• Health professionals’ strikes are unacceptable despite the highest salary increase given by a government in history
– President
President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that the trade union actions by healthcare professionals cannot be justified, considering that the largest salary increase in history granted by a government without any demands or pressure from professional associations has already been implemented.
The President made these remarks during a meeting held today (19) at the Presidential Secretariat with the Public Services United Nurses Union (PSUNU).
President Anura Kumara Disanayake highlighted that despite operating within a constrained economic framework, the government has prioritized increasing the basic salaries of public sector employees in this year’s budget. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of the public service, attract skilled professionals, and ensure the sustainability of the sector.
The President stated that salaries have been increased under six key categories in the budget. These include a minimum increase of Rs. 15,000 in the basic salary, an increment in overtime and holiday allowances, an 80% increase in salary increments, an upward revision of pension benefits in line with the revised total salary, and an increase in the taxable income threshold.
Officials from the PSUNU expressed their appreciation for the salary increments, highlighting that they have been well received by a significant portion of the public sector workforce. They also brought to the President’s attention the existing challenges within the nursing profession and requested prompt solutions to address these issues.
The meeting was attended by the Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Chief Sanganayaka of Western Province, the Chairman of PSUNU Most Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake along with several officials from the PSUNU.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake instructed police chiefs of the Southern Province to carry out their duties without any influence. The President further stated that his government would facilitate this process by ensuring political authority provides the necessary assistance.
President Disanayake made these remarks during a discussion held today (18) at the Presidential Secretariat with police chiefs of the Southern Province.
The President emphasized that everyone must abide by the country’s fundamental laws and stated that enforcing these laws is the responsibility of the police department.
During the discussion, police chiefs of the Southern Province briefed the President on reports related to organized crimes and drug-related offenses. In response, President Disanayake instructed officials to take all necessary measures swiftly to combat crimes.
He also directed the officers to strengthen law enforcement processes to protect public law and order without any external influence.
Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala; Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala; Acting Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya; and several Southern Province police chiefs were also present at the discussion.
* Plans to use modern technology to eliminate organized crime and drug abuse
* Focus on enacting new laws to combat crime
President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that steps will be taken to provide the necessary facilities to eliminate organized crime and drug abuse, as well as to introduce new legislation.
The President made these remarks during a discussion held today (18) at the Presidential Secretariat with the police chiefs of the Western Province.
He emphasized that maintaining the rule of law is a key responsibility of the Police Department.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake further stated that a just society cannot be established in Sri Lanka without ensuring the supremacy of the rule of law.
Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala; Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala; Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Ravi Seneviratne; Acting Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya; and several Western Province police chiefs were also present at the event.
“Improve the quality of infrastructure and services provided to tourists visiting the country.”
– President
President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasized the necessity of providing high-quality infrastructure and services for tourists visiting Sri Lanka, as the country has gained significant international recognition as an attractive tourist destination.
Accordingly, the President instructed officials to pay special attention to this matter and take necessary actions.
President Disanayake issued these instructions during a discussion held today (17) at the Presidential Secretariat with officials from the Ministry of Tourism.
During the discussion, officials briefed the President on the budgetary allocations designated for the Ministry of Tourism and the projects being implemented under those funds.
With the tourism sector taking a new step forward, Sri Lanka aims to attract three million tourists this year. The discussion also extensively covered the utilization of these budgetary allocations for the development of essential infrastructure to support this goal.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Foreign Employment Vijitha Herath, Deputy Minister of Tourism Dr. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Aruni Ranaraja, along with a group of senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, attended this discussion.
A special IFTAR ceremony was held this evening (14th) at Temple Trees in commemoration of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The event was graced by President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
The event was attended by a significant number of Islamic religious leaders and devotees, and it was held with a strong emphasis on Islamic religious traditions.
The Deputy Speaker, Rizvie Salih, delivered the welcome speech, while the Deputy Minister of National Integration, Muneer Mulaffer, also addressed the gathering.
Sheikh Abdullah Shaheed Mawlavi delivered a special sermon on the significance of the month of Ramadan.
Following a special prayer session, the breaking of the fast commenced at 6:23 PM, after which a special banquet was held.
President Disanayake also engaged in a friendly conversation with the attendees of the IFTAR ceremony.
Among the distinguished guests were Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Governor of the Western Province, Mr. Hanif Yusuf, as well as Government and Opposition Parliamentarians, State Officials, High Commissioners, Ambassadors, and Media Personnel.
• President Focuses on Streamlining, Integrating and Developing the Manufacturing Sector for Greater Efficiency
A meeting between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and officials of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development was held today (14) at the Presidential Secretariat.
Discussions focused on enhancing the efficiency, integration and development of the manufacturing sector to strengthen the national economy, as well as addressing the challenges associated with these efforts.
Key topics included government-led initial investments and proper regulation to empower small and medium-scale entrepreneurs, the establishment of local small-scale industries within investment zones and challenges related to business loans faced by small and medium-scale enterprises.
The President directed officials to expedite the release of lands allocated to the Ministry of Industry that have not been released so far.
Further discussions were held on maintaining and regulating import restrictions to strengthen local industries, prioritizing local suppliers in construction industry procurement and resolving issues in the gem and jewellery sector to ensure its full contribution to the national economy.
The President also instructed officials to swiftly implement tax exemptions for tourists to boost the gem and jewelry industry.
Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Thilaka Jayasundara and several other ministry officials attended the meeting.
A meeting between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and academics of the Federation of University Teachers’ Association (FUTA) was held this morning (13) at the Presidential Secretariat.
During the discussion, the academics briefed the President on the challenges they are currently facing, and potential solutions to address these issues were examined.
It was highlighted that Sri Lanka is presently engaged in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, which requires the government to adhere to the recommended guidelines and parameters. Accordingly, this year’s budget proposals have been formulated with a focus on revenue and expenditure limitations, prioritizing education and healthcare. It was also highlighted that despite these financial limitations, the government has implemented the largest-ever increase in the basic salary of public sector employees.
The President assured that the government is fully aware of the challenges faced by all professional groups and is committed to addressing them sensitively while safeguarding the rights of all individuals.
Prime Minister and Minister of Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing Anura Karunatilake, President of the Federation of University Teachers’ Association Dr. Anuruddha Karunaratne, Secretary Senior Lecturer Charudatta B. Ilangasinghe and several officials from the association also attended the meeting.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that the current government’s objective is to build a prosperous society in which the entire advantages of progress are distributed equitably.
The President made these remarks during a discussion held today (11) at the Presidential Secretariat with officials from the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment.
The discussion focused on government and non-governmental organisations working together to ensure citizens’ economic, social, and cultural security.
Attention was also given to providing financial assistance to economically vulnerable groups, with a proposal to allocate LKR 55 billion from the Samurdhi Fund for this purpose.
Additionally, the meeting addressed the need to enhance legal and institutional frameworks to support the social protection and economic empowerment of women, children, vulnerable groups and marginalized individuals—aligning with national priorities and international standards.
The event was attended by Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Dr. Upali Pannilage, Deputy Minister Vasantha Piyathissa, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry Malarmathi Gangadharan and other officials from the Ministry.
A meeting between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and officials of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) held today (12) at the Presidential Secretariat.
The discussion focused on reviewing the UDA’s ongoing development projects and ensuring the effective utilization of budget allocations, with an emphasis on key priorities.
This discussion extensively focused on strengthening the national economy through systematic urban development. Emphasis was placed on the need to integrate economic, social, environmental, and physical aspects when formulating and implementing urban development plans.
The discussion emphasized the significance of streamlining the approval process for urban plans through an online system, emphasizing the importance of coordinating with relevant institutions.
Currently, development plans have been formulated for 119 cities across the country. The meeting explored strategies for their swift implementation and addressed challenges arising in the process.
Several key areas were reviewed, including urban planning, capital investment, execution of government-approved projects, formulation of an urban land-use policy, agreements for new development initiatives, takeover and completion of abandoned development projects, capital improvement programs, formulation of environmental standards and implementation of environmental enhancement activities, building engineering and other operational activities, as well as the responsibilities and operational functions assigned to the Urban Development Authority.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing Anura Karunatilaka, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Russel Aponsu, Chairman of the UDA L. B. Kumudu Lal, and a team of UDA officials.