President’s Fund to consider scholarships for children of low-income lottery sellers

Currently, the President’s Fund offers financial support in various areas for low-income families and runs several scholarship programs for schoolchildren. Recently, the governing board of the President’s Fund approved extending scholarships to the children of low-income lottery sellers. The meeting also pointed out that the living conditions of these lottery sellers, who are essential for generating income for these boards, have not improved much over time. Therefore, there is a focus on recognizing their contributions and providing them with relief to reduce their financial strain. The proposal for scholarships for the children of low-income lottery sellers was discussed thoroughly. Officials from both lottery boards showed their support for this initiative. It was decided that the program will be quickly implemented through Divisional Secretariats. Present at the meeting were M. D. C. Anton Perera, Chairman of the National Lotteries Board, A. M. Arif, General Manager of the National Lotteries Board, W. K. A. A. Jayarathne, General Manager of the Development Lotteries Board, along with other officials. In other news, early warnings for landslides have been issued for the districts of Gampaha, Kalutara, and Ratnapura. Some areas in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-western provinces may experience showers exceeding 200 mm, while Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara-Eliya districts could see over 100 mm of rain. Due to heavy rainfall in the Kalu River Basin, there is a warning that minor flooding may occur in low-lying areas of the Kalu River within the next few hours. Affected areas include Ratnapura District’s Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Ratnapura, Kuruwita, Ayagama, Elapatha, and Kiriella. Residents and travelers in these regions are urged to be cautious and take necessary precautions. Disaster Management Authorities are advised to prepare for this situation. This morning, substantial rainfall was recorded in the catchment areas of the Aththanagalu Oya Basin. Current rainfall and river water levels suggest a potential flood risk in some low-lying areas of the Aththanagalu Oya and Uruwal Oya valleys over the next 48 hours. Affected locations include Diwulapitiya, Mirigama, Attanagalla, Mahara, Gampaha, Minuwangoda, Ja-ela, Katana, and Wattala Divisional Secretariat Divisions.