UK Community News & Photos

New Year Celebration at (Heathrow Vihara) Athula Dassana Multi Cultural Buddhist Community Centre 26th of April 2014

The Sri Lankan New Year Celebration organised by the Athula Dassana Multi Cultural Buddhist Community Centre was held at the Hounslow Lampton School, Lampton Avenue, Hounslow, TW3 4EP on 26th April 2014. Venerable Wanduramba Kassapa , Head of the Centre welcomed the gathering followed by a lecture based on Sinhala New Year in Sri Lanka

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New Year games took part under the guidance of Mr Bandara Wakadapola with the help of committee members of the temple. There had around 50 games which were related with the New Year. Not only for the younger generation but also games for any age limits.  Everyone enjoyed participated in the Traditional Sri Lankan New year games such as breaking the clay pot in blindfold, sack race, spotting the elephant’s eye, blowing balloons, pillow fights, guessing the amount of  seeds in a Papaya, were very popular with the games on the day. And also many adult games were also held.

Distinguished guests lit the traditional oil lamp and prizes were handed to the winners by the games. Mr.Neville De-Silva- Deputy High Commissioner, Mr.Sepala Rathnayaka from The High Commission of Sri-Lanka as well as The Mayor of Hounslow – Mr.Sachin Gupta Local Councillors attended.

The distinguished guests who addressed the gathering stated how pleased they were that within this short period of time a young high priest of the UK Ven Wanduramba Kassapa was able to organise a successful New Year festival for the Children and Elders in this Country. They were very much appreciative of this event and gave many thanks for the organising committee of the temple.

The prize giving ceremony and cultural show started at 6.00 PM, all the guest were bought to the Audience hall whilst the ceremonial dancing was being played.

The Athula Dassana International Buddhist Temple Dancing group lead by Roshan Lute, with his group presented items highlighting the New Year of Sri Lanka. And also The children of the Dhamma School, participated in several events of this programme. The distinguished guests appreciated the music and dancing abilities of the Dhamma school children’s.

All the visitors had a chance to buy Sri Lankan foods such as Kaum, Kokis, Mun Kaum, and other sweets.

The main sponsors of the event were Estetica Dental Clinic and Stargo Green Autofit. They gave us great support to achieve success in the event.

For the New Year Celebration Festival, more than 750 visitors came to enjoy the Sri Lankan events and also taste the Sri Lankan foods.

Maheshi Kokila, Achini, Thisara Wijegunawardane and Chanuka Samarakoon were the commentators of the festival since the morning.

Ven Wanduramba Kassapa Thero Wish all A Happy, Healthy and Prosperous and Peaceful New Year.

UK Community News & Photos

HON SPEAKER CHAMAL RAJAPAKSA MEETS PARLIAMENTARIANS IN THE UK

image003

L to R:  Rt Hon Lord Sheikh, Sri Lankan High Commissioner Dr Chris Nonis, Ian Paisley  M.P.,        Hon Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, Worshipful Mayor Frances Stainton,  James Wharton MP, David Morris, MP. 

Dr Chris Nonis , Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK, hosted a gathering in London in honour of Hon Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa. The Hon Speaker, who is the immediate Past President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association(CPA), was in the UK to attend the meeting of the Executive Committee of the CPA.

Sri Lanka High Commission
London
01 May 2014

News

Harassment on SL journalists continuing – UK

world-press-freedomWhile claiming that harassment and intimidation on Sri Lankan journalists are continuing, Britain encouraged the government of Sri Lanka to renew its commitment to free expression by protecting journalists and ensuring investigations take place into past crimes.

Issuing a statement to mark World Press Freedom Day, which falls on May 3, British High Commission in Colombo said, “Many journalists in Sri Lanka work against a similarly difficult backdrop: harassment and intimidation continue. Sri Lanka continues to drop down the World press Freedom Index. Nine journalists were killed between 2000 and 2009 and the families are still awaiting justice in these cases.”

“We live in an age of widespread global change, where prosperity and human rights go hand-in-hand. Values such as democratic freedoms, the rule of law and the freedom of expression are what anchor our societies through this change. The UK firmly believes that we and our partners need to stay true to these values,” the statement said.

“On World Press Freedom Day, we celebrate the right to freedom of expression and renew our commitment to upholding it,” it added.

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

News

MUSLIM PARLIAMENTARIANS FROM ALL PARTIES UNITE

The Muslim parliamentarians from all political parties met and resolved to work together in facing the numerous challenges confronting the Muslim and other minority communities from Buddhist extremist groups. A letter signed by 16 of the 18 Muslim parliamentarians from all parties urging his Excellency Mahinda Rajapakshe to act decisively on the hate campaign and intimidation of the Muslim IDPs in the Mannar district.

MPs Letter to H E1

MPs Letter to H E2

Sports

Big moment for Captain Angelo – National cricket team leaves for UK tomorrow

cricketThe national cricket team will leave for the United Kingdom tomorrow and more than anyone else, Captain Angelo Mathews is excited about the challenge ahead for several reasons. To start with, this is going to be Mathews’ first series as captain after being given an extended run as team’s Test and ODI captain. Last week, Mathews was confirmed as the captain until the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. Then, this will be his first Test tour to England.

Mathews so far has played a lot of cricket in England at age group levels and Sri Lanka ‘A’. He in fact won a scholarship from the British High Commission in Sri Lanka in 2006, just after school, to play club cricket for Stanmore. He has also played a lot of ODI and T-20 cricket as well in England, but he hasn’t been involved in any Test Matches as he was injured the last time the national cricket team toured England, in 2011.

That stay with the London based club in 2006 helped him to further develop his game and throughout his stint with Stanmore, there’s only one thing young Mathews wanted to do – to represent the country in Test cricket.

“Like every youngster as I progressed through age group levels, there was only one dream I had and that was to represent the country. I am pretty excited about playing my first Test Match in England,” Mathews told The Island after training yesterday, April 30.

“Personally and as a team it’s going to be a massive challenge for us. Adjusting to the conditions is the main challenge. We have got to spend quality time in the nets fine tuning our skills and be ready to compete with them. We have been playing really good cricket in the last few months winning the Asia Cup and the World T-20 and we need to continue that momentum,” Mathews added.

The Sri Lankans’ training has been meticulous ahead of the tour. The team has put aside the Kokkaburra balls and instead ordered Dukes balls that are used in England. Dukes balls behave differently to Kokkaburras. The team also has changed training times. Usually the Sri Lankans train from 10 a.m. onwards or from 2 p.m. onwards, but for the contests against England, training starts at 8 a.m. at SLC’s fantastic practice facilities at R. Premadasa Stadium.

“The training has been really good. We have left grass on the wickets and we start training quite early when conditions are damp. We start practice around 8 a.m. when still there’s moisture. When we get there we need to get acclimatized soon. Conditions are going to be different and we need to come up with a good effort,” Mathews went onto say.

Mathews also felt happy about the ODIs preceding the Test Matches this time around as the team would have spent more than a month in England by the time the first Test gets underway at Lord’s – the Home of Cricket.

“It will be an advantage as it takes time to get acclimatized to conditions. But it will be still tough. We play a lot of cricket in the sub-continent and the challenge is to get there and play positively.”

As Sri Lanka get ready to leave for England, one question that many have asked is that whether the team has the firepower to take 20 wickets in Test cricket.

“Well, we showed that against Pakistan in UAE early this year. Pakistan are a quality team. One thing is that our attack is inexperienced. Suranga Lakmal and Shaminda Eranga have responded brilliantly. We have an inexperienced attack no doubt, but they have improved over the years and this will be a huge series for them.”

Mathews has added consistency to his game coming up with crucial knocks since the start of this year in all three formats. “I have worked pretty hard with my technique to try and be consistent. Every time I walk in, I want to score runs. That has been the force behind my success. I have done well with the bat but I have a long way to go.”

Mathews received high praise from Kumar Sangakkara a month ago when the star batsman said that he was proud to have ‘Angelo as his captain’. Other senior players too have had high praise for him as he developed as a leader during the last five months. “I am proud to have a legend like Kumar Sangakkara in my team as well. Not just Kumar, there are other truly great players as well in the side like Mahela, Dilshan, Herath and Lasith. The younger guys too have supported me immensely. The team is like a family nowadays.”

The family atmosphere within the team has been a huge reason for Sri Lanka’s success in recent times. “That’s very important. Win or lose we need to maintain unity. I am really conscious about that and I feel that I get more than 100 percent from everyone. You walk into the field and you feel like there are 20 guys behind you and not just ten. The family atmosphere within the team is something that we enjoy,” Mathews concluded.

by Rex Clementine
Source: The Islands (Sri Lanka)

News

President calls on workers to be alert for conspiracies

04President Mahinda Rajapaksa sent the following message in view of May Day which falls today. “I am pleased to send this- message on the occasion of May Day, the most important celebration of working people the world over.

This occasion is celebrated by the working people of Sri Lanka with enthusiasm and pride, We are indeed fortunate for having established a conducive democratic environment in the country and a peaceful atmosphere in the work place with legal right to organise and assemble workers freely. As a worker-friendly government we are proud of our success in providing a free and democratic May Day to the working people.

The country is today on the correct path towards sustainable development, The village and the town speedily march towards progress under the Divi Neguma and Gama Neguma development projects envisaged in our policy framework Mahinda Chinthana.

Our working people can be happy at our government’s success in keeping inflation at single digit level for five years and reducing unemployment to four per cent.

We need to be constantly cautious of conspiracies to disrupt the work force of the country. However, I have the fullest confidence that our working people will safeguard their rights and unitedly defeat such conspiracies that come with ulterior motives.

Hence, I trust the workers of the country will cooperate with the government to overcome all local and international challenges.

I salute the workers of Sri Lanka and their trade unions on this May Day.”

Source: The Islands (Sri Lanka)

News

68 injured in train accident at Pothuhera, Kurunegala

trainAt least 68 passengers were injured in the train accident at Pothuhera, Kurunegala this morning, the Police said. Four of the injured were in serious condition, hospital sources said

According to the Police, there were 45 women, 25 men, four boys and two girls among the injured.

The Forty five injured were admitted to the Kurunegala and Polgahawela hospitals while four of them were treated at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Kurunegala hospital.

Trains from the North to Colombo are now stopped at Kurunegala and trains leaving Colombo to North are stopped at Polgahawela, the Railway Control Room said. Arrangements have been made to transport the Colombo bound passengers from Kurunegala by bus.

The Vavuniya and Palai bound Intercity Express train from Colombo collided head on with the Matara bound Rajarata Regina express which had been halted on the main platform at the Potuhera railway station this morning.

Both engines had been smashed and several compartments had toppled. One of the compartments had fallen into a paddy field near by the railway line.

A senior official of the Railway Security Service said investigations had begun on the accident.

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)
Image courtesy The Island (Sri Lanka)  

Sports

Mahela sees no big deal in Farbrace exit

MahelaMahela Jayawardene does not agree with a lot of hypothetical theories that have been flying around in the past few days on how Sri Lanka cricket team would be adversely affected during the forthcoming tour of England after national team coach Paul Farbrace suddenly changed camp and joined England without warning.

The Sri Lankan stalwart, world cricket’s second most senior player after West Indian Shivnarine Chanderpaul, told “Daily Mirror” yesterday that he did not think Farbrace’s defection was going to have such a big negative impact as many pundits have surmised. Jayawardene felt there was hardly any classified information on Sri Lanka Farbrace could have carried home as there is nothing unknown to the world about the game of today’s international cricketers.

“I don’t think Paul going to England will affect us that much. All the teams know how we play. We kept improving on the way we’ve done and we just have to adapt to the conditions and keep challenging ourselves to do well. I honestly don’t think that’s (Farbrace joining England team coaching staff) going to affect us,” the former Sri Lanka skipper widely regarded for cricketing acumen stated.

Jayawardene did not see any miracles performed by Farbrace within his three months in charge of the Sri Lanka team which won the Asia Cup and ICC World T20 title within that period, but analyzed it as careful progression made by the team over a period of time.

“The team had been together for a long time and we became number one team (in world rankings) before Paul came along. So it’s been a gradual process. We worked with Graham (Ford) for two years and things were in place. Personnel and individual players chosen and all that,” he reasoned.

“Paul is great guy, he is a good coach. He gives a lot of confidence to the players. That’s what he brought to the table. It helped us. There were things in place for some time and the team gradually worked their way through to the world cup,” Jayawardene said outlining the success story in brief.

Jayawardene said Farbrace’s move as “disappointing” but felt there was no point worrying too much as it was beyond the control of the team.

“As players this is something we can’t control obviously. These are decision made further up the ladder. It is disappointing on both sides because we would’ve loved to have him going with us forward. But he had made a decision. I think we just need to move on like we’ve always done as a team,” he added.

Jayawardene felt Sri Lanka were lucky to have Marvan Atapattu and rest of the team’s coaching staff ready to take over as they had worked with the present team for quite a while.

“We’ve got Marvan and the coaches who have been with us for the last two-three years. So there is continuity which is great.”

Jayawardene also saw merit in securing the services of former England player Chris Adams as team’s consultant for the tour of England.

“He’ll be a good addition to us. Just to get insight of how the wickets are playing, how the conditions are and for us to keep someone in our corner,” said Jayawardene.
The 36-year old stylish right-hander who has played 143 Tests and 412 One Day Internationals in a long and illustrious international career is probably making his final tour of England as Sri Lanka’s next tour is not scheduled there till 2016.

He said that he was looking forward to this tour and making one more appearance at the hallowed Lord’s ground in London in the first Test starting on June 12.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing in England, especially at Lord’s. It is one of my favourite venues. I am looking forward to the tour. We’ve got some very good young talent and with this young team I am looking forward to the challenge,” said Jayawardene who has played ten Tests in England and made 614 runs at an average 34.11 with two centuries. In three Tests at Lord’s, he has scored two centuries and averages 75.00.

Jayawardene who has been impressed by Sri Lanka’s next generation cricketers, also lauded the decision to promote 24-year old Lahiru Thirimanne as the team’s deputy.
“He had two great years with us. Obviously he has been rewarded for all the good work he has done. He is obviously a very strong player mentally. He has shown that in all forms of the game. Obviously the selectors have seen something special in him. He seems a very calm, cool headed person and obviously the leadership qualities are there. It will be good move for the team,” observed Jayawardene.

Jayawardene has also been happy about the way Sri Lanka’s new coaching team under Atapattu has started their stint.

“Preparations have been very good. The practices we’ve had, had been very well organized and a lot of input and practice done with purpose, looking at the conditions in England. Very proactive sessions. I enjoyed that very much,” added Jayawardene.

Jayawardene tipped Sri Lanka to do well in England where Sri Lanka have performed creditably well in the past according to him.

“Every tour we go (with the aim) to win. We’ve done that in the past in England as well. We’ve always put our hand up and performed in the last four or five tours in England. There won’t be anything different this time. Processes will be the same. It will be a great challenge to us”. (Channaka de Silva)

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

News

Video: Existing laws sufficient to tackle religious disputes: SF

Sarath fonseka1The special police unit established to deal with religious violence is not necessary as there are provisions in the existing laws to deal with such incidents, Democratic Party Leader Sarath Fonseka said today.

He told a news briefing that no special police was needed to deal with religious issues and that police could deal with these matters under the existing laws of the country.

Mr. Fonseka said if the new police unit was to serve any purpose it must not be biased or under the control of any politician or religious leader.
“This unit should not try to safeguard any ‘senas’ or any other religious group,” he said.

Justifying his earlier statement that it was the dictatorial politics in this country that led to the resolution adopted at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Mr. Fonseka said international organisations such as the UN had played a major role in helping to free several nations from dictatorship. He said this while referring to the challenge posed to him by the Jathika Nidahas Peramuna (JNP) which wanted him to name a single nation which had been saved by the UN.

Mr. Fonseka who referred to his party’s policy statement which was launched today said it contained ten points including good governance, national integration, law and order, economic development and health and education. He said the party will work on an action plan with the advice of experts in the respective areas.

“Our policy will not be like the Chinthanas which are kept on the ‘Lipbokkas’ or the fire place without proper implementation,” Mr. Fonseka said. (Yohan Perera and Sanath Desmond)

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

News

ISI agent, linked to Pakistan official in Sri Lanka, held in Chennai

arrestedCHENNAI: Central intelligence agencies and the Tamil Nadu police claim to have busted a major terror network with the arrest of an ISI suspect in Chennai on Tuesday.

Highly placed sources confirmed to the TOI that a 37-year-old man of Sri Lankan nationality, Sakir Hussain, allegedly linked to a Pakistani terror outfit, was picked up in a joint operation of Central and state police forces.

The terror suspect, hailing from Kandy in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, has been remanded in judicial custody by a magistrate court in Chennai, sources said.

Hussain has been tasked by a senior official in the Pakistan High commission in Colombo to recruit youths from south India, especially in Tamil Nadu for terror activities, intelligence sources said.

Continue reading >>http://m.timesofindia.com/india/ISI-agent-linked-to-Pakistan-official-in-Sri-Lanka-held-in-Chennai/articleshow/34390661.cms

Source: The Time of India

News, SL Media UK

No room for Casinos – President Rajapaksa

[By Janaka Alahapperuma]
President Rajapaksa has emphatically mentioned that there is no room for the introduction of casinos.  The President highlighted that although permission has been granted for the construction of luxury hotels, the establishment of casinos had not approved. Opportunities have been afforded for foreign entrepreneurs to invest in Sri Lanka. Accordingly a star hotel will be coming up along D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha in Colombo. The President made these remarks at a meeting with editors of national newspapers and representatives of the print and electronic media at Temple Trees this morning (24 April).
Addressing leading journalists the President stressed that it is not a Casino Centre that is being constructed in the proposed Crown Hotel complex and it has also been granted incentives similar to that of other hotel projects in the country. He also pointed out that previous governments introduced Casinos and betting to the country.
However Chief Prelates of the three major Chapters have sent a letter to the President in this regard. Asgiriya and Malwatta Chief Prelates as well as Amarapura and Ramannya Nikaya Chief Prelates argued that in the particular gazettes under the cover of evasive wording ‘related facilities’ could lead later on to various vices such as casinos, gambling, gaming, liquor and prostitution. Therefore the Chief Prelates ask the President to amend the Bill after making clear interpretations and describe in details of its clauses.
Meanwhile issuing a media communiqué with regard to the Casino gazette, the Congress of Religions stated that Casino is not needed nor it wants amendments. Ven. Dr. Iththepane Dhammalankara Thera, Ven. Dr. Bellanwila Wimalarathana Thera, Ven Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera and Colombo Arch Bishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith were signatories to the communiqué.United National Party, the main Opposition also held a demonstration on D.R. Wijewardana Mawatha in protest of the proposed Crown hotel project.

The Cabinet had granted concessions for a hotel project with gaming facilities, but it had received much objection even from some factions within the government. Accordingly the gazettes were amended. The respective three gazette papers that were presented for hotel projects without casinos under the strategic development projects act were taken up for debate in parliament today (24) and tomorrow (25). The Crown Casino owned by Australian Billionaire James Packer is also among them.
The Strategic Development Act Gazette-1 passed in parliament today by 113 to 42 votes; Ven Athuraliye Rathana Thero of JHU voted against while Ministers Champika Ranawaka and Wimal Weerawansa of JNP were absent.
Pix By: Nalin Hewapathirana
News, SL Media UK

Special Police unit to solve religious conflicts

[by Janaka Alahapperuma]

A special police unit to be established within the Religious Affairs Ministry to inquire complains regarding future religious conflicts and incidents, President Rajapaksa revealed at a meeting with editors of national newspapers and representatives of the print and electronic media at Temple Trees this morning (24 April).

The President said that the decision had been taken following a discussion he had with the Inspector General of Police N.K. Ilangakoon the previous day. The Police Unit will be set up under the guidance of the Police chief. The President also stated that no individuals will be allowed to take the law into their hand purposely. He also said that he expect to discuss these matters with all religious leaders of different denominations.

Measures are now in place to establish this Special Police Unit at the request of the President on next Monday, IGP Ilangakoon said. This unit is to intervene and solve incidents of conflict and is responsible for taking measures against any incidents.
Ministers Prof G.L.Peiris, Dullas Alahapperuma, Basil Rajapaksa, and Keheliya Rambukwella, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the External Affairs Ministry, Kshenuka Seneviratne, Inspector General of Police N.K. Ilangakoon and  Police Media Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana were present at the meeting.

Meanwhile, at a media briefing at the Police Headquarters, Police Media Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana expressed views with respect to the establishment of this Special Police Unit. SSP Ajith Rohana said that on the instructions of the President this Special Police Unit will be established at the fifth floor of the Buddha Sasana Ministry at 135, Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 07 on Monday the 28th. It will be known as the unit in relation to complaints on religious activities. The Police Media Spokesman added that it will be headed by an ASP. In addition there will be a Chief Inspector and six male and female Police Constables.

Pix by: Nalin Hewapathirana
Sports

Coach’s departure leaves us with big challenge – Jayasuriya

sanath jNow we need a lot of effort to come out of this situation, says national cricket selection committee head, Sanath Jayasuriya on Sri Lanka coach Paul Farbrace’s sudden departure.

Revealing what he says ‘the biggest challenge’ which Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) faces after the unexpected departure of national coach Paul Farbrace, Sri Lanka selection committee chairman Sanath Jayasuriya said yesterday that “we need a lot of effort to come out of this situation as he (Farbrace) knows our team inside out.” Jayasuriya said so as he met the media, along with his fellow selection committee members Pramodya Wickramasinghe, Chaminda Mendis and Eric Upashantha, at the SLC headquarters in Colombo.

Farbrace left unexpectedly to take up post as England Assistant Coach, just a fortnight before the forthcoming England tour of Sri Lanka, carrying with him vital information, which Sanath says, pertaining to the team’s preparation for one of the most significant assignments of the national team this year, a Test and One-day series against England in England.

“This is a big question. We’ve been put in a desperate situation by his sudden departure. Farbrace knows our team inside out. Now we need a lot of effort to come out of this situation”, Jayasuriya said answering a question.

Marvan, likely replacement for Farbrace?

Jayasuriya hinted that Marvan Atapattu, the present batting coach of the Sri Lanka team, would fill the place created by the Englishman saying he needed to talk to Atapattu personally “on certain things” after the SLC meeting held on Thursday morning on the appointment of a new coach.

“Still you can’t announce (that Atapattu will be the next coach). I need to talk with him on certain things before the England tour”, he added.

Meanwhile Hirantha Perera said Farbrace left while he was on probation of six months under SLC after leaving the English country Yorkshire.

Chandimal succumbed to captaincy pressure

Meanwhile elaborating in length over his committee’s decision to rid young Dinesh Chandimal of captaincy responsibility in T20 cricket, before the forthcoming Ireland and England tour, while offering the position to Lasith Malinga until 2015, former Sri Lanka skipper Jayasuriya said Chandimal could not come out of pressure of being captain.

“We thought of getting the maximum from him nurturing him as a future captain. But he didn’t come out of the pressure of being the captain. We gave our fullest support. We think he needs to be concentrating only on his batting for some time,” he explained.

“Lahiru Thirimanne is a different player. He bats anywhere in the order and is good in all three formats. He can adjust to any situation,” Jayasuriya further explained justifying their decision to replace Thirimanne as the national vice-captain of Test, ODI and T20 teams.

Sanath, a present MP from Matara district, lauded SLC’s move to play a lot of ‘A’ team cricket in the recent past which enabled the national selectors to seek replacements, like Chathuranga de Silva and a lot more, for the national team whenever they needed.

By Revata S. Silva
Source: The Islad (Sri Lanka)

News

Man throws his two little children into Nilvala River

slSoldiers attached to the Matara 3rd Gemunu Watch today rescued two little children who were thrown 30 feet down the crocodile-infested Nilwala River from the Mahanama Bridge by their father.

A four-year-old girl and her two-year-old sister were thrown into the Nilwala River by their father around 11.00 am today.

The army personnel
on duty at a nearby security post rushed to the scene after hearing people shouting. The suspect by then had fled the place.

The Army said the people had shouted but no one had volunteered to jump into the river and rescue the two children. Then the soldiers had jumped into the river and managed to rescue the children. The children were rushed to the Matara General Hospital and according to hospital authorities the children are out of danger.

The soldiers who rescued the children were Lance Corporal S.S Mannage, Private E. De Silva, Private H.Madusanka and Engineer Corp soldier H.Pushpakumara.

According to the police a dispute between the father and the mother of the children had led to the incident. The mother of the children had earlier lodged a complaint against her husband at the Dikwella police saying that he was continuously harassing her. The complaint was scheduled to be examined today. In the meantime the two children had been living with their father.

He had told his wife that he would keep the two children at a relative’s house and then come to the Dickwella police station.

However he had not turned up and later she was informed to come to the Matara Hospital where the two children were receiving treatment after they were rescued by the soldiers.

A special team from the Matara police led by Matara SSP Deshabandu Tennakoon is investigating to arrest the suspect under the directions of Southern Province DIG Chandana Wickramaratne. (Supun Dias, Dharshana Sanjeewa and Krishan Jeewaka Jayaruk)

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

News, SL Media UK

Responsibility of the state banks to protect small entrepreneurs- President Rajapaksa

[By Janaka Alahapperuma]
President Mahinda Rajapaksa emphasised, it is the responsibility of the state banks to safeguard the small entrepreneur. He reiterated that state banks also should provide loans to minor entrepreneurs in villages and upgrade them without restricting in granting loans only to entrepreneurs in Colombo. The President made these remarks this morning (April 24) at the ceremony which was organised to handing over of letters of appointment to Banking Assistants newly recruited to the People’s Bank at the BMICH in Colombo.
Addressing the ceremony, the president pointed out those small scale entrepreneurs discharged a significant service when a country was developing speedily. Therefore he referred to the importance of state banks directing more attention on encouraging small entrepreneurs. They suffer setbacks as they lack of management. It is the obligation of the bank to handle them. He further pointed out that investigation will be conducted regarding the business collapses of small entrepreneurs due to various reasons and to reactivate them. The president said that businessmen who fail to repay their debt should be looked into and relief granted if necessary. Further expressing his views the President said that customers are more important. They should be well treated. He requested the new recruits to provide an efficient service to the customers.
400 Banking Assistants representing the Western and Southern Provinces received appointment letters at today’s ceremony. 1000 Banking Assistants have been recruited to the People’s Bank. Last February 600 of them received their letters of appointment at a different ceremony which was held under the patronage of President Rajapaksa. The handing over of appointment letters to the rest was postponed due to Western and Southern Provincial polls. They received their letters of appointment today.
Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama and the Chief of Presidential Staff and Chairman of the People’s Bank Gamini Sedara Senarath also addressed at this occasion. People’s Bank; Members of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer / General Manager, N Vasantha Kumar together with the Corporate & Executive Management, representatives from trade unions and voluntary associations, bank officials as well as the family members of the appointees were also present.
Pix by: Nishanka De Silva
News

SL briefs diplomats on action taken against terrorist funding

glExternal Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris today briefed the Colombo based diplomatic community regarding the action taken by the Sri Lankan government against groups and individuals involved in terrorist funding and other activity connected with plans to revive terrorism.

The Minister said that the government’s action in designating 16 groups and 424 individuals had been taken under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373 which not only empowered governments to resort to such measures but imposed on States an imperative duty to effectively suppress terrorist funding. Regulations had been framed for this purpose under Sri Lankan legislation, and timely action has been taken on the basis of these Regulations, he said.

The Minister has conducted the briefing with the assistance of Chief of National intelligence Major General Kapila Hendawitharana, representing the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development.

“The principal purpose of the briefing was to give the diplomatic community authentic information regarding action taken by the government against groups and individuals involved in terrorist funding and other activity connected with plans to revive terrorism,” the ministry statement said.

It also stated:

Prof. Peiris told the diplomatic community that there is compelling evidence regarding the remittance of substantial sums of money from overseas for planned terrorist activity.  As a result of extensive investigations in recent weeks, the government is aware of the sources of this funding in several instances and the bank accounts into which the money had been paid.  65 arrests have been made, and 19 persons have been released after questioning.

A wealth of information, including documentary evidence and primary evidence of communications between the parties concerned, is now at the disposal of the government, the Minister said.  The emerging picture indicates activity by several networks, including links between activists operating from broad and recipients of funds within Sri Lanka.  Weapons, documents and other material have been found in consequence of information elicited during questioning.  From the material available, it is clear that the funds sent are intended to be used for military, intelligence and propaganda purposes, with groups of persons and others operating under their direction assigned responsibility in respect of each of these areas.  While the investigations are continuing, and further information is coming to light regarding the identity and role of other participants, the elaborate nature of the preparations revealed by the evidence already obtained, leaves no room for doubt that an intricate planning apparatus is sought to be established, Prof. Peiris added.

The government’s foremost duty, the Minister emphasized, is to exercise the greatest vigilance and to nip in the bud attempts at resurgence of any form of terrorist activity.  A country that has suffered anguish and pain inflicted by terrorism for three decades, expects no less from its government, he added.  The Minister observed that timely and decisive action has been effective in warding off any threat of growing activity, and the government will continue to watch the situation closely and not hesitate to adopt such further measures as may be required.  An encouraging feature of the situation, he explained, is the considerable quantity of information emanating from people of the relevant areas, eager to prevent the disruption of their lives which they are now engaged in rebuilding.

Prof. Peiris drew attention to the attempt in some quarters to paint a picture of a threat to tourism and investment.  The Minister characterized these attempts as entirely unwarranted and mischievous.  The government is in total control of the situation, and has every confidence of eradicating at the very inception, any attempt to revive terrorism in any form in any part of the country, he commented.

The Minister pointed out that the benefits flowing from the eradication of terrorism in Sri Lanka are by no means confined to the country, but accrue to the entire South Asian region.  He mentioned, in particular, Sri Lanka’s significant contribution to maintaining the safety of sea lanes in the area and the control of a wide range of illegal activity including people smuggling and the proliferation of small arms.

He underlined the importance of pre-emptive action to deal with the kinds of activity he had described, and requested all nations represented at the briefing to extend their fullest co-operation in preventing the inflow of funds for terrorist purposes and forestalling all forms of activity which these resources are intended to support.

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

News

Casino Bill is against Constitution : Ven. Sobitha

Sobitha theraPeople’s Movement for Social Justice Chairman the Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera said today S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike’s Government in 1956 closed the racecourse by banning horse racing in Colombo and replaced it with a university but this Government was going to start casinos which are much worse.

Ven. Sobitha Thera said it was against the Constitution to approve a Casino Bill in Parliament because the Government was constitutionally bound to protect Buddhism.

“Buddhism rejects gambling and alcohol which leads to the destruction of the morals of the people. So casinos are also against Buddhism. All nefarious activities will end up being centered round the casino hubs. The Government should not approve the casino bill when even the Maha Sangha and other religious leaders have advised against setting them up,” Ven. Sobitha Thera said.

Ven. Sobitha Thera told a news conference that the Government should include a clause in this bill that no gambling would be entertained.

Ven. Sobitha Thera said the Speaker should hold a secret vote on the casino bill so that the parliamentarians could vote according to their conscience.

“The All Ceylon Muslim Congress and the Jathika Hela Urumaya have announced that they would vote against this bill. We urge all the parliamentarians irrespective of their party affiliations to vote against the Bill, which would be detrimental to the religious and cultural traditions of Sri Lanka.”(Ajith Siriwardana & Yohan Perera)

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

Sports

Angelo appointed captain till 2015 World Cup

Mathews

Thirimanne new vice-captain for all three formats

A new Partnership. Angelo Mathews, on right, and Lahiru Thirimanne have been appointed as captain and vice-captain respectively in Test and ODI cricket till March 2015.

The cricket national selection panel yesterday recognized Lahiru Thirimanne as a possible long term Sri Lanka captain when they announced him as the vice-captain of Test, ODI and T-20 teams. Thirimanne has done well in ODI and T-20 cricket in recent months.

Chandimal, who was appointed as the country’s T-20 captain and vice-captain of ODI and Test sides, has been relieved of leadership duties due to poor form. Chandimal, one of the best young talents to emerge in recent years will now have an opportunity to completely concentrate on his batting.

Angelo Mathews’ impressive leadership and consistent batting in all formats of the game has seen him being appointed as captain of Test and ODI sides till the next World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in March next year.

After winning the World T-20, Lasith Malinga has been retained as Sri Lanka’s T-20 captain, also till March 2015.

The selectors also announced the squads for two ODIs in Ireland and one off T-20 International in England. Senior players Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Lasith Malinga, Tillekeratne Dilshan and Rangana Herath were left out of the ODIs in Ireland as Kithruwan Vithanage, Ashan Priyanjan, Niroshan Dickwella and Chathuranga de Silva were named in the squad.

After the brief Ireland tour, Sri Lanka will play five ODIs against England and the senior players who were left out of the two-match series against the Irish are expected to return to the side.

Sri Lanka will be playing two ODIs in Dublin, Ireland on May 6 and 8 and then play a one-off T20 in London on May 20.

Sri Lanka will also play two Tests in England, with Lord’s in London and Leeds in Headingly hosting the two games.

Sri Lanka ODI Squad for Ireland:

Angelo Mathews (Captain), Kusal Perera, Upul Tharanga, Lahiru Thirimanne (Vice-Captain), Dinesh Chandimal, Ashan Priyanjan, Kithruwan Vithanage, Chathuranga de Silva, Sachithra Senanayake, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Suranga Lakmal, Dhammika Prasad, Ajantha Mendis and Niroshan Dickwella.

Sri Lanka T-20 Squad:

Lasith Malinga (Captain), Lahiru Thirimanne (Vice-Captain), Kusal Perera, Tillekeratne Dilshan, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kithruwan Vithanage, Ashan Priyanjan, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Chathuranga de Silva, Sachithra Senanayake, Suranga Lakmal, Seekkuge Prasanna and Ajantha Mendis.

Source: The Island (Sri Lanka)
by Rex Clementine

News, SL Media UK

Ceylon Tea gets major boost at Cairo International Fair

The Sri Lanka Embassy in Cairo organized a Sri Lanka stall for the second time at the 47th Cairo International Fair   recently to exclusively promote ‘Pure Ceylon Tea’. This Fair is one of the biggest trade events in the region, attracting leading business delegations and buyers from many countries, especially in Africa and the Middle East. The high profile of the Fair provided an ideal platform to introduce and promote Pure Ceylon tea to a wider business clientele in the region.
tea
Ambassador Sudantha Ganegama Arachchi declares open the Sri Lanka Tea Stall in the presence of invitees.  Mr. B.G.P. Jayakody, First Secretary-Commerce (right) and Mrs. Sharmila Nagasena (left) of Samson Rubber Industries Pvt Ltd are also present.Inset: Sri Lanka Stall
Tea drinking is an integral part of the Egyptian life style. Hence, the Sri Lankan Embassy decided to highlight the theme: ‘Ceylon Tea at all times’ in this promotional campaign.  Eighty million Egyptians, constituting a single market consume more than 80 million kg of tea annually.  With the strong support of Sri Lanka Tea Board, the Sri Lanka Embassy in Cairo has planned a series of initiatives to promote pre-packed Pure Ceylon tea under the “Lion logo”. The Tea Stall at the Fair is one among these planned initiatives. Declaring open the Stall, Ambassador Sudantha Ganegama Arachchi encouraged the invited businessmen to tap the promising market opportunity available for Pure Ceylon tea in the light of the record-low customs duty prevailing in Egypt. The Stall displayed a wide array of tea samples from twenty two exporters. After holding nearly forty business meetings, twenty five potential buyers were identified. Visiting businessmen were briefed not only about the market potential for Pure Ceylon tea but also on the current economic and political stability in Sri Lanka.  The exporters’ contact details and the Sri Lanka Tea Board’s promotional materials were given to business visitors, and selected varieties of tea were served to them at the Stall.  These business meetings provided insights to design effective marketing strategies for enhancing the market share for Pure Ceylon tea in the future. These insights and suggested strategies will be conveyed to the Sri Lanka Tea Board and to the exporters who provided tea samples to the Stall.
Mr. B.G.P. Jayakody, First Secretary (Commerce) organized the Stall and provided detailed briefings to the business visitors. The Sri Lanka Embassy remains ready to extend every possible assistance to interested tea exporters. If they need more information about the Egyptian tea market, Mr. Jayakody could be contacted on Tel. 00-202-27351381, 00-202-27350047, 00-202-27367138, Mobile 00-201-097074831, Email: egyptcommercial@gmail.com
News, SL Media UK

Sri Lanka achieved a lot since war ended- South Korean Envoy

[By Janaka Alahapperuma]

Special Envoy and former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea Mr. Yu Myung-hwan said that Sri Lanka has achieved tremendous progress in every field after the end of terrorism.  He made these remarks when he called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday (April 21) evening at Temple Trees.

During the discussion Mr. Yu Myung-hwan told the President that “Sri Lanka has achieved a lot” since the war ended. The integration of thousands of former LTTE carders and the very swift return of internally displaced persons, are two main examples Myung-hwan cited as the post-war progress that can be seen in the country. The Korean envoy commended on the leadership in ending the war against terrorism as well as post war achievements such as rehabilitating 12,000 LTTE combatants, speedy resettlement of 300,000 internally displaced people and rebuilding the infrastructure. 

 

He further said that the government is to be commended for conducting the first ever election to the Northern Provincial Council in a free and fair manner as well as establishing the Presidential Commission on Missing Persons.

The President said he is waiting for the report of the Commission in order to take future action. The President also encouraged the visiting special envoy to visit the Northern Province. He further said that the government has given priority to the North in development than the South. Mr. Myung-hwan reiterated his government’s support to Sri Lanka and its commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations.

“We will do our best to help your government to develop,” the Korean envoy said.

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Colombo Mr. Jongmoon Choi accompanied Mr. Myung-hwan. Parliamentarian Mr. Janaka Bandara and Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs Mrs. Kshenuka Seneviratne were also present at the meeting.

Mr. Myung-hwan a former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Korea from 2008 to 2010, is visiting Sri Lanka from April 20-22. He also held bilateral talks with Minister of External Affairs, Prof. G. L Peiris to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

Pix by: Nishanka de Silva

News, SL Media UK

The President declares open the Manmunai Bridge linking Batticaloa and Ampara Districts

[By Janaka Alahapperuma] 

President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared open the newly constructed Manmunai Bridge in Batticaloa this afternoon (19 April) marking another milestone in the country’s development. It connects the Batticaloa and Ampara Districts. This new bridge across Batticaloa lagoon on Colombo-Batticaloa A4 road via Pothuvil has been constructed at a cost of 1,870 million rupees fulfilling a long felt need of the people in the Eastern Province. 

It also connects the provincial road network on both sides of the lagoon which will provide alternate route to other areas. Until the construction of this new bridge, the people used the ferry service to cross the lagoon. The new bridge is 210 meters in length and 9.8 meters in width. In line with the construction of the bridge, a new causeway with an average length of 488 meters and 10 meters in width has also been constructed on either side of the bridge. 

It has been constructed with assistance from the Japanese Government and 1,473 million rupees have been presented as a grant aid through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). 

The Road Development Authority said that with the construction of the new bridge, the transport difficulties hitherto experienced by the people will be overcome. Farmers as well as traders will immensely benefit. A JICA official said that the Manmunai Bridge marks the 60 years of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Japan. 

Acting Japanese Ambassador Asako Uthayo, Ministers, Parliamentarians, local and provincial politicians, distinguished guests and officials were present at the occasion. 

Pix by: Chandana Perera
News

British woman arrested in Sri Lanka for having Buddha tattoo

tattooA British tourist has been arrested and sentenced to deportation in Sri Lanka after authorities spotted a Buddha tattoo on her right arm.

Naomi Michelle Coleman, 37, was arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport in the capital Colombo on Monday after arriving from India.

A police spokesman said she was arrested for ‘hurting others’ religious feelings’.

Shortly after her arrest, a magistrate ordered for her to be deported and she is currently being held at an immigration detention centre.

The Sri Lankan authorities take any perceived insult of Buddhism very seriously, and this isn’t the first incident of its kind.

Last year Anthony Ratcliffe from Nottingham was denied entry to the country due to his Buddha tattoo, and on a previous occasion three French tourists were give suspended prison sentences for kissing a Buddha statue.

A spokeswoman from the British High Commission in Colombo said: ‘We are aware of the detention of a British national in Sri Lanka on April 21. We are providing consular assistance.’

Source: Metro UK
Image Courtesy: Metro UK
http://metro.co.uk/2014/04/22/british-woman-arrested-in-sri-lanka-for-having-buddha-tattoo-4705463/

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5550 farmer families in Mahaweli B and C Zones receive land deeds

[By Janaka Alahapperuma]
5550 farmer families in Mahaweli B and C Zones received ownership deeds today (April 19) at a ceremony held at Girandurukotte under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The President handed over the land deeds for the Mahaweli farmers under the 3rd stage of the National Programme of Presentation of Land Deeds. The programme is implemented according to a pledge given by the President in response to a request made by Mahaweli farmers at a meeting held at Dehiattakandiya. The distribution of these lands among the farmer families commenced on the 31st of December last year.
Addressing the ceremony the President pointed out that some who are considering development as a joke were attempting to create chaos and reverse the country. The development that is mooted in the country by the present administration to prosper the lives of the nation and some people are attempting to create unnecessary confusion. The President further emphasized that the people will not permit anyone to reverse the development programmes which are targeted at transforming the country into a ‘Wonder in Asia’.

Under this programme 45,000 land deeds altogether are to be presented and 5500 of them distributed at today’s function. The land deeds presented to farmers in the villages of Aralaganvila, Dimbulagala, Manampitiya and Welikanda in the Mahaweli B Zone and farmers in the Dehiattakandiya, Girandurukotte, Mahiyanganaya, Navamedagama, Mahawanawela and Sandunpura in Mahaweli C zone. Earlier the Mahaweli Authority distributed lands to 2000 farmer families in the Mahaweli G and H zones. The Director General of the Mahaweli Authority Gamini Rajakaruna said that already ownership land deeds have been distributed to 140,000 Mahaweli farmer families and the deeds will be distributed to another 35,000 families this year.

Venerable Maha Sangha, Ministers, parliamentarians, local politicians and officials were present at the occasion.

Pix by: Chandana Perera

News, SL Media UK

Sacrilegious to Buddhism: Asgiriya Mahanayaka Thera hands over an appeal to the President

[By Janaka Alahapperuma]

President Mahinda Rajapaksa worshipped at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy this morning (April 18) and received blessings for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. The President participated in many religious observances before the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Later he paid separate visits to the Chief Prelates of the Malwatta and Asgiriya Chapters and received the blessings for the New Year. First the President called on Most Venerable Tibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Thera, the Chief Prelates of the Malwatta Chapter and had cordial discussions with the Maha Nayaka Thera.

The Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter handed over an appeal to the President and requested him to draw immediate attention on publishing photographs of Buddha statues in such a manner that is sacrilegious to Buddhism. The Chief Prelate Most Venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thera made this appeal to President Rajapaksa when the latter paid a courtesy call on the Maha Nayaka Thera. The Asgiriya Maha Nayaka Thera told the President that old newspapers with photographs of Buddha statues are used as serviettes in certain eateries.

In response to the Nayaka Thera, the President told that he would draw special attention to the matter in order to stop the menace. A list of signatures collected from people around the country by U.A. Sugath of Beragala has also been attached to the Asgiriya Maha Nayaka Thera’s letter to the President.

Central Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake, MP Lohan Ratwatte and Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela also participated.

Pix by Chandana Perera

News

Video: Khuram family ‘shocked’ as the court bails four accused

murder of a British national in Tangalle in 2011The family of Khuram Shaikh, who was killed while on holiday in Sri Lanka, say they are shocked by the decision to bail four men accused of his murder – half way through their trial.

The 32-year old from Rochdale was on holiday on Christmas Day in 2011 when he was stabbed and shot at his hotel.

The trial into his murder, which has taken more than two years to come to court amid fears of a cover-up, began at the High Court in Colombo last month.

But the trial has since been adjourned for several weeks, and four of the six men accused have been released on bail. (Source: ITV)

News

UK updates travel advisory on SL

Foreign and Commonwealth OfficeBritain has updated its travel advisory after the Sri Lankan Government designated 16 organisations and 424 individuals for purported links to terrorism.

In its latest advisory, updated on April 17, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office stated, “On 21 March 2014, the Sri Lankan Government designated 16 organisations and 424 individuals, including the British Tamils Forum and Global Tamil Forum, for purported links to terrorism.”

Foreign travel advisory

On 21 March 2014, the Sri Lankan government designated 16 organisations and 424 individuals, including the British Tamils Forum and Global Tamil Forum, for purported links to terrorism.

Foreign nationals, with the exception of media crews, no longer need permission from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence before travelling to the northern districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaittivu and Vavuniya. Military activities are ongoing and you should obey orders from the security forces and signs warning of the danger from land-mines. See Local travel – North

Political rallies in Sri Lanka have sometimes turned violent. You should avoid any political gatherings or rallies. See Political situation

There is an underlying threat from terrorism. See Terrorism

Most visits to Sri Lanka are trouble-free, but you should be aware of the risk of credit card fraud, road accidents, drownings and dengue fever which is transmitted by mosquito bites.

Sri Lanka can be affected by severe weather like tropical cyclones and monsoon rains. See Natural disasters

Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

News, SL Media UK

President Rajapaksa presides over the New Year National Oil Anointing ceremony

[By Janaka Alahapperuma]
 
The traditional Oil Anointing State Ceremony for the Sinhala and Hindu New Year was held this morning (16 April) at the Yatawatta Raja Maha Viharaya premises in Kossinna, Ganemulla at Gampaha under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Chief Sangha Nayake of Siyane Korale Venerable Thorapitiye Ananda Nayaka Thero. The President performed the oil anointing ritual at the auspicious time of 11.16 am at the special podium. The state ceremony of anointing oil was organized by the Ministry of Indigenous Medicine with the guidance of the Maha Sanga.
Chief Incumbent of the Viharaya Venerable Udugampola Gunananda Nayaka Thero performed the rituals by anointing oil on the President’s head and blessed him amidst Pirith chanting. As instructed by the Ministry of Indigenous Medicine, Department of Ayurveda, Sinhala New Year Auspicious Times Committee and astrologers, oil anointing was performed by facing the South direction and standing on ‘Kolon’ leaves under a canopy of ‘Kohomba’ leaves and attired in greenish colour. ‘Nanu’ oil was anointed with a mixture of Kohomba leaves. Thereafter, anointing ceremony was conducted on behalf of Ministers and MPs as well as general public fulfilling the centuries old traditions. The President was engaged in anointing on elephants.
The Nayaka Thero said that the anointing of oil for the New Year is one of the main traditions specialised to Sri Lankans. The prelate said that the meaning of this oil anointing tradition is actually wishing a healthy life for next year. He said that it could also be mentioned as a tradition linked to the natural environment. Addressing the ceremony, President Rajapaksa said that oil anointing ritual has being performed since ancient time with the objective of giving mental strength for building the nation. He said that this is also a good opportunity to get a consolation. Deputy Minister Pandu Bandaranayake, Chief Minister of the Western Province, Prasanna Ranatunga, many local politicians, several invited guests and officials were amongst a large number of people who were present at the ceremony.
Meanwhile many functions were organized countrywide to mark the anointing of oil for the New Year. Ministry of Indigenous Medicine announced all traditional herbals and creams required for the Oil Anointing ritual have been distributed freely throughout the country to 10,000 Buddhist temples and 15,000 registered Indigenous Physicians. Public are requested to get them from the nearest temple or the Ayurveda doctor in their areas.
In parallel to the National oil anointing ceremony, large crowd was present at the Natha Devala premises of the Sri Dalada Maligawa to perform the annual oil anointing ritual. Resident monks of the Asgiriya and Malwatta Chapters anointed devotees with oil and also anointed oil on the heads of the tuskers of Sri Dalada Maligawa. Devotees visited the Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya temple this morning for the oil anointing ceremony.
The oil anointing tradition of the indigenous community took place at the Kotabakiniya village in Mahiyangana. The function was organized under the patronage of the Veddah Chief Uruvarige Wannila-eththo. It’s only this oil anointing tradition that the indigenous community engages in New Year.
The ceremony of oil anointing was held for over 100 elephants at the Pinnawala orphanage. All elephants and calves in the orphanage were treated with fruits and special leafy diet. Another oil anointing ceremony took place at the Dehiwela National Zoo. While herbal oil was first anointed on the elephants, the other animals were also anointed with oil thereafter.
Pix by: Sudath Silva
News

Video: Mervyn is a patriot says Bodu Bala Sena

Bodu Bala SenaThe Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) organisation today hailed Minister Mervyn Silva as a genuine patriot and was much better than other ministers.

“Unlike other so-called patriotic ministers, Minister Mervyn Silva is a better and a realistic person,” BBS General Secretary Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera told a news conference.

He lashed out at Ministers Rauf Hakeem, Wimal Weerawansa, Vasudeva Nanayakkara and Dilan Perera for making incorrect statements against the BBS and challenged them to an open debate.

“I’m challenging them for a debate on the BBS and on other issues. They are the ones who are feeding the international community with wrong information about the BBS,” the Thera said. (Darshana Sanjeewa and Lahiru Pothmulla)

Watch Video >>

Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

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Sri Lanka’s First Family celebrates traditional New Year at Carton House

[By Janaka Alahapperuma]

When the entire country is gripped in a happy and festive mood, Sri Lankans celebrated the traditional ‘Aluth Avurudda’- Sinhala and Hindu New Year which marks the transit of the sun from the house of ‘Meena Rashiya’ to the house of the ‘Mesha Rashiya’. According to the reports, Sinhala and Tamil people throughout the country enthusiastically got ready to celebrate it in usual grand style. This is the fifth National New Year the whole country is celebrating in an environment of peace and tranquility since the total eradication of terrorism.


The Sinhala and Hindu New Year is a great cultural festival that has been observed by all Sri Lankans from ancient times. Every year it is the festival that marks the great association of Earth with the Sun. Sri Lankans who are nurtured by an agricultural lifestyle meaningfully accepts the dawn of this traditional New Year on 13th and 14th April. According to the astrological charts, the ‘Punya kalaya’ began at 01.13am today on 14 April and will last until 2.01 pm. Therefore everyone ceased work during this period and engaged in religious observances. The New Year was dawned at the auspicious time of 07.37 am and the most suitable time to light the hearth and for cooking food fell on 10.17am. It is believed that these auspicious hours are extremely conducive to the country, the people, the President and the government.

The Sri Lanka’s first family including President Mahinda Rajapaksa along with their sons Namal, Yoshitha, Rohitha and other relatives celebrated the Sinhala and Hindu New Year rituals at their ancestral home, Carlton House in Tangalla, Hambantota. First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa conducted all the rituals at the auspicious time with the President and other family members assisted her. At the auspicious time for the lighting of the hearth the President, First Lady and many other family members attended the symbolic tradition of boiling milk at the auspicious time.

As mentioned by astrologers milk rice was prepared with jaggery and ghee and a sweetmeat with sesame, attired in white colour and facing the Southern direction. The auspicious time for partaking of the first meal for the New Year was at 11.05am. In addition to taking the first meal, transactions were also conducted, attired in white colour facing the south. President Rajapaksa also joined the partaking of the meal prepared with new rice of a new yield, connected in this tradition setting an example for the whole country.

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Mrs Ioma Rajapaksa, Chairman of Sri Lankan Airlines Nishantha Wickramasinghe, many other family members, Chief Justice Mohan Peiris, Director General of the Central Environment Authority and many politicians and officials also participated the celebrations. They all are seen here with locals and President’s close supporters enjoying Sinhala Avurudu traditions at Carlton House. The President also participated in the traditional transaction of the New Year and took part in the celebration of the New Year in warm fellowship with the people of the area.

President Rajapaksa said the family bonds built up due to New Year customs and traditions helped to further strengthens Sri Lankan society and therefore all should follow centuries old New Year customs and traditions and bestow treasured heritage to the future generation.

In his Sinhala and Hindu New Year message’ the President said “We celebrate the Avurudda with pride in our efforts towards building a self-sufficient nation in an abundant harvest of nature’s blessings.”
The message further stated: “Only a great cultural heritage and righteous values could provide the world with people who are rich in human values. The foundation for this is provided to us by great celebrations of national culture such as this festival. The continued sustenance of rich cultural traditions is symbolic of a nation progressing rapidly towards prosperity. “We welcome this Aluth Avurudda at a time when production and development in agriculture and other spheres are making immense progress. It is essential to build national unity to usher in rapid development in the country. “What is outstanding in the traditions of these festivities are coexistence and reconciliation. The most valued quality of this Avurudu festival is taking the ideal of understanding and cohesion beyond the family, to the village, the city and the entire country. Taking this spirit of reconciliation towards Sri Lanka being crowned the ‘Wonder of Asia’ should be a firm commitment of us all at this Aluth Avurudu festival”, the message said.