News

NUWARA ELIYA TO BE DEVELOPED RETAINING ITS IDENTITY

President emphasises on developing Nuwara Eliya while retaining its identity

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed officials to develop a formal plan aimed at maximizing the contribution of the Nuwara Eliya District, a major tourist city, to the Sri Lankan Government’s program to establish a stable economy within a four-year timeframe.During a discussion held at the Nuwara Eliya District Secretariat this morning (10), the President has instructed officials to work on a formal plan to maximize the contribution of the Nuwara Eliya District.

A statement issued by the President’s Media Unit further says : The discussion also included the unveiling of the Nuwara Eliya New Town Development Plan and the Nuwara Eliya Tourism Plan, which were attended by political authority and government officials from the Nuwara Eliya District.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who spoke at the occasion, highlighted that despite the belief of many that the country’s economy could not be rebuilt, the agreement reached by the International Monetary Fund and the Government, provides an opportunity for fresh hope on the country’s economy.

The President emphasized the importance of developing the Nuwara Eliya District as a striking city that can attract tourists throughout the year, targeting both local and foreign tourists. The President stressed the importance of preparing the development plans while considering the needs of tourists. He explained that the plans should prioritize creating a pleasant environment for tourists to relax, rather than focusing on constructing large buildings.

He also pointed out that the absence of a formal system for rainwater drainage in Nuwara Eliya City is a longstanding issue, and he urged officials to implement an urgent program to address this problem. Additionally, he directed special attention to solving the problem of drinking water in the area.Mr. Wickremesinghe further explained that buildings in the Nuwara Eliya City should be done according to a proper plan, rather than constructing buildings haphazardly. He emphasized that the city has suffered due to the construction of large buildings and that officials should consider whether to turn it into a bustling metropolis like New York or maintain its identity as Nuwara Eliya.

The President highlighted the likelihood of an increase in tourist arrivals to Nuwara Eliya with the completion of the Central Expressway and stressed the importance of developing facilities in accordance with a proper plan. He also emphasized that no party or investor should be allowed to damage the resources of the Nuwara Eliya District, and that all development should be environmentally friendly and well-planned.

Furthermore, Mr. Wickremesinghe called for government officials and political authorities to work in a well-coordinated manner in these matters. He encouraged everyone to think beyond the traditional framework and align themselves with the new program needed by the country.Following the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his intention to meet with all the secretaries of ministries, chairpersons of authorities and commissions, as well as heads of departments in order to obtain their contribution to realize the targeted 2025 development plan.

During the discussion, there was a widespread focus on developing the Nuwara Eliya District through sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.There was a detailed conversation regarding the development activities to be carried out in the city under the Nuwara Eliya City Development Plan, as well as the development of Nanu Oya as a sub-city.Plans were also made to develop Nuwara Eliya as a green city by preserving forest conservation areas, and five suburbs were earmarked for development with Nuwara Eliya as the central hub. Additionally, the establishment of a university in Nuwara Eliya and the construction of a Ramayana Center were also discussed during the meeting.

The President issued instructions to modernize the Nanu-Oya Railway Station and establish a high-quality economic centre nearby. The aim is to enable farmers to pack their vegetables and transport them safely and conveniently to Colombo.The development of the racecourse and the lake, improvement of parking facilities, and speedy implementation of a formal water management program in Nuwara Eliya were given special attention during the discussions.

In addition, a program to increase the income of local residents and improve their lives was discussed at length. The event was attended by Minister Jeevan Thondaman, Nuwara Eliya District Members of Parliament S.B. Dissanayake, C.B. Ratnayake, V.S. Radhakrishnan and M. Rameswaran, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Nuwara Eliya District Secretary Nandana Galabada, and other government officials.

NEWS

Preacher arrested over breaking into newspaper office

A Preacher of a Christian group has been arrested after he led group into the Udayan newspaper office on Kasthuriyar Road, Jaffna in protest over an article published in the Sunday edition of the newspaper, and threatened the media workers.

The group of about 30 people which was led by the pastor of a Christian church in Achuveli, Jaffna, was involved in the incident. The Jaffna police are carrying out investigations over the incident.

Two others also have been arrested.

They were from the ‘Assembly of Life Word’ in Achuveli..

They were arrested on the basis of the initial complaint that they entered a house near the church and strangled a femalle bank employee who had complained to the police that the preacher and others who broke into the house last Friday attacked her and her mother who were at home at that time.

The affected woman has also been treated at the hospital. Residents in the area say that the attack came after the Bank employee complained about excessive noise during prayer events in conducted by the Preacher. However the preacher and the other two told the police investigation that they went to that house because stones were thrown at the congregation.

The Preacher had stormed the newsapper office as the Udayan had published the news item on Sunday.

As a result of that about 30 men, women, boys and girls arrived at the headoffice of the Udayan yesterday afternoon in a mini bus and a pickup truck. Defying the office security officer, the gang broke into the reception hall and demanded as on how they reported the incident.

The religious group covered the office gate and sat on the floor so that no one could enter.

Two employees of Udayan newspaper approached the mob and tried to find out what their demand were and to find a solution to it. But the protesting group was not inteding to resolve the matter to resolve the matter.

The pastor and two others who were arrested by the Achuveli police were granted bail.

“If there is any mistake in the news, if you submit the relevant evidence and explanation, we will investigate it accordingly and make a decision. “If not, approach the matter legally,” the mob was repeatedly told by the newspaper, but the mob did not heed to it and protested.

The gang members took photographs and videotaped the employees of Udayan Press without their permission.

It has been brought to the attention of the Minister of Public Security, Minister Tiran Alles and the ministr has assured that appropriate action will be taken in this regard.

(sundaytimes.lk)

NEWS

Authorities clarify on viral video alleging phone theft

The Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd (AASSL) today (10) issued a clarification with regard to a viral video of a passenger alleging that his mobile phone was stolen at the baggage convoy belt of the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.

Authorities confirmed that the airport security personnel reviewed CCTV footage to investigate the incident, but no evidence of theft was found.

Speaking at a media briefing, Chairman of the AASSL – Major General (Rtd) G. A. Chandrasiri said that the airline in which the passenger had boarded has informed authorities that the phone was confiscated by security personnel at a different airport.

Noting that airport police had initiated a special investigation over the regard, he added that legal redress would be sought upon its conclusion.

NEWS

Special notice for passport applicants

The Department of Immigration and Emigration has issued a special statement regarding the submission of applications to obtain passports.

In the statement, the Controller General of the Department of Immigration and Emigration has requested individuals, who have received appointments to submit applications on Wednesday (April 12), to hand over their applications to the Passport Office before noon that day.