The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka HE Gopal Baglay called on the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka His Excellency Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa today afternoon to congratulate him on the emphatic victory of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) in the recently held General Elections. The High Commissioner recalled that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had complimented the people and Government of Sri Lanka on the successful conduct of elections and had acknowledged the impressive electoral performance of the SLPP.

The High Commissioner reiterated the strong desire and the commitment of the Government of India to work very closely with the new Government and Parliament in Sri Lanka for further strengthening comprehensive bilateral cooperation. He looked forward to continued guidance from Sri Lanka’s leadership in this endeavour. The strong mandate received by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa provides a fresh opportunity for the two countries to enhance bilateral engagement, including mitigating the adverse economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The leader of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Mahinda Rajapaksa was sworn in as the 13^th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The swearing in ceremony took place at the historic Kelani Raja Maha Viharaya this morning (9).

Elected to the post for the fourth time, Mr. Rajapaksa served two terms as the Executive President of the country from 2005 to 2015.

Completing five decades in active politics, Mr. Rajapaksa entered the Parliament in 1970 and he played a pivotal role as a Cabinet Minister during 1995-2004 period.

First elected as the Prime Minister in 2004, Mr. Rajapaksa was sworn in as the Prime Minister for the second time on October 26, 2018. The third time he was sworn in as the Prime Minister was on November 21, 2019.

During his 10-year tenure as the Executive President Mr. Rajapaksa was able to eradicate the 3-decade old terrorism from the country and to accelerate country’s economic development.

Contesting from Kurunegala district in the recently concluded Parliamentary Election Mr. Rajapaksa received a record-breaking 527,364 Preferential Votes, the highest number of votes a candidate ever received.

Mr. Rajapaksa will go down in history as the first ever Sri Lankan to become Prime Minister for four times after serving two terms as the Executive President.

Maha Sangha chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the new Premier.

Later, the President and Prime Minister engaged in religious observances at the Viharaya.

At the conclusion of the ceremony both President and Prime Minister greeted the public gathered at the venue.

Maha Sangha and other religious leaders, Governors, Secretary to the President, members of the diplomatic corps, newly elected members of Parliament of SLPP and other Parliamentarians who extend their support to the new government and family members were also present on the occasion.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa says the Sacred Tooth Relic protected our Motherland and its people right throughout.

We pay homage to the most Sacred Tooth Relic the same way we venerate the Buddha said the President adding that we are obliged to pay our veneration to the most sacred Tooth Relic in accordance with our ancient customs.

President made these remarks at the ceremony to announce the successful completion of the Dalada Perahera in Kandy today (4).

In keeping with the traditional customs Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Dala Bandara presented the Sannasa (scroll) of the successful conclusion of Kandy Esala Perahara to the President.

President planted a Na sampling at the premises of the President’s House in Kandy to mark the occasion.

President posed for a group photo with Diyawadana Nilame, Basnayaka Nilames and officials who supported the conduct of Perahara.

Donations to Pitisara Devalas were handed over by the President.

The Governor of the Central Province Lalith U. Gamage presented a book titled “Poojaneeya Dalada Sanskruthiya” to the President.

Madam Ayoma Rajapaksa, Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundera, government officials and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has summoned the new Parliament to meet on 20^th August, 2020 (Thursday) following the General Election tomorrow, August 5^th.

President has made this decision under the powers vested in him by the Constitution of Sri Lanka and the Parliamentary Election Act. The Extraordinary Gazette notification announcing the summoning of the new Parliament was issued last night.

The COVID-19 Health and Social Security Fund has allocated Rs. 36,605,812.00 to the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services to carry out essential PCR tests.

Chairman of the Management Committee of the Fund and the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Prof. W.D Lakshman handed over the cheque pertaining to the allocation to the Secretary to the Ministry of Health Major General Consultant (Dr.) Sanjeewa Munasinghe today (24).

The money will be utilized to conduct PCR tests and health security consultation programmes.

Rs. 34,105,812.00 will be spent to purchase test kits for the PCR tests conducted by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura at the request of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services. Rs. 2.5 million has been allocated to purchase emergency and essential laboratory equipment with the aim of increasing the capacity of PCR tests conducted by the University of Jaffna.

COVID-19 Fund’s balance has now surpassed Rs. 1,525 million.

The COVID-19 Fund’s money have been released to the Director General of Health Services to facilitate measures taken to combat COVID-19 such as to purchase drugs, equipment and to conduct medical tests.

Following corporate, individual donations and direct deposits, ‘ITUKAMA’ COVID-19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund balance has now surpassed Rs. 1491 million.

Girl child W.G. Jayani Thilakshana Karunaratne has donated Rs. 3,000 to the fund. This sum was handed over to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat.

In addition, Ceylon Shipping Corporation Rs. 196,683.50, Sri Lanka Ports Authority Rs. 18,615,544.29, Health Workers of Dambulla Municipal Council  Rs. 76,135.79, girl child S.A. Vihanga Dahamsiri Senerath Rs. 2,364, Department of Education, Central Province Rs. 10,581,510.40, Public Officers of Central Province  Rs. 133,666.52, Mr. Gunathilaka Bandara Rs.5, 000, Mr. R.R. Nawarathna Rs.5,000, Ukuwela Pradeshiya Sabha Member M.G.M. Jayampathi Atipola Rs.15,000 and girl child W.M.K. Senuri Prabodhini Nawaratne Rs. 180 donated to the Fund. These donations were handed over to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The Kandy National Hospital Rs. 2,399,778.50, Brantel Lanka (Pvt) Ltd Rs. 200,000, Ministry of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Development Rs. 187,669, Olcott Mawatha Kelepola Small Traders Welfare Society Rs. 50,000, Department of Pensions Rs. 195,402.32, Ministry of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Development Rs. 217,372.83, Puttalam Divisional Secretariat Rs. 105,000, Dr. R.M.J. Nawinna Rs. 200,000, Ududumbara Divisional Secretariat Rs. 46,646, Office of the Regional Director of Health Services, Kandy district Rs. 155,317.66 and the Assistant Secretary of the Public Service Commission, Mrs. B. D. Y. R. Wimalarathna Rs. 15,908.75 donated to the Fund.

The Fund’s balance has now reached Rs. 1,491,752,709.01.

Local, as well as foreign donors, have made their contributions to the Fund. Deposits can be made through cheques, telegraphic transfers, via www.itukama.lk or by dialing #207#.

For further information contact through 0760700700/ 011232088  / 0112354340 or 0112424012.

Newly appointed Navy Commander, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenna called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat, today (15).

Vice Admiral Ulugetenna received his letter of appointment yesterday as the 24th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy.

In keeping with the tradition, the new Navy Commander met with the President and presented a memento to mark the  occasion.

• Aims to ensure every student has access to higher education and reduce unskilled labour to 10%

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has declared 2021-2030 the Decade of Skills Development in Sri Lanka. The move is expected to herald a transformational phase of educational reform and skills development for the nation in line with the government’s national policy framework, ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’.

The Decade of Skills Development builds on the success of Sri Lanka spearheading the adoption of World Youth Skills Day which was established through a proposal presented to the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 by the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa during his tenure as the President. The action plan for the Decade of Skills Development focuses on cultivating next generation skills in line with global trends and the 2030 Global Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Decade of Skills Development is expected to transform the general, higher and professional education and vocational education sectors in Sri Lanka in order to reduce the population of unskilled labour to 10%, create global technocrats and position Sri Lanka as the epicenter for human resource development in Asia by creating a digital, future-fit citizenry who will drive the development agenda of the country. Transforming the education sector is also expected to generate revenue for the country by attracting both foreign investments and international students, and increasing foreign remittances brought in by skilled migrant workers.

The national policy framework, ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’, places significant importance on citizens’ knowledge, skills and capabilities as key drivers to Sri Lanka’s progress. The framework sets out the need to develop and execute an action plan on education that engineers the “creation of an environment that provides our youth and local entrepreneurs with new opportunities, gives everyone new hope and a sense of pride, where people can use their skills, talents and business acumen to be the world leaders in any field of their choice”.

President Rajapaksa previously established a Presidential Task Force on Sri Lanka’s Education Affairs in line with the national policy framework to review the current education system and develop an action plan for transformation. Having reviewed the long standing issues of the education sector presented by the Task Force, the President stressed that the most valuable asset of a country is the future generation and the primary responsibility of a government is to develop human resources so that all citizens can fulfill their potential and be prosperous and contended, leading to a happy family, and a law abiding society in Sri Lanka. In line with the President’s guidance the roadmap for the Decade of Skills Development will also feature multiple re-entry points into education pathways to encourage lifelong learning and ensure that no one is left behind as Sri Lanka moves into a transformational phase of skills development.

The President further stated that public dialogues on the roadmap for the transformational agenda will be initiated in the coming weeks to ensure the initiatives undertaken to address the real needs of students, educators, parents and professionals as well as broader national level institutions and systems.

The transformational agenda for the Decade of Skills Development will be finalized with public input and is expected to galvanize action within and across sectors of education, industry and labour to realize the President’s vision for a generation of future fit, principled Sri Lankans capable of becoming world leaders in any sector of choice, that drive the development of the nation and inspire a sense of pride for all Sri Lankans.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa says that the heads of both government and private entities are accountable for adhering to health guidelines in their organizations in the wake of current spike in COVID 19 cases.

The COVID 19 virus is prone to spread among groups until adequate and satisfactory containment. Kandakadu Rehabilitation Center is an unfortunate example. Therefore the President emphasizes the necessity of continuing easily accessible tests related to clusters of people immediately.

The President made these remarks during a discussion with the Presidential Task Force to curb COVID 19 at the Presidential Secretariat today(July 14).

Although day to day life has returned to normalcy, precautionary measures should not be relaxed as the risk of COVID 19 spread remains high.

President highlighted the importance of carrying out simple tests such as regular body temperature checks in Rehabilitation Centers, prisons, universities, schools and similar places.

“Wearing face masks, washing hands, maintaining social distance are vital under this situation. If you suffer from fever and ailments related to throat, you should refrain from mingling with crowds. Simple practices like these would make a difference in combating COVID 19”, President added.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Secretary to the President, P.B Jayasundera, Principal Advisor to the President, Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the Prime Minister Gamini Senarath, members of the Presidential Task Force and several medical consultants were present.

         Comprehensive plans to control the current spike

         Uninterrupted tests to detect infected persons

         Rehabilitation of drug addicts will be expanded

         All information on current situation open to the public

         President commends all parties helping to curb COVID-19

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa assured that the challenge of protecting the people until the COVID-19 pandemic is eradicated from the world will be met by controlling the risk of spread of the virus from time to time within the country.

The President recalled that with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, as a responsible government decisive measures were taken to curb the spread of the coronavirus well before many countries in the world. ‘’There were numerous challenges. These challenges were conquered one by one with the implementation of comprehensive strategies. At that time, quarantine centers were something unheard of. The concept was introduced by us. Many people today have forgotten this’’, the President observed.

President Rajapaksa made these remarks during a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, today (14) with the members of the Presidential Task Force established to combat COVID – 19 in Sri Lanka to review the current situation that has arisen following the emerge of  a new cluster of COVID 19 infected persons at Kandakadu Rehabilitation Centre,

The Presidential Task Force was established on January 26 comprising the health sector, including doctors, the military, intelligence units and the police.

President Rajapaksa recalled the responsible measures taken by the government ahead of many countries since the launch of the mission to evacuate the stranded students in Wuhan, China.

The President said that guidance by the government in decision making and securing assistance of all the stakeholders were instrumental in overcoming the challenge. 16,279 people from 74 countries were brought back to the Motherland and following the completion of the quarantine process they were sent back to their homes. The President also recalled the service rendered by maintaining 70 quarantine centers.

“Residents of the locality protested when quarantine centers were being established. Protests were staged when the arrivals from countries such as Italy and South Korea were accompanied to the quarantine centers. The government will ensure the protection of its citizens in the future as well. Obstacles will not compromise the responsibilities of the government,” President emphasized.

Those who were in close contacts with the identified COVID 19 infected at Kandakadu Rehabilitation Center had been directed to the quarantine process. In addition, others who were in contact with the infected indirectly have been diverted to self-isolation. President stated that as the government was successful in overcoming the crisis before, plans have been set in motion to address the impending issues as well.

President Rajapaksa instructed officials to continue the PCR tests in order to minimize the spread of the virus.

The President advised authorities to increase the number of PCR tests in areas such as Rajanganaya, where new cases were identified recently. He also instructed them to update the general public about the pandemic regularly along with the plans devised by the government to control it.

In parallel to the discussions to curb the COVID 19 pandemic, the need for expanding the rehabilitation programmes for drug addicts were also reviewed in depth.

President Rajapaksa emphasized that he holds everyone who stands vigilant and perseveres tirelessly both day and night to curb the COVID 19 pandemic, in high esteem.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Secretary to the President, P.B Jayasundera, Principal Advisor to the President, Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the Prime Minister Gamini Senarath, members of the Presidential Task Force and several medical consultants were present.