President Ranil Wickremesinghe who is currently on an observation tour of Northern Province visited the Mannar District this morning (20).

The aim of this visit by the President was to investigate the problems faced by the people of Mannar and to discuss possible solutions to address these problems.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who visited Mannar city, inspected the renovation work being carried out on the Mannar Dutch Fort.

The President also visited Nadukuda fishing village and engaged in a cordial discussion with the fishing community, and inquired about the issues they face.

The Head of State was briefed about the issues faced by the residents of the small fishing village of Nadukuda and he assured them that prompt action would be taken to provide the necessary solutions.

The President also observed the area where the Mannar wind power plant is being constructed and looked into the future activities of the wind power plant. During his visit, he did not fail to engage with the people in the area and inquire into their wellbeing.

Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Douglas Devananda, Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekara, Northern Province Governor Jeevan Thiagarajah, Minister of State for Urban Development and Housing Kader Masthan, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake and a group of government officials accompanied the President.

The Department of Registration of Persons has decided to impose a fine on certain individuals applying for the National Identity Card.

The decision has been announced in a circular by the Department’s Commissioner General – P.B. Gunatillake.

Accordingly, a fine of Rs. 2,500 would be imposed when an applicant :

• applies for a second NIC without informing of a previously issued NIC that has been lost (with no delays occurring from the Department’s side)
• who has not obtained the NIC within a year from turning 15 years.
• who has failed to apply for a NIC within 06 months of receiving the dual citizenship certificate.
• submits false details or forged documents or commits any other misdeed under the Registration Of Persons Act.

Meanwhile, a fine of Rs. 250 will be imposed when an applicant re-submits a second application after the issuing of the NIC based on the first application is delayed by the department.

(Source : Lankadeepa)

North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un has appeared with his young daughter in public for the first time, confirming long-rumoured reports of her existence.

The girl, believed to be named Kim Chu-ae, joined him at an inspection of a major intercontinental ballistic missile launch on Friday.

The pair stood hand-in-hand during the test, which was condemned by the US.

Mr Kim leads one of the world’s most secretive states, and very little is known about his personal life.

Several photos were published by North Korea’s state news agency KCNA, showing the two holding hands while they chat, speaking with officials, inspecting missiles and watching the launch from a viewing deck.