School Dropouts among Students.........!
School Dropouts among Students.........!
Deputy Minister of Education Nalin Hewage stated that more than a thousand students have dropped out of schools during the years 2024 and 2025. He mentioned this today (19) while responding to a question raised in Parliament.
He further stated that 711 students in 2024 and 885 students in 2025 were identified as not attending school, and actions related to identifying dropouts and facilitating readmission are continuously being carried out.
Warning Issued...
The Department of Meteorology has warned that strong winds and rough sea conditions may be experienced in the sea areas surrounding the island over the next 24 hours. This warning was issued at 2:00 PM today (19).
Accordingly, showers or thunderstorms may occur at several places in the sea areas from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle.
Meanwhile, showers may occur at a few places in other sea areas during the evening or night.
It was also reported that winds will blow from the southwest at a speed of 30 to 40 kilometers per hour in the sea areas around the island.
Decision to Provide an Allowance of Rs. 10,000/- to Children...
Officials from the Foreign Employment Bureau have stated that a decision has been made to provide a monthly allowance of Rs. 10,000/- to the children (aged 2 to 13) of parents working abroad, provided the children are placed in daycare centers.
The officials from the Foreign Employment Bureau conveyed this to the Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Women and Child Affairs.
These details were mentioned when the committee met recently in Parliament under the chairmanship of Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, with the participation of Deputy Minister Namal Sudarshana.
The officials revealed this information when the committee inquired about the progress of previous instructions given to the General Manager (Internal Affairs) of the Foreign Employment Bureau, urging intervention regarding the social issues that arise when mothers with young children go abroad.
Increase in the Number of Tourists...
The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has stated that the number of tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka has exceeded 950,000.
Accordingly, a total of 951,742 tourists visited the country between January 1 and May 17, 2026.
The SLTDA noted that the highest number of arrivals was recorded from India, with 221,953 tourists.
Additionally, a significant number of visitors have arrived from countries including the United Kingdom, Russia, China, and Germany.
Meanwhile, a total of 75,465 tourists arrived in the country between May 1 and May 17, 2026, according to the SLTDA.
However, data shows that daily tourist arrivals decreased significantly in May compared to the first three months of 2026.
Dollar Rate Increases Again..!
The selling rate of the US Dollar against the Sri Lankan Rupee crossed Rs. 342 today (20).
According to the daily exchange rate update released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka today, the buying rate of a US Dollar was recorded at Rs. 332.08, while the selling rate was Rs. 342.70.
Yesterday (19), the buying rate of a US Dollar was Rs. 328.23, and the selling rate was Rs. 338.07.
Meanwhile, the selling rate of a US Dollar in a state bank today was recorded at Rs. 345.20, with its buying rate listed at Rs. 335.65.
8 Drivers and One Conductor Arrested
Eight drivers and one conductor, who were confirmed to have used drugs while engaged in passenger transport bus services, have been arrested.
This joint operation was carried out yesterday (19) by officers from the Kalutara South Police Station in collaboration with officials from the National Transport Medical Institute.
During this special raid conducted in the Kalutara South Police Division, drivers and conductors working on passenger transport buses were tested. Consequently, 9 individuals suspected of being on duty under the influence of drugs were arrested.
The police stated that the suspects, aged between 35 and 57, are residents of Payagala, Yatiyana, Dodangoda, Tebuwana, Meegahathenna, and Kalutara South.
The Kalutara South Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.
School Dropouts among Students.........!
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