The Joint Federation of Samurdhi Trade Unions states that since the introduction of the Aswesuma welfare benefit program in July 2023 and the subsequent suspension of the Samurdhi program, approximately 18,000 Samurdhi Development Officers are left without work. Since around 1995, the Samurdhi movement has been operational with 1,097 Samurdhi Banks across the country. According…
The Welfare Benefits Board has announced that 450,000 new applications have been received for the Aswesuma welfare benefit program. The data collection process has already begun and is expected to be completed by the end of July. The data will be gathered via a mobile app, focusing on six key parameters: the household’s economic status,…
This year, under the overarching theme “Anyone can drown, no one should,” the World Health Organization has chosen the touching slogan “Seconds can save a life”. This highlights the dual nature of drowning: it can occur in a matter of seconds yet taking a brief moment to act—whether by wearing a lifejacket, keeping watch over…
Sri Lanka is witnessing renewed international support as it implements critical measures to emerge from its economic crisis. Japan has announced the resumption of funding for stalled infrastructure projects, marking a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring efforts. This development follows the completion of a $10 billion restructuring agreement with official creditors, including Japan,…
In a move aimed at bolstering economic growth, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has cut interest rates by 25 basis points. This decision, announced on July 24, reduces the Standing Deposit Facility Rate to 8.25% and the Standing Lending Facility Rate to 9.25%. The central bank’s move is intended to sustain the revival…
Ajith Parakum In a significant and progressive step, the Sri Lankan government has issued a formal apology for its controversial “cremations only” policy enforced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This policy, which mandated the cremation of all COVID-19 victims, including those from the Muslim community, disregarded both religious beliefs and scientific advice, causing widespread distress. The…
On July 24, 2024, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka issued a significant interim order regarding the contentious appointment of Deshabandu Tennakoon as Inspector General of Police (IGP). This decision came after a series of petitions challenged the constitutionality and appropriateness of his appointment by the President. The cases were initiated by eight organizations and…
The Supreme Court will decide today (24) whether to hear the fundamental rights petitions challenging Deshabandu Tennakoon’s appointment as the Inspector General of Police (IGP). The petitions, filed by multiple parties, allege Tennakoon’s negligence during the 2019 Easter attacks and the ‘GotaGoGama’ protest assault. The court may also issue an interim order preventing Tennakoon from…
The Department of Meteorology has issued a ‘Red’ warning for strong winds and rough seas for naval and multi-day fishermen communities in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. As per the warning, very strong winds of about 70-80 kmph, and very rough seas are likely over the Arabian Sea area and Bay of Bengal…
The issue of the proposed 22nd Amendment to the constitution which cast doubt about the holding of the presidential election in view of its requirement of a referendum and focus on the length of the president’s term of office has hopefully been dealt with. In his recent speech while opening the judicial complex in Galle,…
