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‘Tea for Harmony’ in Colombo (Pics)

Published

1 month ago

May 22, 2024

editor

A Chinese cultural event was held in Colombo yesterday (May 22), featuring cultural components from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous region located in Southern China.

Titled ‘Tea for Harmony – Yaji Cultural Salon 2024’, the event showcased a catwalk featuring Guangxi ethnic wear , a Guangxi pictorial tour exhibition, traditional song and dance performances by China and Sri Lanka.

The event, which coincided with the International Tea Day, featured an intangible cultural heritage tea art experience as well as tea products from both countries.

The event was attended by a host of distinguished guests including Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka – Mr. Qi Zhenhong and Madam Jin Qian, Speaker of Sri Lankan Parliament – Mr. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and Mr. Lai Fuqiang – Level-I Counsel of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Addressing the gathering, the Chinese ambassador – Mr. Qi Zhenhong said that tea has become a significant medium for people in China and around the world to connect and be friends.

He added, “The people of China and Sri Lanka share a long history of growing, making, tasting and drinking tea, fostering exchanges and mutual learning. Though tea is produced in different places, it derives from a common source. Tea has become a common part of lifestyle of the two peoples and an important link to connect and bring them closer. I hope that everyone here today will enjoy a delightful cup of tea, watch the performances, and enjoy the wonderful time. I believe that tea, as a medium today, will further promote cultural exchanges between the two countries and strengthen the friendship between the two peoples.”

(Pics : Shanika Jayasekara)

Photo Story

Kusal’s ‘Humanist Without Borders’ launched (Pics)

Published

16 hours ago

June 22, 2024

editor

‘Humanist Without Borders’, a book that celebrates fifty years of Mr. Anton Marcus as a Trade Unionist, was held in Colombo recently.

Mr. Marcus is currently the Joint Secretary of the Free Trade Zones and Public Employees’ Union (FTZ&GSEU).

The book, together with its Sinhala version – ‘Seema Mayim Nethi Maanawawaadiya’, were penned by political columnist and analyst – Kusal Perera.

A distinguished gathering including TU activists, FTZ&GSEU members and politicians were present at the launch.

Emeritus Professor Jayadeva Uyangoda and the former president and general secretary of New Zealand’s ‘First Union’, Mr. Robert Reed, delivered guest lectures.

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Highlights from the 16th Nationalised Services Cricket Awards

Published

22 hours ago

June 22, 2024

editor

The 16th Nationalised Services Award, organized by the Nationalised Services Cricket Association (NSCA), took place in Colombo.

State Minister for Sports Rohana Dissanayake and Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva chaired the event.

NSCA Chairman Nalin Aponsu and members of semi-state and bank cricket teams attended.

Awards were presented to teams that participated and won national service cricket tournaments from 2018 to 2024.

Watch the special moments in the

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Jaishankar meets with SL political leaders (Pics)

Published

2 days ago

June 20, 2024

editor

Visiting Indian Minister of External Affairs, Dr S. Jaishankar called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Temple Trees today (June 20).

Dr. Jaishankar is on a one-day visit to Sri Lanka. This was also his first bilateral visit after being reappointed to the high office following the recent general elections in India.

The Sri Lankan Prime Minister had congratulated Dr Jaishanker on the election victory of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance and reassured Sri Lanka’s commitment to work together to further strengthen close bilateral relations. He thanked India for the assistance given at recent difficult times after Covid pandemic and the economic crisis.

Minister Jaishankar said the neighbours like Sri Lanka are extremely important to India and there is tremendous goodwill for Sri Lanka in India. He said the Indian government reaffirms the Neighbourhood First Policy and the main purpose of his visit is to underline India’s continued commitment to Sri Lanka as its closest maritime neighbour and time tested friend.

The Prime Minister and the Indian Minister discussed Indian investments, development projects, connectivity projects and other mutually beneficial cooperation in different spheres.

Dr. Jaishankar also called upon his Sri Lankan counterpart – Minister Ali Sabry as well.

The bilateral discussions at the Foreign Ministry centered on a range of issues of mutual interest including in the areas of economic and development cooperation, cooperation in regional and multilateral fora as well as cooperation between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries among others.

Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were associated with the Foreign Minister for the bilateral talks.

Following bilateral talks, the visiting Indian External Affairs Minister signed the Guest Book at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Dr. Jaishankar also met with several political leaders including former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, a delegation from the opposition including Opposition leader – Sajith Premadasa as well as a host of Tamil political leaders.