President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited the residence of Che Guevara in Havana, Cuba and met his widow Aledia, son Camilo and daughter Aledia. During the meeting, President Rajapaksa recalled Che Guevara’s visit to Sri Lanka and the tree Che planted in Horana. Che’s widow also made a presentation to the President. Ministers Prof G L Peiris, Anura Priyadharsana Yapa, Wimal Weerawasna and Mahinda Amaraweera and Cuban ambassador to Sri Lanka Nirasa Castro Gavera were also present. Picture by Sudath Silva

Public servants’ housing scheme in Mullaitivu

A housing scheme is being constructed in Omanthai for public servants in the Mullaitivu district in line with the government’s Jana Sevana housing project. Under this project, the construction of 640 houses is in progress. Construction commenced on September 24 last year with the assistance of several ministries including the Economic Development Ministry.

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SL’s national statement delivered to UNHRC

The Head of Sri Lankan delegation to the 20 th session of the UN Human Rights Council Acting Permanent Representative to United Nations in Geneva Manisha Gunasekera yesterday told the Daily News from Paleis Des Nations in Geneva, where UNHRC sessions are held, that they delivered the country’s national statement to the Council during yesterday’s proceedings.

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Infant milk powder prices slashed

Cooperatives and Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando said the prices of 19 varieties of infant milk powder have been reduced from yesterday. The minister said yesterday he had informed the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) to print the gazette notice related to the price reduction. The minister was addressing a special press briefing at the Cooperatives and Internal Affairs Ministry.

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Hayleys records highest turnover

Hayleys PLC secured its position as one of the top export companies in the country recording the highest turnover of Rs 40 billion in 2011/12, Hayleys PLC chairman and CEO Mohan Pandithage said. He said a number of strategic actions enabled the group to achieve these outstanding results. Pandithage said the company turnover grew by 15 percent and the group profit before tax for the year recorded was Rs 4.8 billion.

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Drastic drop in reservoirs’ water levels

Water levels in reservoirs under the Mahaweli Authority and the Irrigation Department have dropped drastically due to insufficient rain, an Irrigation and Water Resources Management Ministry spokesman said. Where the major Mahaweli reservoirs are concerned, the water storage was 29 percent in Kotmale, 18 percent in Victoria and 38 percent in Randenigala as at yesterday.

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