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Around 2,500 Indian pilgrims join Kachchatheevu feast

Published

2 years ago

March 6, 2023

editor

Close to 2,500 Indian pilgrims comprising mainly fishermen and clergy as well as around 3,000 Sri Lankan pilgrims participated in the annual St. Anthony’s Festival in Kachchatheevu on March 03 – 04.

Minister of Fisheries – Douglas Devananda, greeted the pilgrims on their arrival at the Island on March 03. Special Prayers and a late evening mass were held on the same day to mark the Festival. A special Mass dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, the patron Saint of Fishermen was jointly conducted by priests from India and Sri Lanka on March 04, followed by the traditional feast.

Stalls displaying and selling artisanal works of both Indian and Sri Lankan pilgrims were set up, adding further color to the festivities.

The Government of India is providing financial assistance for the organization of the festivities this year. Consul General of India in Jaffna – Raakesh Natraj and other officials of the Consulate were special invitees at the Festival.

The annual Festival, which witnesses enthusiastic participation pilgrims every year, has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the last two years. The festival underscores strong people to people ties between India and Sri Lanka while also paving way for close interaction between fishing communities of the two neighbouring nations.

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Cost reflective price for MPs’ daily meals proposed

Published

3 hours ago

January 23, 2025

editor

Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake said yesterday that a cost reflective price between Rs.2,500 and Rs.3,000 will be proposed for meals including breakfast, lunch and evening tea for Members of Parliament.

He stated that the proposal is scheduled to be presented to the House Keeping Committee of Parliament today and that a proposal will also be presented to the Cabinet in the future.

“MPs will have to pay Rs.3,000 for their meals including breakfast, lunch and evening tea. The price of meals for others will also be increased,” he added.

(dailynews.lk)

(This story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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Probe into clearing of 323 red-tagged containers – Dy. Minister

Published

3 hours ago

January 23, 2025

editor

Deputy Minister of Economic Development – Prof.Anil Jayantha Fernando yesterday (Jan. 22) admitted in Parliament that 323 containers with red tags have been released through the green channel by the Sri Lanka Customs.

In response to a question raised, the Deputy Minister said that an investigation will be launched into the incident.

He said there have been occasions where red-tagged containers have been released after being scanned and during some occasions, containers had been released through the green channel even without being scanned.

“We never know whether there have been investigations into those incidents,” he said.

(Excerpts : dailynews.lk)

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Suspect arrested over alleged online train tickets racket

Published

3 hours ago

January 23, 2025

editor

The Kandy Divisional Crimes Unit has arrested a 37-year-old suspect involved in an alleged major racket involving ‘e-Tickets’ sold for up-country trains including to Ella.

According to the police, the suspect was arrested yesterday (Jan. 22) in the Suduhumpola area of the Kandy Police Division.

The suspect, a resident of the same area, was found in possession of 21 ‘Odyssey’ train tickets purchased online, Rs. 130,670 in cash believed to be proceeds from the illegal sales, 130 notepads documenting previous transactions, and a mobile phone.

Police suspect the individual profited from reselling train tickets, targeting foreign tourists. The suspect has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further inquiries.

On January 20, the CID had informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that they have launched an investigation into the ticket scalping, which was raising serious concerns.

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