President further mentioned that the delegation headed by the State Minister of Finance, who is currently in Washington, held initial discussions yesterday (15) with the International Monetary Fund and the three main countries, China, India and Japan that have given loans to the country. He said that the government is giving priority to immediately solve the problem of the country’s bankruptcy and to ensure food security.President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks following an observation tour of the cultivated lands in Rathumada-Weerakandawala area in Siambalanduwa Divisional Secretariat this morning (16).The President also discussed the progress of the implementation of the food security program in Monaragala district with government officials.He said that there is no problem with having debates and also recalled the statements made by some people that they would come forward and shed blood and said that one should live before shedding blood.The President mentioned that if a proper program is not implemented to provide food to the people, they will not have to shed blood but will starve to death.
Ranil Wickremesinghe - Cast aside party politics and commit to addressing the country’s food crisis- President advises officials in Ampara - newsfirst.lk
newsfirst.lk
46%
528
Cast aside party politics and commit to addressing the country’s food crisis- President advises officials in Ampara
COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that all should join together to solve the people’s food issues, casting traditional party politics aside.The President made this observation addressing the public officers at an awareness program on the multi-sector mechanism to empower rural economic revitalization centers to ensure food security and nutrition at Hardy Advanced Technological Institute Auditorium in Ampara this morning (15).The President further noted that no one would be allowed to starve despite the fact that the country is going through a very difficult time and pointed out the importance of successfully implementing the national food production program to prepare for a possible global food crisis in 2023.The president also said that the agriculture modernization program would be implemented from next year concurrent to the food security program.The implementation of the multi-sector mechanism to empower rural economic revitalization centers to ensure food security and nutrition in transforming the Ampara District also into a prosperous one with a blooming community was also discussed at length.The Ampara district contributes 22 percent to the national paddy harvest and discussions were also focused on making the paddy cultivation in the Yala and Maha seasons a success.It was also special feature that the President paid special attention to the issues faced by the government officials during the field work. The president was made aware of issues related to the agriculture and fisheries industry in the Ampara district and he directed the officials to address those issues.
Ranil Wickremesinghe - Trincomalee District Strategic Development Plan not targeting elections, but a project to benefit future generations – President - newsfirst.lk - India - Sri Lanka
newsfirst.lk
71%
234
Trincomalee District Strategic Development Plan not targeting elections, but a project to benefit future generations – President
COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the Trincomalee District Strategic Development Plan is not targeting elections, but a project that has been initiated to benefit future generations.The President said that Sri Lanka values India’s assistance in implementing the Trincomalee district development project, as our closest neighbour.He made this statement by joining the special discussion on the Trincomalee District Development Plan, held today (14) at the grounds of Trincomalee Orr’s Hill.He recollected the objections raised when the Trincomalee oil tanks were to be handed over to India, adding that the country would not have faced a fuel crisis if the decision to provide the oil tanks had received the green light to be fully implemented.Prior to the commencement of the discussion, President Wickremesinghe inspected several places proposed to be developed under the Trincomalee District Development Plan.The President was able to view the locations proposed under the Trincomalee District Development Plan from the Orr’s Hill vantage point.Further, following the discussion, the President also inspected the proposed project to develop the beach and recreation facilities near the Trincomalee Gandhi Roundabout, as a tourist attraction.Meanwhile, the President who also met a group of Trincomalee District regional journalists and had a cordial discussion.President Ranil Wickremesinghe, further commenting in the discussion regarding the Trincomalee District Development Plan said,“We are not initiating this project targeting the next election, but for the benefit of the next generation. In 2023 we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Independence.
Ranil Wickremesinghe - President instructs officers to celebrate the 75th Independence Day with dignity - newsfirst.lk - county Day - county Independence
newsfirst.lk
64%
385
President instructs officers to celebrate the 75th Independence Day with dignity
COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe instructed officials to celebrate the 75th Independence Day in a dignified manner that reflects national and religious unity.Steps have been taken to celebrate the 75th Independence Day celebrations on the 04th of February 2023 at the Galle Face Green with all pomp and pageantry under the theme, “Let’s stand together”.A discussion on the organization of the 75th Independence Day commemoration was held under the chairmanship of President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President’s Office this afternoon (12). The President issued these instructions during this discussion.Numerous events and programs have been organized in conjunction with the Independence Day commemoration and special cycle race, school tournament, historical and rare book exhibition are among the main features planned.In addition, marking this special occasion, a housing project of 2000 houses has been planned in Colombo and Gampaha districts.On the 04th and 05th of February, all national parks will be open to the public free of charge and a commemorative stamp will be issued in conjunction with the 75th Independence Day celebrations.The organizing committee of the Independence Day celebrations comprises 10 sub-committees and an open invitation is extended to the public to witness the Independence Day celebrations.
Ranil Wickremesinghe - Using children as shields in demonstrations is a serious offence – President - newsfirst.lk - India - Sri Lanka
newsfirst.lk
86%
329
Using children as shields in demonstrations is a serious offence – President
COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe pointed out that using children as shields in demonstrations is a serious offence according to the law of the country and advised the Sri Lanka Police to take immediate measures to prevent the perpetuation of such conduct.President Wickremesinghe issued these instructions during the special discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday (12) on the protection of children’s rights.Highlighting sub-section 13 of Article 27 of the Constitution, “The State shall promote with special care the interests of children and youth, to ensure their full development, physical, mental, moral, religious and social, and to protect them from exploitation and discrimination,” the President emphasized that protecting children is the prime responsibility of a government.Steps were also taken to assign the responsibilities of child protection to the Sri Lanka Police and related government institutions.The President upheld the need for an Act to protect children’s rights to prevent them from being used for sexual activities and protect their fundamental rights. He also advised the officials to discuss this issue with the Attorney General to take necessary steps in this regard.The President drew attention to the detention of the children, who were among the people who were arrested for illegally migrating to India, and therefore separated from their parents. He said that this situation needs to be rectified immediately and arrangements made to return the children to their parents.The President also requested special attention to be paid to the education of children in orphanages and the protection of their rights and advised the officials to submit a report on those with special
Ranil Wickremesinghe - Need to enact legislation on food security – President - newsfirst.lk
newsfirst.lk
86%
541
Need to enact legislation on food security – President
COLOMBO (News 1st) – A country’s security is not only ensured militarily but is also secured through food and economic security, President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized.The President said this during the progress review meeting of the National Food Security and Nutrition Assurance Program held at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday (11).Emphasizing that urgent measures should be taken to provide the country with fuel and food, the President said that if necessary, he could intervene through state security regulations.The President also noted that if the implementation of the food security and nutrition assurance program is hampered due to the collapse of the state machinery, he is ready to intervene at any moment to resolve these issues.President Ranil Wickremesinghe also pointed out the need to modernize agriculture and enact legislation on food security through this program.The multi-sectoral joint mechanism to empower rural economic revitalization centres to ensure food security and nutrition was recently implemented across the island under the theme “No citizen should be allowed to starve due to the lack of food”, on the directives of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.Also, the progress of the program at the district level was examined during this discussion and it was stated that rural economic revitalization committees have been established at the village level in all districts and programs have been initiated to ensure food security and nutrition.Discussions also centred on the issues that could arise during the cultivation process in the relevant districts, while special attention was placed on the supply of fertilizer, land issues, unavailability of seeds and the crop damage caused by wild animals.President
Ranil Wickremesinghe - Immediate responses to public letters – Directive from President - newsfirst.lk
newsfirst.lk
45%
165
Immediate responses to public letters – Directive from President
COLOMBO (News 1st) –  President Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued instructions to streamline the process of responding to letters, emails and phone calls addressed to government institutions. The president has focussed his attention on streamlining and expediting the process of responding to letters, emails, and phone calls by the public instead of them having to waste their time, effort, and money by having to come to these institutions personally to attend to their requirements. Accordingly, a special letter signed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government, including provisions in replying to letters, e-mails and telephone calls addressed to government institutions, has been sent to all ministry secretaries, provincial chief secretaries, and Heads of departments.Priority should be given to general letters from the public to government institutions, and in case final replies cannot be sent immediately, an interim reply stating that the letter has been received should be sent within one week and a final reply should be sent within four (04) weeks. In addition, for all official letters, the direct telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address of the staff officer in charge of the subject should be mentioned below the signature of the relevant letter when sending reply letters.Emails sent to public email addresses of relevant offices should be checked daily and a specific officer should be assigned for the purpose.
Ranil Wickremesinghe - ‘Don’t Leave Anyone Behind’ – Welfare for 3.1 Mn low income families - newsfirst.lk - Sri Lanka
newsfirst.lk
76%
130
‘Don’t Leave Anyone Behind’ – Welfare for 3.1 Mn low income families
COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed to expedite the program to provide welfare benefits to 3.1 million low-income families in Sri Lanka.This program has been planned to cover all the districts of the country under the theme ‘Don’t Leave Anyone Behind’. Under this program, the benefits will be available for the families or individuals receiving benefits under Samurdhi, Elderly Persons, Disabled Persons, and Kidney Disease Assistance Program. People who are on the waiting list expecting subsidies as well as people who are affected by the current economic crisis and who are expecting government welfare benefits will also receive this benefit, the Minister revealed.Minister also said that calling for applications has already started and the closing date has been extended to October 15.The relevant application form can be downloaded via the www.wbb.gov.lkBy calling for new applications, the government hopes to include all eligible beneficiaries and to provide benefits to all those who deserve benefits through the Social Welfare Benefit Board, the Minister further said.Denying the rumor that has been circulating among the public regarding the cut-down of the allowances according to the agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), he said the government needs to organize the data in a correct system. It needs to include the group who are currently receiving welfare benefits as well as the group who are not receiving welfare benefits but are expecting. We expect to gather all the information and give the allowance to the necessary, appropriate, and correct individual."We are united in the national responsibility that no one should be left behind.
DMCA