- M. Anura Dissanayake appointed new Secretary to the Prime Minister…
- W. Ivan de Silva appointed Secretary to the Ministry of Irrigation…
Responsibilities of Ministry Secretaries are immense…
-President.
Gamini Senarath, a senior official of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service, was appointed as the new Secretary to the President.
The letter of appointment was handed over by the President to Mr. Senarath at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (19).
Mr. Senarath, a Special Grade Officer in the Sri Lanka Administrative Service, has served as the Additional Secretary and Chief of Staff to the Fifth Executive President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He also served as the Prime Minister’s Secretary in 2004-2005, 2019 and in the present government after Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa assumed office.
Mr. Senarath received his primary and secondary education from Methodist College-Hakmana, Rahula College-Matara and Richmond College-Galle. He obtained his first degree from the University of Kelaniya in 1984 and joined the Sri Lanka Administrative Service. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Technology from the University of Colombo and has completed training courses in a number of countries including the United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore, Pakistan, Germany and France.
He has held senior positions in a number of government institutions such as the Department of Motor Traffic and the Department of Immigration and Emigration, and has chaired a number of state-owned enterprises, including the People’s Bank, Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation and Litro Gas Lanka Limited.
Mr. Senarath assumed his duties amidst the chanting of Seth Pirith by the Mahasangha.
D.M. Anura Dissanayake was appointed as the new Secretary to the Prime Minister and his appointment letter was handed over by the President.
Mr. Dissanayake, a senior official of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service, served as the Secretary to the Ministry of Irrigation. He has held the post of Secretary to several Ministries and is an experienced public servant who has held many senior positions in the government sector.
Meanwhile, Ivan de Silva was appointed as the new Secretary to the Ministry of Irrigation and his appointment letter was handed over by the President.
All aspects in the country depend on the public service, President Rajapaksa said. Addressing all Secretaries of Cabinet Ministries, the President said that all the Secretaries to the Ministries have an immense responsibility to fulfill.
The future plans and targets of the government have been given to the Ministries. The President said that it was the responsibility of the Secretaries of the Ministries to achieve the desired goals by encouraging the officials.
The Maha Sangha, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Cabinet and State Ministers, former Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundera, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Secretaries to Ministries and Government Officials were also present.
-President says at the second session of 9th Parliament.
- Never failed to fulfill basic responsibilities in the face of challenges …
- Gave priority to the health of the people …
- Will eliminate the menace of the underworld and drugs completely…
- The government did not back any kind of human rights violation…
- MPs in North and East should disregard political ideologies and assist to improve living standards of people…
- Do not create misconceptions over foreign investments to achieve political gains…
- Initiate a broad debate in Parliament to commence high quality non-governmental universities…
- All challenges faced in history have been overcome under proper leadership …
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa called on all Government and Opposition parties to unite inside as well as outside of Parliament to overcome the challenge faced by the country.
The President pointed out that politicians who incite the people against each other for narrow political gains should stop such moves at least now.
The President made these remarks while inaugurating the second session of the 9th Parliament this morning (18).
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was received at the Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte Parliamentary Complex by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and Secretary-General Dhammika Dasanayake.
The new session of Parliament commenced with a focus on traditional activities, which did not include gun salutes or vehicle parades.
Students of the Janadhipathi Balika Vidyala, Nawala sang Jayamangala Gatha and welcomed the President at the main entrance.
In this difficult time of global catastrophe, all people’s representatives have a national responsibility to work together to rebuild the country and despite the pledges made to fulfill responsibilities within five years, the global pandemic resulted in various obstacles, the President pointed out and emphasized that the government has never forgotten to fulfill its basic responsibilities.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa who visited the Kuragala Sacred Site instructed the officials to expedite construction works at the site.
Kuragala Sacred Site is located in the Kaltota Valley, 30 km from Balangoda in the Sabaragamuwa Province. The sacred site with 13 caves where the great Arhats lived has a long history.
President Rajapaksa visited the Sacred Site this afternoon (16) and inspected the restoration work of the Dagaba, Buddha Statue and Dharma Hall.
The development works of the Kuragala temple premises is being carried out under the leadership and guidance of the founder of the Nelligala International Buddhist Center Venerable Wathurakumbure Dhammaratana Thera. President Rajapaksa who inspected the construction works instructed the relevant officials to expedite the construction of the road network around the sacred area and the Dharma Hall which is designed to accommodate up to 2,000 people.
President Rajapaksa who engaged in a cordial discussion with the people gathered at the temple premises inspected the adjacent area.
Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Member of Parliament Akila Ellawala, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army General Shavendra Silva were also present at the occasion.
- Warm welcome for President in Rathnapura …
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa presented the “Yathivara Suraksha” Scholarships to student monks in the Ratnapura District at the Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devala premises, today (16).
According to the National Policy Framework “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour”, the Buddhist Affairs Division of the Presidential Secretariat implements the programme with the aim of giving foremost priority to Buddhism while protecting and nurturing it. Under this programme, priority will be given for the medical insurance policies to monks and Sil Māthās, and assist in the certificate course of Practical Buddhist Studies of Bhikku students, development of attitudes, skill development and international language courses.
The Faculty of Languages of the University of Sabaragamuwa offers English, Tamil, Chinese, Hindu, Japanese and German language courses for monks.
Under the supervision of Vice Chancellor of the Sabaragamuwa University Prof. Udaya Rathnayaka, the programme was initiated to award scholarships to student monks in the Ratnapura District. Marking this programme, the President presented scholarships to eleven student monks who have qualified for the International Diploma in Languages course.
President Rajapaksa visited the Maha Saman Devala in Ratnapura and received blessings. A large crowd gathered at the temple greeted the President and the President spoke to them and inquired into their well-being.
Ministers Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Pavithra Wanniarachchi, MP W.D.J Seneviratne, Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, State Minister Janaka Wakkumbura, MPs Gamini Waleboda, Muditha de Zoysa, Akila Ellawala, Basnayake Nilame of the Devala Migara Jayasundara, public representatives and government officials were also present.
- Promises made to the people will be fulfilled as pledged…
- A guarantee to protect the..
- Invitation to journalists to be partners in development …
- Do not be discouraged by false propaganda …
- President
- The answer to criticisms will be shown in action…
- Prime Minister
The Mirigama-Kurunegala section of the Central Expressway was opened to the public yesterday (15) by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The Ethugalpura Entrance, the second phase of the Central Expressway which spans 40.91 km in distance,has five interchanges at Mirigama, Nakalagamuwa, Dambokka, Kurunegala and Yaggapitiya.
Rs. 149 billion has been spent for this by the government. This section of road was constructed by local contractors and engineers.
At the Mirigama Entrance, the President and the Prime Minister unveiled the plaque amidst the chanting of Seth Pirith by the Maha Sangha. The President, the Prime Minister and other Ministers and Parliamentarians cut the ribbon, opened the road and made way to the Kurunegala Interchange, where the main public meeting was held.
The President and the Prime Minister received a warm response from the people gathered near the interchanges from Mirigama to Kurunegala.
The Colombo-Kandy Expressway will be developed under three phases. The first quarter is from Kadawatha to Meerigama (37.09 km), and the third phase is 32.5 km from Pothuhera to Galagedara. The government expects to complete the construction of the entire road from Colombo to Galagedara by 2024.
Nearly 10 km (25%) of the section from Mirigama to Kurunegala has been constructed on pillars to prevent flood damage. It is significant that barriers have been used to reduce the traffic noise.
Addressing the gathering, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that everything promised to the people to fulfill within five years will be fulfilled in the next three years.
The President assured that as a leader descended from a farming family, he would always take the lead in protecting the farmer. President Rajapaksa said that he would not forget the youths who had cultivated barren paddy lands when he came to power and invited them to join once again.
The President said that he had instructed the Minister of Agriculture to empower the farmers by purchasing paddy for Rs. 95 even.
There is no competition with the media. We have come to power to develop the country. The President invited the media to be a partner in the country’s development. The President also called on all public representatives and government officials to come together to work for the people of the country without being discouraged by false propaganda.
Today’s world and society move at a fast pace, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said and pointed out that an advanced transport system is essential to take advantage of the time and that a streamlined transport system has become a key factor in the development of the countries that are considered to be developed.
Expressways are the most criticized projects in this country. Prime Minister Rajapaksa stated that what is needed is to respond in action rather than in words to those who use the expressways while making criticisms.
Highways Minister Johnston Fernando recalled how the President, as a sensitive leader, took decisions on behalf of the people despite the lockdown imposed on the country due to the covid-19 pandemic. The Minister requested the people not to have any doubts about the President’s programme to develop the country in the next three years. The Minister assured that the expressways and other road networks would be developed and handed over to the people as envisaged by the President for the development of the country.
The President and Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa awarded prizes and certificates to the winners of the Cycling Race held to mark the opening of the Central Expressway.
The event was attended by members of the Maha Sangha, other religious leaders, ministers, governors, parliamentarians and other people’s representatives, government officials and the residents of the area.
The State Ceremony to award Aktha Pathra to the new Mahanayake of Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya, the Most Venerable Dodampahala Chandasiri Nayaka Thera, was held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo this afternoon (14) with the participation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The President presented the Sannas Pathra to the Mahanayake Thera and the Prime Minister presented the Vijini Patha.
Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, former Member of Parliament Ruwan Wijewardene, Myanmar Ambassador to Sri Lanka U Han Thu, Amarapura Nikaya-abhivruddi Dayaka Sabha Chairman Ajitha de Zoysa and Deputy Chairman Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena offered Pirikara to the Thera.
The President launched the official website of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya while the Secretary of the Dayaka Sabha R.A.D.Sirisena presented the amended list of temples belonging to the Nikaya to the Mahanayake Thera.
Addressing the gathering, the President said that the Buddhist community bless the Mahanayake Thera for his great contribution made to create a peaceful society, a content citizen and a good Buddhist.
Most Venerable Dodampahala Chandasiri Nayaka Thera has conducted sermons on the Buddha’s teachings and Theravada Buddhist traditions by visiting a number of countries for the benefit of the people and President Rajapaksa said that the Thera has been appointed as the Mahanayake to fulfill a great deal of responsibilities for the future of Amarapura Nikaya.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa recalled how the Most Venerable Dodampahala Chandasiri Nayaka Thera contributed to build libraries in temples damaged by the tsunami in 2004 and how this helped the monks who worked for the advancement of the Sasana.
The government led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is playing a major role in the conservation and reconstruction of temples. The Prime Minister said that Chandasiri Nayaka Thera continues to provide necessary guidance and advice in implementing these measures.
The members of the Maha Sangha including Mahanayake and Anunayake Theras, Cabinet and State Ministers, Governors, Members of Parliament and other People’s Representatives, Ambassadors, Public Officials and members of the Nikaya Dayaka Sabha were also present.
Thai Pongal is a special religious and cultural festival of Hindu devotees dedicated to pay homage to the Sun God for safeguarding their agricultural fields and providing a bountiful harvest. I am extremely pleased to extend my best wishes to our fellow Hindu brethren who celebrate this festival along with Hindu devotees across the world.
It is the belief of the Hindu people that holding the Thai Pongal festival in a traditional and successful manner will bring blessings and protection from the Sun God for an abundant harvest in the future.
The rituals performed by the Hindu devotees wishing prosperity have always been ingrained in Sri Lankan society since time immemorial. All Sri Lankans who inherit a culture based on an agrarian economy look forward to Thai Pongal with great respect.
We must move towards prosperity by adhering to a lifestyle that is in harmony with nature and based on green agriculture. Therefore, it is the aspiration of the majority of Sri Lankans to see the success of the national policy for a green agriculture. I firmly believe that this Thai Pongal season will provide much inspiration towards achieving this.
This year too, you should all have the opportunity to celebrate Thai Pongal in accordance with health guidelines in a way that protects you and your loved ones.
May the blessings and protection of the Sun God be upon you who are dedicated towards the prosperity and fruitfulness of a secure nation.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
January 13, 2022
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa made an inspection visit to the Litro Gas Terminal at Kerawalapitiya , today (13).
President Rajapaksa, who visited the main operation center of the terminal inspected the process of unloading gas from the vessels and the process of storing gas.
The terminal has four storage tanks with the capacity to store up to 2,000 metric tons of LPG each. Litro’s monthly gas supply is 30,000 tons. For this purpose 7 ships bring gas monthly.
Bowser trucks deliver gas to factories and refill cylinders at the Kerawalapitiya Terminal. According to the company, Litro Gas cylinders are being distributed across the country through 42 dealers and through 12,000 trade institutions.
During the last few days, 70,000 – 80,000 gas cylinders have been distributed on a daily basis throughout the country. The company expects that it will be able to meet the demand for Litro gas in the next few days.
Theshara Jayasinghe, Chairman of Litro Gas Lanka Limited, said that an institution for research on gas will be set up this year and the Hambantota Terminal of the Litro Gas Company will also be operationalized.
The President inspected the gas storage tank premises and the filling yard and also inquired into the well-being of the employees of the company.
Minister Bandula Gunawardana, State Minister Shehan Semasinghe, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Finance Ministry Secretary S.R. Attygalle and Secretary to the Ministry of Technology Jayantha de Silva were also present.
Keep hopes for the next three years…
– Prime Minister
The construction work of the second phase of Eastern Container Terminal at the Colombo Port commenced this morning (12) under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The President and the Prime Minister unveiled a plaque marking the commencement of construction work at the Terminal.
Construction works of the terminal, which will be conducted in three phases, are scheduled to be completed in 2024. The Terminal which is spread over an area of 75 hectares is 1,320 meters long. Once completed, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) will inherit a fully-fledged Terminal equipped with 12 STC cranes that handle operations from ships to the land and 40 Rail Mounted Gantry (RMG) Cranes. The total expenditure expected to be spent for the project is US$ 510 million and the Ports Authority will spend US$ 200 million.
Access Engineering PLC and China Harbor Engineering Company LTD are jointly carrying out constructions.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa invited the people not to ponder on the previous two years lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic and keep hopes for the next three years instead. The past has value only to the Opposition. We must always embrace the future, not the past.
The Prime Minister said that no one should give up hopes or optimistic thoughts that they have about the country and that we should embrace the future, leaving the past two years to the critics.
The Port of Colombo is currently ranked 23rd in the world according to the Alphaliner’s Ports Ranking. Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena said the Port will be ranked 13th after the completion of the new development work.
The event was attended by members of the Maha Sangha, other religious leaders, cabinet and state ministers, governors, ambassadors, parliamentarians, people’s representatives and government officials.
- Asian Development Bank’s Annual Meeting to be held in Sri Lanka …
-ADB Vice President informs President Rajapaksa
Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice President Shixin Chen stated that the Bank will support the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector for the economic development of the country.
The Vice President Chen made these remarks when he met President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat, today (10).
Mr. Chen commended the success of ongoing projects in Sri Lanka with the assistance of the Asian Development Bank. He further said that the ADB is ready to provide funds to restructure several state-owned enterprises.
The ADB has allocated US$ 786 million for Sri Lanka this year for implementation of 27 projects. The Asian Development Bank’s Annual Meeting will be held in Sri Lanka from May 02 to 05, with the participation of 68 countries. Simultaneously, plans are afoot to hold several activities, including business conferences. About 5,000 local and foreign representatives are expected to attend these events. The Annual Meeting will be held under the theme “Positioning Climate Resilient Green Economy for the Post COVID-19 World.”
The ADB Vice President commended the successful Covid-19 vaccination programme and the streamlined health mechanisms implemented by the government. President Rajapaksa said that the Government and the people of Sri Lanka are grateful for the assistance provided by the ADB to make the vaccination programme a success.
Asian Development Bank Senior Advisor Aiming Zhou, Country Director of Sri Lanka Resident Mission Chen Chen, Secretary General Muhammad Ehsan Khan, Deputy Country Director Utsav Kumar, Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundera, Finance Secretary S.R.Attygalle, Deputy Secretary to the Treasury R.M.P Rathnayake, Director General of the External Resources Department Ajith Abeysekera and Chief Executive Officer Dr. D.S. Jayaweera were also present.