News

70th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Japan – SL

Published

5 months ago

December 22, 2022

editor

On 16th December 2022, the embassy of Japan hosted a reception to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Sri Lanka at the residence of Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki.

The reception was held in the presence of Prime Minister – Dinesh Gunawardene as the Guest of Honor and many other distinguished guests including Speaker – Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Foreign Minister – M.U.M.Ali Sabry, Sports Minister – Mr. Roshan Ranasinghe and other dignitaries.

Ambassador Mizukoshi recalled the high level diplomatic visits, grant aids by the government of Japan, Japanese investments to Sri Lanka by the private sector, recent progress in Japanese language education in Sri Lanka and awarding of the decoration of the Emperor of Japan and the commendation of the Foreign Minister of Japan.

He also looked back on the various major events that had strengthened the relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka such as Tanabata Day in July, Friendship Walk and San Francisco Peace Treaty commemoration in September, the Bon-odori festival in December and expressed his sincere gratitude to the Government of Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan official stakeholders, namely Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital and National Youth Services Council, Japan related companies, organizations and institutes in Sri Lanka and everyone who provided their immense cooperation throughout the year in making a 70th anniversary a great success.

As the guest of honour, PM Dinesh Gunawardene acknowledged the importance of this milestone of deep friendship and bond between the two countries, as well as people of Japan, and Sri Lanka. He also took note of the contributions from the government of Japan, investments from the Japanese private sector and various collaborations between the two countries including state officials, academia, science and technology, areas of research cooperation, defense and cultural, religious and different friends.

At this auspicious occasion, a commemorative postage stamp with an envelope was issued marking the 70th anniversary by the Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Posts, Ministry of Mass Media. The postage stamp and the envelope were designed by Ms. Hasini Dineshika and Ms. Rashmi Dewmini and they were selected from the contest conducted by the National Youth Services Council.

News

New coconut disease found in Galle!

Published

37 mins ago

May 31, 2023

editor

A new insect disease that can pose a serious threat to coconut cultivation has been detected in Galle for the first time in Sri Lanka.

Galle area manager of the Coconut Development Board H.G.Hemantha revealed this at the Galle District Agriculture Committee meeting yesterday (30).

He said that this disease is a serious disease spread by an insect called Brontispa and so far coconut plantations affected by this disease have been identified along the coast from Dodanduwa to Kaburugamuwa.

He said that at least 4,000 such infested trees have been identified.

News

Manju Nishshanka’s uncle “Morris” a member of LTTE diaspora

Published

41 mins ago

May 31, 2023

editor

“Morris”, the uncle of Manju Nisshanka who is an activist of the group that released the video of Nathasha Edirisooriya, is a member of the LTTE diaspora, Balangoda Kassapa Thera alleged.

Edirisooriya is currently in remand prison for allegedly making a controversial statement.

Addressing a press conference, Kassapa Thera said not only Edirisooriya, but also others behind the incident should be arrested.

“Who is Manju Nishshanka? What is his relationship with Nalaka Godahewa? How Manju’s uncle sends money from the US? They are related to the LTTE diaspora. His uncle ‘Morris’ sends millions of rupees from the diaspora. Once, Manju has offered Mr. Anura Kumara to spend even three billion rupees. We respect his decision not to bow down at that time. The LTTE diaspora and ‘Born Again’ gang are behind this. The CID should conduct a proper investigation and arrest them.”

Natasha’s script by the USA – Wimal Weerawansa

Meanwhile, MP Wimal Weerawansa said that Natasha Edirisooriya has been employed in a project of the US State Department as well as USAID, and that she had been carefully groomed to insult Buddhism.

He expressed this in response to the questions asked by the journalists after attending the party leaders meeting of the Supreme Lanka Coalition at the Communist Party headquarters in Borella.

Question: Who is behind plans to insult Buddhism? the government or international forces?

Answer: Natasha has worked on a project for the US Department of State. In addition, she has worked for USAID. They are the ones who say “Suddhodana’s lad” and insult Buddhism. They are being properly groomed, built and scripted. This is not an innocent operation.”

News

Laka’s family goes to CID (VIDEO)

Published

1 hour ago

May 31, 2023

editor

Lakmal Weerasuriya and Sahan Arosha, the creators of popular YouTube channel ‘Lakai Sikai’, who are currently in Australia had said that they have been receiving death threats through social media platforms.

Weerasuraya’s wife has complained to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in this regard.

They said that some elements are engaged in this campaign against them in an organized manner for attending the concert conducted by Natasha Edirisooriya.