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There must be uniform criteria for eligibility to apply for and obtain financial assistance from the President’s Fund, followed by monitoring and evaluation assessment Minister Nalinda Jayatissa This article highlights some crucial aspects of Minister Nalinda Jayatissa’s recent disclosure in Parliament about the facts and figures of misuse of the President’s Fund by politicians. As mentioned above, the disclosure is related to the President’s Fund Act, No. 07 of 1978. Under section 6 of the Act, the purposes for which the amounts of money of the Fund may be applied are (i) Relief of poverty (ii) Promotion of education or knowledge (iii) Promotion of religious or maintenance of religious practices, (iv) Donations to those who have rendered a national service (v) Any other welfare related matter decided by the President or Board of Governors. The board of governors of the Fund is comprised of (i) the president, (i) the prime minister, (iii) the speaker, (iv) the opposition leader, (v) the secretary to the president, and (vi) two other members appointed by the president by the subsections of the statute. Given the above, the purposes of the Act are crystal clear, while the President’s Fund received its capital from individuals as donations and institutions like the Development Lotteries Board (DLB). Irrespective of the sources of funds, the President’s Fund is part and parcel of the nation’s assets, and people individually or collectively earn and contribute to the Fund. Now, it is up to the President and Board of Governors to decide and ensure the proper use of funds to serve the purposes of the President’s Fund. According to the composition of the board of members of the Fund, they are well-recognised and knowledgeable individuals. Hence, people and the country expect to consider every application seriously and responsibly so that funds are allocated for the correct/right purpose and the right applicants. Minister Nalinda Jayatissa disclosed that 36 former Ministers and Members of Parliament (MPs) received Rs. 112.5 million from the President’s Fund from 2005 to 2024. According to Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, among many, former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella received Rs. 11 million, former Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne received Rs. 10 million, late Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne received Rs. 30 million, and former MP Ranjith De Zoysa received Rs. 18 million. Apart from the above, Wasudewa Nanayakkara, Widura Wickremanayake, Wimala Dissanayake, Sumeda Jayasena, S.B. Nawinna, John Amaratunga, Sarath Amungama, P. Harrison, Piyasena Gamage, Manoj Sirisena, P. Dayaratane and S.C. Muthukumarana received financial assistance from the President’s Fund. Another important disclosure is some individuals have hid or concealed their well-known names to the public. Examples, J.P.D.P.K. Jayasekara from Kurunegala, Dayasiri Jayasekara, H.M.P.N. De Silva from Kalutara, Piyalal Nishantha De Silva, S.A.D.S. Premajayantha from Nugegoda, Sunil Premajayngha and EAIDP Perera, Isuru Devepriya Perera. Furthermore, it should be noted that from 2005 to 2024, the Fund was headed by Mahinda Rajapaksa (Jayantha Weerasinghe, the legal advisor to Mahinda Rajapaksa, received Rs. 9 million), Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena and Ranil Wickremesinghe. As indicated above, along with five purposes, mainly based on the relief of poverty, the fund could help and assist the poor because more than one-third of the population in Sri Lanka is poor. I will not explain the nature and extent of poorness as I have explained the same in my 38 articles published in the Colombo Telegraph and Daily FT. However, as per the website of the President’s Fund, the funds are allocated for activities such as medical assistance for various diseases, poverty relief programs, the Mahapola Scholarship Programme, scholarships for children who have passed the General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level), and Ordinary Level Examinations, may be related to poverty one way or another. Among the objectives of the Fund and if we focus on medical assistance for various diseases, I am sure the current public concern is the most significant issue. In short, everyone, including the king, queen, and beggars, falls sick, so all need due care and treatment. It is well-known that public notices in print media and other sources request assistance such as Rs. 1-2 million for heart surgery and kidney implants because the cost cannot be afforded even if they sell all properties or assets, which is true. None of the former Ministers and MPs, as revealed by Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, who obtained funds from the President’s Fund, requested public assistance via print media and other sources because their political affiliations helped them to get the required financial assistance from the President’s Fund, or it was a captive financial source for politicians. Given the above, there is significant discrimination between those individuals who had political affiliation and support and those who did not have such political affiliation and support; it is a tragedy indeed. Some ordinary people received instalment assistance even though they requested small amounts, while politicians obtained millions in one go. Furthermore, compared to the people who made public appeals for assistance were not rich at all. However, as revealed by Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, the list of politicians was not poor; they could afford money. Good examples are Keheliya Rambukwella (KR) and D.M. Dayatratne, both are well-known political thieves in Sri Lanka. As it is all known to the public about KR, about Rs. billions of his assets, I am not going to write about him. Currently, he is resting before going behind bars in the future. However, in 2014, there was an issue related to D.M. Jayaratne (then Prime Minister in Sri Lanka) regarding drugs. It was revealed in the media that the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) also has called for the Prime Minister’s resignation. Its parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake said, “The Government should hold a full inquiry into allegations that the Prime Minister’s coordinating secretary issued a letter to clear a consignment which was later found to be carrying drugs. We see that his remaining in office hinders an impartial and proper inquiry. He should temporarily resign until the inquiries are over.” According to a recent communique from Ranil Wickremesinghe (RW) about the disclosure by Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, he indicated that he did not approve anyone more than Rs. 1 million. However, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne states that he received Rs. 10 million from RW without application, utter favouritism because RW did not have the concern for ordinary people who made public appeals for funds such as Rs. 1-2 million for heart surgery and kidney implant, the issue. After Minister Nalinda Jayatissa’s revelation, some cries came from former Ministers and MPs who obtained funds. MP Manoj Sirisena said, “I did not do any wrongdoing,” but his eligibility is the concern. Ranjith Aluvihare said, “I obtained funds based on medical reports.” Yes, it is common for all, but whether he is eligible to apply is the concern. S.C. Muthukuamarana said, “Yes, I also got money but it was not that much.” The issue is that he obtained a substantially higher amount compared with the ordinary applicants due to political influence. Given the above, all wrongdoers come with explanations and excuses. But their “conscience” is a matter of public concern. Another concern is the transparency and credibility of the Fund’s operation. Amounts such as Rs. 30 have been granted but are unknown to the Parliament and the public. Indeed, the total sum is Rs. 112.5 million. It is a well-known fact that MPs went to Parliament as representatives of the people, enjoyed all the privileges that ordinary people do not have, and finally received the world’s best treatment and care via the President’s Fund so that the whole lives of those politicians were looked after by ordinary people—a critical aspect of the use of the President’s Fund. There must be uniform criteria for eligibility to apply for and obtain financial assistance from the President’s Fund, followed by monitoring and evaluation assessment of whether funds have been used for the intended purpose, and so on. Currently, the above is not in place is a tragedy, so that the accountability and credibility of the board of governors of the Fund is in question. We must appreciate the fact that the establishment of the President’s Fund in 1978 was a great move. However, as revealed by Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, from President to Ministers and MPs, it had been utterly misused and mismanaged because of political influence and involvement, where ordinary people or voters who elected their representatives to the Parliament had been neglected along with disproportionate or unequal allocation of funds, the naked truth. When someone falls sick, it is political influence or involvement that discriminates between the ordinary people and those politically affiliated; it is totally against democracy and human rights, too. In short, political favouritism had been part and parcel of the 76 years of political history people rejected during presidential and parliamentary elections. Now it is up to the AKD/NPP headed Government to revisit the President’s Fund to ensure that revelation by Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has been taken seriously on board and serves the stated objectives of the President’s Fund; the following will be useful and relevant to be considered in due course: (i)Having clearly defined eligibility criteria for application for financial assistance from the Fund; (ii) Strictly adhere to the eligibility criteria and ascertain that funds have been used only for the intended purpose or no misuse of funds; (iii) Complete avoidance of any political involvement or influence or any form of mismanagement of the Fund; (iv) Maintain and ensure a high degree of responsibility, accountability, and credibility in all aspects of the operation of the Fund; (v) The Presidential Secretariat must prepare and publish an annual report about all aspects of the operation, including details of donors, letters of appreciation from the fund recipients and government auditor general’s reports; and all known to the parliament and public; (vi) Public awareness for requesting financial assistance/donation to the Fund, while noticing the availability of financial assistance from the Fund to needy people; (vii) Only the President is responsible and accountable for all aspects of the operation of the Fund; (viii) Finally, proper investigations into all aspects of the Fund’s past operation must be conducted and completed within a given time period. Accordingly, wrongdoers must be punished to ensure that the AKD-headed Government does not tolerate misuse and mismanagement of public funds and that the law applies equally and fairly to all in the country, “The Meaning of Rata Anurata”. If the above is followed systematically and strategically, the President’s Fund will not be a tragedy for the nation in the future.

Starmer says ‘bulging benefits bill’ is ‘blighting our society’Jimmy Carter, the humble peanut farmer from Georgia who became the 39th president of the United States, passed away at his home in Plains, Georgia, on Sunday at the age of 100, according to a statement from The Carter Center. Carter’s presidency was marked by challenges such as economic struggles and the Iran hostage crisis, but he also achieved a historic peace agreement between Israel and Egypt. His extensive humanitarian work later earned him the Nobel Peace Prize. The Carter Center announced his passing, stating, “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia.” In recent years, as Carter’s health declined and the COVID-19 pandemic limited public gatherings, he stepped back from public appearances, including at Maranatha Baptist Church, where he had taught Sunday School for decades, drawing standing-room-only crowds. After leaving the White House, Carter and his wife Rosalynn returned to their small hometown of Plains, a community of about 650 residents. The couple spent much of the pandemic there, enjoying a quieter life. Here Are Rarest Facts About Jimmy Carter 1. The First U.S. President Born in a Hospital Although born in 1924 in the small town of Plains, Georgia, James Earl Carter holds the distinction of being the first U.S. president born in a hospital. His mother, Lillian, a nurse at Wise Sanitarium, delivered him there after the attending physician suggested it would enable her to resume work sooner. Remarkably, three years later, Lillian assisted in delivering her future daughter-in-law, Rosalynn. 2. Early Public Service Through the County Library Jimmy Carter’s initial experience in public service came through the Sumter County Library Board. He played a role in establishing a traveling library service, the bookmobile, which brought books to rural areas, including Plains. Reflecting on this, Carter said, “The bookmobile would come to Plains... twice a week, and anyone in town could check out books.” 3. A Missed Opportunity for Valedictorian In 1941, during his senior year at Plains High School, Carter was on track to become valedictorian. However, after skipping school on April Fool’s Day with friends, he received zeroes for the day, losing the top spot and graduating as salutatorian. Despite this setback, he went on to become the only member of his class to earn a college degree. 4. Navy Career and Submarine Service Before his political career, Carter served as a submariner in the U.S. Navy. Following his graduation from the Naval Academy, he worked on various ships and then transitioned to submarines. Inspired by Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, he joined the Navy’s nuclear program, serving aboard the USS K-1. 5. The First President with a Public Housing Background In 1953, Carter left the Navy and returned to Plains after his father’s death. Due to a postwar housing shortage, he and his family moved into a public housing unit, becoming the first tenants of their block. This experience later fueled his dedication to Habitat for Humanity. 6. Pioneering a Presidential Tradition During his 1977 inauguration, Carter defied Secret Service advice by walking from the Capitol to the White House along Pennsylvania Avenue, establishing a tradition that subsequent presidents have followed. 7. A Special Journey for Georgia Supporters To celebrate Carter’s inauguration, a train named the “Peanut Special” transported supporters from Georgia to Washington, D.C. This mirrored the 1933 “Presidential Express” train that carried Franklin D. Roosevelt’s supporters from Warm Springs to his inauguration. 8. Lifelong Love for Baseball Carter, a lifelong Atlanta Braves fan, often played baseball as a child when farm duties allowed. As governor, he met Hank Aaron after the player broke a major home run record. Later, as president, Carter joined friendly softball games with Secret Service agents, reporters, and his brother, Billy. 9. A Home of Over Six Decades Since 1961, Carter and his wife Rosalynn have lived in their Plains home. After leaving the White House in 1981, they returned to this modest ranch-style residence, making him one of the few presidents in recent history to settle back into his pre-presidency home. 10. A Prolific Writer Carter authored over 30 books on topics ranging from international relations to personal reflections on life and Christmases in Plains. He received three Grammy Awards for spoken-word recordings of his works, including Faith: A Journey for All, A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety, and Our Endangered Values: America’s Moral Crisis. ALSO READ: Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter Passes Away At 100 Two Years After He Announced He Would Spend His Final Days In Hospice CareSurveillance tech advances by Biden could aid in Trump's promised crackdown on immigration

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TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The surging Tampa Bay Buccaneers are back over .500, a fourth straight NFC South title within reach. Now, they hope to finish the task by building on a three-game winning streak that's propelled them to the top of the division following a stretch in which they lost five of six games. “It's one thing getting to first place. It's a whole other thing staying there,” coach Todd Bowles said after Sunday's sloppy 28-13 win over the reeling Las Vegas Raiders. “We've got four games left. It's going to be a battle all the way through. We have to come ready every week.” Baker Mayfield threw for 295 yards and three touchdowns, and the Bucs won for the third straight week against a last-place opponent to move ahead of fading Atlanta in the NFC South. The Falcons, who hold a tiebreaker advantage after sweeping the season series between the rivals, have lost four in a row. “It doesn't have to be pretty. Obviously, there are a lot of things that I would personally like to have back, but it's a resilient group. We play for each other,” Mayfield said. “Guys step up when other people go down and that's what football is all about. It teaches you life lessons.” Mayfield tossed scoring passes of 15 yards and 29 yards to rookie Jalen McMillan. Rachaad White scored on a 5-yard reception and a 3-yard run for the Bucs, who pulled away in the second half after the Raiders (2-11) lost quarterback Aidan O'Connell to a knee injury that coach Antonio Pierce said “doesn't look good.” O’Connell was carted off the field after being shoved to the ground by Bucs defensive lineman Calijah Kancey after throwing a pass late in the third quarter. The quarterback, in his second game back after being sidelined nearly six weeks with a broken thumb, remained on the ground after an 8-yard, third-down completion to Jakobi Meyers. Kancey chased O’Connell out of the pocket toward the Bucs sideline and shoved him from behind after the ball was released. Kancey was not penalized for a late hit. “Prayers to him. I pray for a speedy recovery,” Kancey said. “I hope everything's good on their end. I definitely took a knee and prayed for him.” White rushed for 90 yards on 17 carries. His TD run in the fourth quarter put Tampa Bay up 21-10. McMillan's second TD finished an 80-yard drive and put the game out of reach after Desmond Ridder led the Raiders to a field goal that got Las Vegas within 21-13 with three minutes remaining. The Raiders have lost an NFL-high nine straight games. “I appreciate the effort, the grit, the fight,” Pierce said. “Listen, it's tough. And these guys, they're not flinching or blinking. They still believe. ... All of those guys are fighting until the very end. Proud of the effort.” Mayfield turned the ball over three times in the first half to help the Raiders stay close. O'Connell fumbled one play after Mayfield tossed his first interception. But four plays later, Raiders linebacker Amari Burney sacked Mayfield, forcing a fumble that led to O'Connell's 1-yard TD run that trimmed Tampa Bay's early lead to 14-7. The fumble recovery by Tre'von Moehrig was the first by the Las Vegas defense this season. Jack Jones' end zone interception denied Mayfield an opportunity to build on a 14-10 lead just before halftime. Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, who began the day leading the NFL in receptions with 84, had three catches for 49 yards and broke Sam LaPorta's year-old record for receptions in a season by a rookie tight end. LaPorta had 86 catches for the Detroit Lions in 2023. "It’s cool, but it would be cooler with some more wins,” Bowers said. “He’s having a great individual year,” Pierce added. “I wish it could lead to more success for our team.” Raiders: O'Connell left the game with 1:23 remaining in the third quarter and was replaced by Ridder. O'Connell finished 11 of 19 passing 104 yards and an interception. He was sacked once. Buccaneers: Played without LB K.J. Britt (ankle), S Mike Edwards (hamstring), CB Josh Hayes (hamstring) and OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (ankle). S Antoine Winfield Jr. (knee) and RB Bucky Irving (back) left in the second quarter and did not return. WR Ryan Miller (concussion) departed in the fourth quarter. Raiders: Host Atlanta on Monday, Dec. 16. Buccaneers: Visit the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday. NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Top-10 prospect Chris Cenac Jr ., the No. 1 center in the 2025 class, has committed to Houston - becoming the program's highest-ranked recruit in the modern era and giving the Cougars the No. 2 recruiting class in the country. Cenac chose the Cougars over a final list that also included LSU, Auburn, Arkansas, Baylor, Kentucky and Tennessee. Homestate LSU was strongly in the mix for much of Cenac's recruitment, while Kentucky made a push in the summer and Tennessee tried to close the gap in recent weeks. But Houston has been in a strong position for Cenac for much of the fall, and the big man's relationship with head coach Kelvin Sampson and assistant coach Quannas White was a key factor. "I built a great relationship with Coach Sampson, Coach White and the rest of the staff. They have a plan to develop me, and I trust them," Cenac told ESPN. "I know coach Sampson is going to coach me hard. I want that and I need that. I am a coachable player. People see coach Sampson only on the court - he has a good sense of humor, and he is really a funny guy." Cenac is shaping up to be a projected lottery pick in the 2026 mock draft. "I want to go to a winning program and produce to help them win even more," Cenac said. "At the same time, they can help me develop my game for the next level after Houston." A 6-foot-10 center, Cenac had a breakout spring on the Puma Pro16 circuit and then backed it up by dominating at the USA Basketball U17 minicamp and NBPA Top 100 camp. He made the U17 National Team and helped lead them to a gold medal at the FIBA U17 World Cup, averaging 8.9 points and 5.4 rebounds in seven games off the bench. Cenac owns a 7-foot-4 wingspan that allows him to contest shots, block shots and gain deflections. Offensively, he produces inside and out with back-to-the-basket moves, footwork and an effective jump hook. He also has an impressive face-up game, comfortable out to the 3-point line. He already shows the rim-running, mobility, shot-blocking and touch of today's modern big man. Ranked No. 7 in the ESPN 100 , Cenac becomes the program's highest-ranked recruit since the ESPN recruiting database began in 2007. With him in the fold, Houston now has the No. 2 recruiting class in the country, behind only Duke. Cenac joins a group that already includes top-25 guards Isiah Harwell (No. 14) and Kingston Flemings (No. 21) and four-star guard Bryce Jackson .

How co-writing a book threatened the Carters' marriageEnsuring humane and dignified end-of-life care