Srilanka

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday (19) said the framework for holding free and fair elections has been established by the government and the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary elections will be the most free and fair elections in the country's history.Participating in a function at Temple Trees, the Prime Minister said he has no doubts or fears about winning free and independent elections and added that he is committed to creating a fully democratic society.The Premier stressed that if necessary, he would go beyond the existing constitution to create a more dmocratic system.

President presents teaching appointments to 1400 graduates in North Western ProvincePresident Maithripala Sirisena emphasized the importance and the responsibility of building a teacher force with creativity and personality necessary for the role of the present-day teacher.It was revealed, according to a latest research done by the Ministry of Education that around 10 % of the teachers in the education sector are not suitable for the teaching profession, the President said, adding that the reason for this is, even though examination certificates were received by them, the standard and quality required for the teaching profession is not there.The President made these remarks addressing a ceremony held at the Welagedara Ground, Kurunegala, today (18) to hand over teaching appointments to graduates in North Western Province.During this ceremony, teaching appointments were presented to 1400 graduates. The President symbolically presented teaching appointments to 100 graduates.

The President further said that the task of teachers is not fulfilled only by teaching to students, and the responsibility of students during the school also vested with the class teachers.Furthermore, the President also explained the need for updating the teacherknowledge in order to face the challenges of the classroom as students move forward with the latest technology.

Governor of the North Western Province Peshala Jayaratne, MPs Dayasiri Jayasekara, Shantha Bandara, former Chief Minister of the North Western Province Dharmasiri Dassanayake, Mr. Athula Wijesinghe and others participated on this occasion.Meanwhile, the President laid the foundation stone for the new office complex of the North Western Province GovernorOffice.Governor of the North Western Province Peshala Jayaratne, Kurunegala Mayor Thushara Sanjeewa and others participated on this occasion.

Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chen Min-Er and President Maithripala Sirisena held a detailed discussion on a wide range of subjects on bilateral relations, economic cooperation and regional stability. Mr Chen Min-Er and a CPC delegation called on President Sirisena at the PresidentOffice yesterday (September 18).The President thanked China for the support extended to Sri Lanka for more than 60 years and made a special mention about the help given to defeat brutal terrorists by supplying modern weapons and standing with Sri Lanka at international forums. He added that this support will never be forgotten by the Sri Lankan people.

The Police Department has taken measures to promote over 31,000 police officers in service.President Maithripala Sirisena had issued instructions to promote all police officers who had not received any promotions over a long period.Accordingly, it has been proposed to grant promotions considering the seniority of officers belonging to the three categories - 2019-01-01, 2020-01-01 and 2021-01-01. The relevant promotions will be given to 5824 persons.