New Year is a hopeful time for all of us and as we bid farewell to 2020, we must welcome the New Year with renewed strength and determination, states Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in his New Year message.

The message: “We are grateful for the support extended by the people of Sri Lanka for our Government to create an inclusive and safe country for all Sri Lankans. During the short tenure of our Government, we take great pride in being able to address public grievances, and work towards the betterment of our people. After five years of political stagnation, we were able to restart many endeavours aimed at enhancing our social and economic growth, while fighting the multifaceted challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

I commend the dedication of our frontline staff fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. Healthcare workers, the Armed Forces, Police and Security, Government officials and volunteers have helped in mitigating the impact of this unprecedented challenge. While 2020 was a difficult year for all of us in Sri Lanka and around the world, it has been a true test of our spirit.

The people of Sri Lanka have shown their true mettle in these difficult times, and as we reflect back on this year, let us all believe that brighter days are ahead of us.

Even though our challenges remain great, the Sri Lankan spirit and perseverance remains greater, and it is this strength that will enable us to overcome the obstacles of this global pandemic as a nation and inspire our future generations. I wish you all a very happy, safe and prosperous New Year.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has issued a commemorative coin in the denomination of Rupees 20 to mark its 70th Anniversary. The first coin was officially presented to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa by the Governor of the Central Bank Professor W. D. Lakshman, at the Presidential Secretariat, today (31).

The coin is made of aluminum and bronze with Seven Lobed shape. This is a limited issue of 3,000 coins and the new coin will not be added to the circulation.

A coin will be sold at a price of Rs.1,300 through the CBSL Headquarters and Regional Offices.

Principal Advisor to President Mr. Lalith Weeratunga and Central Bank officials were present on this occasion.

Reaffirming the cordial relationship that has always existed between Egypt and Sri Lanka, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi has extended his heartfelt best wishes and greetings to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the people of Sri Lanka for 2021. The full text of the message of greetings follows:

“As we bid farewell to this year and welcome, with optimism and hope, the New Year 2021, it gives me pleasure to extend to Your Excellency and your people my warm greetings and heartfelt felicitations together with my best wishes.

“With this good occasion, I would like to express my sincere hope that the New Year will usher in a new chapter where our ambitions and aspirations come true through harnessing our efforts to surmount the global challenges and realize a future that ensures growing peace and prosperity for all.

“I also hope that 2021 will witness further expansion of our bilateral ties in the spirit of friendship and cooperation that has marked our relations for long decades to achieve mutual benefit for our friendly peoples.

It is noteworthy that Egypt was the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka in 1957 and currently bilateral relations are experiencing a surge across many fields as both countries are cooperating and working together to overcome the diverse challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Even during these difficult times, bilateral trade has gained momentum while the two countries are pursuing enhanced cooperation on several other fronts following the first round of bilateral political consultations held between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Egypt and Sri Lanka in Cairo on December 12, 2019. Egypt Air, the national flag carrier of Egypt commenced direct cargo flights between Cairo and Colombo from October 2020 while the inauguration of direct passenger flights between the two countries is also in the pipeline. Building upon these strong foundations of mutual cooperation, the New Year is expected herald greater opportunities for the enhancement of amicable relations between the countries and peoples.

– Do not disturb livelihoods of those depend on agriculture

– Provide rapid solutions to displaced people when planning development projects –      President instructs officials

Air Force to develop “Kanugahawewa” as a model village

• 21 tanks and several dams to be renovated soon
• Quick solutions to land issues
• Measures to develop main and byroads
• Pastures for milch cows
• Remedies to number of health, education and transportation problems

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa visited Kanugahawewa in Kebethigollawa to participate “Discussion with the Village” programme. This marks the fourth in the series of “Discussion with the Village” attended by the President.

The programme commenced on September 25, 2020 at Welanwita in Haldummulla Divisional Secretariat Division in Badulla district. The idea behind this programme is for President to talk to the rural communities living in remote and difficult areas without intermediaries about their long-standing unresolved problems and to present them directly to the officials in order to find solutions. Problems that can be solved on the spot are instantly addressed . The rest which take time to deal with are noted down to find solutions later.

The second of the series was held on October 2 in Himbiliyakada in Wilgamuwa Divisional Secretariat Division in Matale district while the third was held on December 18 in Rawanakanda, Imbulpe in Balangoda.

The village of Kanugahawewa in Kebethigollawa Divisional Secretariat located 73km away from Anuradhapura city was chosen for the today’s (30) discussion. The public gathering was held at the playground of Kanugahawewa Primary school. Villagers from several surrounding hamlets including Thalgahawewa, Halmillawatiya, Thammannawa, Herath Halmillawa and Nikawewa gathered there to present their grievances to the President seeking redress.

LTTE terrorists frequently attacked Kebethigollawa during the separatist war. 68 villagers from Kanugahawewa and the vicinity were killed when the LTTE terrorists exploded a passenger bus using a claymore mine in Halmillawatiya on June 15, 2006.

Residents of these villages had to live in welfare camps from 1995 to 1998 and from 2006 to 2008 due to terrorist activities. Although the threat of terror is over now, they still face a number of serious economic and social issues. The poverty ratio in the village stands at 54% of the total population.

Paddy and chena cultivation is the main source of livelihood of the people in Kanugahawewa as well as many surrounding villages. Loss of traditional habitat as a result of displacement due to terrorist threat is a major issue. Therefore, the farming lands have become residual forests. Marking such lands as reserves by the Wildlife and Forest Conservation Departments during their surveys makes it very hard for the people to cultivate. The threat of wild elephants is another major issue faced by the villagers.

Stating that the Government’s and his policy is to develop agriculture on a priority basis President instructed officials not to disturb the daily cultivation activities of the people who make a  living from agriculture. President Rajapaksa also said that they should have the full support of the political authority.

It was decided to hand over the lands identified as residual forests when marking reserves according to the Google map after 2012 back to the people for cultivation purposes immediately.

It was revealed during the public gathering that a large number of people have lost their lands due to the implementation of Yan Oya project but no compensation has been paid. President stressed that from now on, priority should be given to providing alternative lands and compensation must be made accordingly to those who lost their lands in the implementation of such projects.

Commander of Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Air Marshall Sudarshana Pathirana  undertook the responsibility of developing Kanugahawewa village with housing facilities to mark the 70^th anniversary of the SLAF. Kanugahawewa villaged will be developed as a model village under this initiative.

The President sought cooperation of the Chief Incumbent of the village temple, the Grama Niladhari, the Divisional Secretary and the Chairman of the Pradeshiya Sabha to jointly take steps to identify the needs of the people living in the village and submit plans to the Commander of the Air Force.

Renovation of existing tanks needed for farming was one of the main demands of many villagers present at the public gathering. Out of the tanks that have been filtered, 21 were decided to be rehabilitated speedily. Many canals and dams will also be renovated under under this scheme. It will benefit more than one thousand families and nearly 8,000 acres of land can be cultivated.

The monthly milk production by the residents of Kebithigollewa area is one hundred and thirty thousand liters. The officials pointed out that the income from this exceeds Rs. 10 million. Farmers are able to achieve higher milk production in 2020 than in 2019. The main challenge faced by the dairy farmers, is the lack of grasslands. Therefore, special attention was paid to develop grasslands for dairy farming industry. Instructions were given to the officials to allow the owners of dairy cattle to release their cows to grazing in the surrounding areas of the forest reserves.

The President instructed the education officials to expedite the process of providing solutions for the teacher shortage as well as other requirements at Kanugahawewa Primary School, Halmillawetiya and Kebithigollewa Schools.

President wanted officials to expedite the development of major and by-roads including the Medawewa Road from Kanugahawewa to Rambakapuwewa, Kebithigollewa to Buhalmillewa and the road from Yakawewa, Bogaswewa, Wahalkada to Yan Oya.

The President directed the Provincial political authority to intervene to expedite the process to ensure adequate supply of drinking water and sanitation facility for the villagers.

It was decided to develop Nikawewa in order to provide water for drinking and cultivation purposes.

The farmers also briefed the President on the Armyworm caterpillar menace affecting maize cultivation.

It was also decided to provide medical and nursing facilities for Kebithigollewa Base Hospital and Wahalkada Rural Hospital. President Rajapaksa paid special attention to providing transport facilities for school children and rural people.

President Rajapaksa also opened the ‘ Smart Classroom’ equipped with computers donated by Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) Mobitel to Kanugahawewa Primary School in support of “Discussion with the Village” programme. Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Director General Oshadha Senanayake and SLT Mobitel Group Executive Lalith Seneviratne were also present.

On this occasion, two books written by Lalith Seneviratne were also presented to the President.

After conversation with villagers, President visited the Vihara Halmillewa Siri Sulugal Dambulla Vihara main Pirivena and called on the Chief Incumbent of the Temple,  Ven. Viharahalmillewe Dhammarakkitha Thero. The President applauded the Thero for his yeoman service for the benefit of Buddha Sasana by protecting the temple in the face of terrorist threats.

The President also pledged to provide his fullest support to the development of the temple.

Minister S.M. Chandrasena, State Ministers Duminda Dissanayake, Shehan Semasinghe, Channa Jayasumana, Members of Parliament S. Nandasena and Uddika Premaratne, Governor Mahipala Herath, Principal Advisor to President Lalith Weeratunga, people’s representatives, Secretaries to the Ministries, Heads of Government Institutions and many others joined with the “Discussion with the Village” programme.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has approved a move to reopen cinemas in the country on 1st January.

The Prime Minister’s Office said that Rajapaksa, who is also the Minister of Cultural Affairs, had instructed the authorities to reopen cinemas in the country, except those in isolated areas.

Movie Directors, Producers, actors and others linked to the industry have informed the Prime Minister about the difficulties they are facing.

As a result, the Prime Minister has instructed the authorities to reopen cinemas and allow them to operate in line with the health guidelines issued to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The National Film Corporation said last week that cinemas will operate with a 25 percent seating capacity.

The Government had in October decided to close all cinemas as a result of the second wave of the coronavirus.

This was the second instance in which cinemas operating under the National Film Corporation had been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cinemas were initially temporarily closed from the 14th of March due to the first coronavirus outbreak in the country.

The Government later permitted cinemas to reopen from 27th June under strict health guidelines.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa paid homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic at Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy and obtained blessings on December 25.

The President was warmly welcomed by the custodian of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Diyawadane Nilame Nilanga Dela.

The President called on the Chief Prelate of the Malwathu Chapter, Most Ven.Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera and inquired into his well-being.

The President also called on the Anunayake Theras of the Malwatta Chapter, Most Ven. Dimbul Kumbure Wimaladhamma and the Most Ven. Niyangoda Vijithasiri and engaged in pleasantries.

Thereafter, President Rajapaksa visited the Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter, Most Ven. Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thera and obtained his blessings.

The President also called on the Most Ven. Anamaduwe Dhammadassi Anunayake Thera and the Registrar, Most Ven. Medagama Dhammananda Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter and inquired into their well-being as well.

The President visited the Asgiriya Gedige Vihara and had a brief conversation with the Anunayake, Most Ven. Wendaruwe Upali Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter and inspected the development work of the vihara.

The President also visited the Asgiriya Maha Pirivena and called on the Deputy Registrar of the Asgiriya Chapter, Ven. Narampanawe Ananda Nayaka Thero.

Christmas is a noble religious event in the Christian calendar, associated with the birth of Lord Jesus Christ, which inspires the devotion of millions of Christians in God around the world and is second only to the Easter, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said in his Christmas Message, yesterday.

The rest of the message is as follows:

“It exemplifies the noble values that make up the foundation of a civilised human society; such as peace, love, kindness, coexistence, and compassion; that Lord Jesus Christ preached and demonstrated by practice. From a social perspective, Christmas is also a joyous occasion for Christian families to get together, exchange gifts, forget enmity, and renew bonds.

“The doctrine preached by Lord Jesus Christ encompasses a body of teachings that contributes to the perpetuation of society. Foremost among these teachings is to eliminate the darkness of sin and help those who have been neglected and marginalised with a sense of brotherhood and be committed to the salvation of mankind. This doctrine can be utilised to revive this economically, socially, and culturally-disrupted world in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am aware that the Christian brethren of this country celebrate this Christmas while still anguishing in the bitter pain created by the brutal attacks that took place last Easter. Nevertheless, we have been able to dispel the feeling of fear and insecurity that was generated as a result and to bestow everyone with the opportunity to engage in religious observances freely. In the same manner, justice too will be meted out to the affected.

“May the gospel of peace and love expounded by Lord Jesus Christ spread across the world! I wholeheartedly wish all Christians in Sri Lanka a Merry Christmas!”

His message is as follows:

“May this year’s Christmas be our promise of hope renewed. It is a time to spread joy and goodwill, while appreciating our blessings in the presence of our loved ones.

“As we commemorate this joyous occasion, I want to say thank you to all those in service; doctors, nurses, volunteers, the military, police officers, and everyone in service—who tirelessly contributed to our community’s welfare and safety during these perilous times.

“This pandemic has brought upon a barrier from reuniting with our loved ones, but we must all unite in spirit to overcome its challenges. The greatest gift we can give each other this Christmas is assuring the shared safety of ourselves and our loved ones by adhering to COVID-19 guidelines.

“In the midst of all the challenges of 2020, I hope the Christmas spirit fills all your hearts with positivity, courage, and hope for the new year ahead.

“May you all have a peaceful, safe and merry Christmas!”

Another made locally made drug under the “New Medicines for a New Country” programme was launched by the State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC) yesterday. The first batch of the new product, Flucloxacillin was handed over to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa by State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana. Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi was also present. Picture courtesy Prime Minister’s Media Division

Another drug made locally under the “New Drugs for a New Country” programme to produce 50 percent of Sri Lanka’s total pharmaceuticals requirement locally was launched yesterday by the State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC).

The launching ceremony of the new drug and the opening of the new Manufacturing Facility (G Zone) of the SPMC was held yesterday at the SPMC premises in Ratmalana under the patronage of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

In line with the ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ National Policy Framework,the SPMC running under the purview of the State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals yesterday launched its another product, Flucloxacillin 500mg Capsules BP to the local market.

The first batch of drugs was handed over to the Chief Guest Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa by State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana.

Flucloxacillin is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic of the group of isoxazolyl penicillins for treating infections.

The State Pharmaceutical Corporation produces about three million tablets and capsules a year, and the production of Flucloxacillin Capsules BP 500 mg (Flucloxacillin) will save the country about Rs.70 million a year.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, the Prime Minister said that it is the policy of the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to produce items that can be produced in this country locally.

“We will implement this policy for the greater good of the country.Rs.470 billion has been allocated for the production of drugs. It means that we are self-sufficient in all areas where our country needs to be self-sufficient,” the Prime Minister said.

Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, State Ministry Secretary K.R.Uduwawala, SPMC Chairman Dr. Uthpala Indrawansa also participated in this event.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa declared open the new Sangamittarama Silmatha training institute in Arippuwa, Anuradhapura yesterday. Here, Ven. Kadawala Nandarathana Thera and Ven. Kotmale Kumara Kassapa Thera handing over a Tab containing electronic Tripitaka and Tripitaka handbooks to the Prime Minister for the use of trainee Sil Mathas. (Picture courtesy Prime Minister’s Media Division)

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa declared open the new Sangamittarama Silmatha Training Institute in Arippuwa, Anuradhapura yesterday.

This facility designed to accommodate around 30 Sil Mathas over a seven day training period was set up with the aim of developing the knowledge of the Sil Mathas on the Tripitaka Dhamma.

All lectures, supervision of the course and operations would be conducted by the Bhikku lecturers of the Anuradhapura Bhikku University. All other facilities for this programme would be provided by the Buddhist Affairs Department.

During this programme, Ven. Kadawala Nandarathana Thera and Kotmale Kumara Kassapa Thera handed over 30 Tabs containing electronic Tripitaka and Tripitaka handbooks to the Prime Minister to be used by the trainee Sil Mathas.

Members of the Maha Sangha and Bhikkunis’ were present on this occasion. Minister S.M. Chandrasena, State Ministers Duminda Dissanayake, Shehan Semasinghe and Channa Jayasumana were also present.

The “Asidisi” Scholarship Programme organized annually by the Ministry of Mass Media with the objective of equipping all journalists with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to establish the art of professional journalism, would have its symbolic Scholarship Awards Ceremony this time on Tuesday, December 22 at 10:30 a.m. at the auditorium of the Ministry of Mass Media.

The purpose of this project is to create an environment for journalists to improve their skills via training courses and encouraging them.

Journalists, Freelance Journalists, Provincial Journalists and Web Journalists who have obtained the Identity Card issued by the Department of Government Information, between the ages of 18-55 and have completed three years of full time or part time service in recognized electronic and print media institutions in the island would be awarded with this scholarship on non-refundable basis.

A maximum amount of Two hundred thousand rupees (Rs.200,000.00) for undergraduate and postgraduate courses or One hundred thousand rupees (Rs. 100,000.00) for short or long term certificate courses, diplomas and advanced diploma courses would be offered under this scholarship program. Scholarship recipients can take media related courses conducted by recognized universities and higher educational training institutions.

Under this scheme of scholarship, the journalists have the opportunity to reap its benefits twice without paying any amount of money and the journalists who have successfully completed the course can apply for the second chance in five years after being qualified for the 1 st time.

The beneficiaries were selected after interviewing the applicants by a committee elected by the secretary of the Mass Media Ministry. Among the journalists who had applied for the scholarship this time, the Ministry of Mass Media has taken steps to offer this scholarship to everyone who has fulfilled the qualifications. Accordingly, 85 journalists are eligible for these scholarships.