Srilanka

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Sabaragamuwa and Western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m. Several spells of light showers may occur in the Eastern and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota strict. Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces during the morning.General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Construction work to build new houses in each of the 14,022 villages in the country under the ‘Gamata Geyak Ratata Hetak& programme is scheduled to begin on January 31 this year, Housing Facilities State Minister Indika Anuruddha said.Addressing a media conference at Temple Trees yesterday, State Minister Anuruddha said Cabinet approval has already been granted to provide Rs.8,420 million for this purpose.He further said that the former regime made boasted about their housing programme. But most of the houses built during that period are sub-standard. &Some of the houses have been built on elephant migration routes, compelling the beneficiaries to leave them.&

Industrial Export, Investment Promotion and Civil Aviation Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said yesterday the government has extended the Rs.300 million SME loan facility for the entrepreneurs in the tourism sector as well.He said the tourism industry had totally collapsed during the Yahapalana regime.

Information and Communication Technology and Minister of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation Minister, Dr. Bandula Gunawardena has decided to begin Sri Lankabiggest high-tech university in Sooriyawewa, Hambantota this year.This university will be set up with the investment of local and foreign investors.New study courses including Information Technology, Engineering Technology and Robotic engineering will also be introduced at this university, the Minister said.