News

Kandy ‘Janaraja Perahara’ to be held after 3 decades

Published

2 years ago

February 16, 2023

editor

The ‘Janaraja Perahara’ hosted by the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy will be held on February 19, after a gap of 34 years.

The President’s Media Division (PMD) said the procession has been organized to coincide with the 75th Independence Celebration, and it will be inaugurated under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

According to the Coordinating and Cultural Officer of the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the procession will begin from the Magul Maduwa premises at 6.30 pm on February 19.

It will parade along the Dalada Street, Yatinuwara Street, Kanda Street, Raja Street, and return to the temple, marking the end of the event. The organizers have made preparations to make the Janaraja Perahera colourful, with cultural performances, including dancing troops, and caparisoned elephants, similar to the annual Esala Perahara.

However, unlike the Kandy Esala Perahara, the Dalada Karanduwa (Casket carrying the sacred relics) will not be carried on a tusker at the Janaraja Perahera. Instead, the national emblem of Sri Lanka will be carried.

The Janaraja Perahera aims to promote the tourism industry, and facilities have been arranged along the Janaraja Perahera route for the spectators who come to witness it.

The Janaraja Perahara was first organised in 1875 to celebrate the arrival of the Duke of Wales, the son of Queen Victoria.

The procession was also held in 1954 when Queen Elizabeth II, the then-Head of State of Sri Lanka, visited the country. The Queen watched the Janaraja Perahara from the Patthirippuwa.

In 1981, a similar procession was held, and Queen Elizabeth II watched the procession from a special platform built in the Maha Maluwa, the main courtyard.

The last time the Janaraja Perahara was held was in 1987 by the then Prime Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa.

News

Japan grants US$ 2.5 mn. to SL to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms

Published

3 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

The Government of Japan has granted USD 2.5 million to Sri Lanka to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms under a 3-year project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-corruption Mechanism.

Japanese ambassador in Sri Lanka – Mr. Akio Isomata and UNDP resident representative in Sri Lanka – Ms. Azusa Kubota, in the presence of Justice Minister – Harshana Nanayakkara, launched ‘The Project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-Corruption Mechanism’

The three year initiative is supported by the Government of Japan and implemented by the UNDP Sri Lanka, working in close collaboration with the (CIABOC) and the Ministry of Justice.

The project aims to promote transparency, accountability and integrity in governance and business practices through effective and institutionalised preventive mechanisms in the public and investment promotion sectors, strengthen institutions to enhance corruption related investigative processes, improve coordination with stakeholders and ensure quality of prosecutions, empower citizens to effectively mobilise against corruption and enhance social accountability.

The project also seeks to engage and empower youth, children and journalists to actively contribute to the fight against corruption and promote a culture of integrity.

News

3 ex-DMT officials including ex-commissioner, remanded

Published

3 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasingha and two other former officials of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) have been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The arrests were made as part of an investigation into vehicles that were illegally registered with the Department of Motor Traffic without receiving proper clearance from Sri Lanka Customs, CIABOC said in a statement.

According to CIABOC, former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasinghe has been arrested for granting approval to issue a number plate for a jeep.

Additionally, a former Assistant Director of Information Technology at the department and a clerk have also been taken into custody for facilitating the illegal data entry and executing it.

The suspects were produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court and were ordered to be remanded until July 08.

News

Ex-Immigration Controller pleads guilty

Published

6 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Controller of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Illukpitiya, today (July 01) unconditionally pleaded guilty before the Supreme Court in a case related to contempt of court.

The charge stemmed from his failure to comply with a court order related to the e-visa issuance process.

The Supreme Court announced that sentencing will take place on July 24.