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Buddhists worldwide celebrate Esala Full Moon Poya Day

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Today marks Esala Full Moon Poya Day, a significant day in the Buddhist calendar. 

This day commemorates several key events in the life of the Buddha and the history of Buddhism.

On this day, Prince Siddhartha renounced his royal life to become an ascetic in search of liberation from suffering.

It was also on an Esala Full Moon Poya Day that the Buddha delivered his first sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, setting the Wheel of Dhamma in motion.

Other notable events on this day include the conception of Prince Siddhartha, the beginning of the Vassana season for monks, and the Buddha’s visit to Thusitha Heaven to preach to his mother. 

The first Buddhist Council was also held on an Esala Poya Day, as was the birth of Prince Rahula.

In Sri Lanka, Esala Poya is particularly notable for the first local ordination of a Sri Lankan, Prince Arittha, under Arahant Mahinda following the introduction of Buddhism. 

Additionally, the foundation for the celebrated Mahastupa (Ruwanvelisaya) was laid and its relics enshrined by King Dutugemunu on this day.

Sri Lankan Buddhists honor Esala Poya with ceremonies and festivals, including the famous Kandy Esala Perahera. 

The day also marks the start of the annual rains retreat for monks, known as ‘Vas,’ beginning the day after Esala Poya. 

Monks who miss this initial start are allowed to commence the ‘late Vas’ on the next Poya day, Nikini (August).

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Online system for passport applications from Nov. 06

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An online date reservation system for passport application will commence later this week. 

Speaking at a media briefing held today (Nov. 04), Acting Controller General of Immigration and Emigration – Ms. Nilusha Balasooriya, said that the system can be accessed via the website of the Department from Nov. 06.

However, she said that time slots have been filled up until the end of November 2024.

Ms. Balasooriya also said that those requiring passports for urgent travel purposes can submit all relevant documents to the Immigration and Emigration Department and an independent committee has been appointed to handle cases in this regard.

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2024 O/L exam applications called from tomorrow

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Applications for the 2024 (2025) G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination will be called from tomorrow (Nov. 05) to Nov. 30 midnight, the Department of Examinations has announced.

In a statement issued today (Nov. 04), the department highlighted that only applications sent online, via its official websites – www.doenets.lk or www.onlineexams.gov.lk/eic will be accepted.

Accordingly, all school applicants must submit their exam applications through their school principals while private applicants are allowed to apply for the examination personally by them.

No deadline extensions will be granted, the department emphasises.

Any inquiries regarding the submission of applications can be made through contact numbers 0112784208/ 0112784537/ 0112785922 or email address: [email protected]

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CEB scraps privatization plan

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The Board of Directors of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has officially shelved its privatization plan.

Instead, they have opted to prioritize comprehensive restructuring aimed at boosting efficiency and service quality.

In a statement, the CEB announced that this decision was reached following a meeting held between the Chairman and the Board of Directors on October 23.

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