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Dates announced for Kandy Esala Perahera

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This year’s Esala Perahera of the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy is scheduled to commence on July 25, Diyawadana Nilame (Chief Custodian of Sri Dalada Maligawa) Pradeep Nilanga Dela has confirmed.

The annual Kandy Perahera will commence with the ‘Kap planting’ ritual on July 25 at the four main devalayas which will be followed by the five-day process of Ethul Perahera.

Afterwards, this year’s first Kumbal Perahera will take to the streets on July 30.

Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela said the Kumbal Perahera will take place until August 03 followed by the first Randoli Perahera on August 04.

The final Randoli Perahera is scheduled to parade the night streets on the Nikini Full Moon Poya Day (August 08).

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Daycare centres for children with Autism & Neurodevelopmental disorders

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The Sri Lankan government is moving forward with plans to establish a national network of daycare and therapy centres for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental conditions. 

Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake has directed officials to prepare a detailed concept proposal within two weeks, following discussions held yesterday (July 09) at the Presidential Secretariat. 

This initiative, championed by President Anura Kumara Disanayake, aims to create a coordinated system involving multiple ministries and government departments, with the Presidential Secretariat overseeing implementation.  
The programme will utilise a Rs 250 million allocation from this year’s budget, channelled through the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs to district-level administrators. Key aspects of the plan include developing specialised human resources, creating a scientifically validated care model and establishing clear operational guidelines. During yesterday’s meeting, officials emphasised the need for an integrated approach that brings together healthcare providers, social services and education specialists to ensure comprehensive support for affected children and their families.  

Senior government figures attending the planning session included Kapila Janaka Bandara, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, K.D.R. Olga Secretary to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, Sampath Manthrinayake, Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security & Community Infrastructure,  H.A. Hema Perera, Additional Secretary, Darshani Karunaratne, Director, Department of Social Services  and representatives from health, social services and rural development ministries. Medical specialists such as Dr. Varuni Rasadi from the Ministry of Health, Dr. Asiri Hewamalage, Deputy Director (Community Health) and Dr. Santhushitha Senadhipathi from the Lady Ridgeway Hospital also attended the discussions.  

(President’s Media Division)

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Final grand procession of Ruhunu Kataragama Esala Perahera, tonight

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The final grand procession of the Esala Perahera at the historic Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya is set to take place tonight (July 10).

This marks the culmination of a 14-day religious and cultural festival.As per tradition, the Perahera will proceed to the Kiri Vehera Rajamaha Viharaya, exit through the main gate of the temple courtyard, and head toward the Valliamma Devalaya along the outer street.

After completing the sacred rituals there, the procession will return to the Maha Devalaya, passing Sri Abhirama Viharaya and Basnayake Nilame’s residence, concluding the festival in a grand spiritual display.

The Diya Kapeema (water-cutting ceremony) will take place tomorrow (July 11) at the Jeevamali Ferry on the Menik Ganga, marking the sacred conclusion of this year’s Esala celebrations.

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Internet access to all secondary schools by 2026 end – PM

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The government hopes to provide internet access to all secondary schools in Sri Lanka by the end of 2026.

Prime Minister and Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Minister Harini Amarasuriya said this in Parliament yesterday (July 09).

She said that as a start up towards fulfilling this goal, the Government has introduced Rs.5,000 unlimited data packages to schools in the country.

The Prime Minister also revealed that a National Education Management System is being developed at present with the support received from the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) under the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative.

The Education Minister said that plans are afoot to provide smart boards and other relevant computer equipment and accessories to around 1,000 schools in the country initially and stated that Cabinet approval has been already received in this regard.

She further informed the House that the Government has made a decision to distribute 1,900 smart boards to 1,500 schools in the country that badly require them.

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