News

Did the Archeology DG resign because of the President?

Published

2 years ago

June 12, 2023

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Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs – Vidura Wickramanayaka says that Prof. Anura Manatunga had informed the Ministry Secretary that he will be stepping down from his post as Director General of Archeology.

It is said that the resignation comes after the President had recently told Prof. Manatunga at a meeting that the latter should resign if unable to carry out orders given by himself as the President.

After identifying a 200-acre land with archaeological remains belonging to the historical Kurundi Maha Viharaya of Mullaitivu, which depicts the early Anuradhapura era, the Director General of Archeology has requested the Surveyor General to survey the land.

It is said that there are over 05 acres of paddy land in the identified area.

On June 08, during a meeting held by the President at the President’s Secretariat, the President had ordered the release of these paddy fields to the people.

Responding, Prof. Manatunga has pointed out that he is unable to do so according to the laws falling under the Archeology Ordinance.

It is said that while the Department of Archeology was working to separate the ancient ruins after a scientific exploration, ownership was claimed for only 05 acres of the paddy fields.

According to sources, the owner (who is said to be the owner of paddy fields spanning across over 100 acres), had also been initially prepared to donate the said 05 acres to the Archeology Department.

News

Internal disputes delay LG member lists

Published

11 hours ago

May 17, 2025

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Due to various issues that have arisen within many political parties during the selection of members for LG bodies, submission of name lists to the Election Commission (EC) are being delayed, reports say.

As a result, the establishment of LG bodies is expected to be delayed further.

In this backdrop, the EC has instructed all political parties and independent groups to submit their name lists within a week.

The gazette on the newly appointed members will follow only after the EC receives all lists.

(Source : Lankadeepa)

News

Ministry cancels Br. Charles’ program at Padeniya temple

Published

12 hours ago

May 17, 2025

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The Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs has issued a letter over a program organized by Br. Charles Thomas.

The relevant program is scheduled to be held today (May 17) at the historic Padeniya temple and is allegedly scheduled to be held in a manner that is harmful to Buddhism.

The letter notes that the Deputy Minister has taken steps to cancel the program following complaints from various parties, citing strong displeasure expressed by the local Buddhist community.

News

Applications open for A/L Vocational stream

Published

12 hours ago

May 17, 2025

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The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education has announced that applications are now open for admissions for Grade 12 students for the Advanced Level (A/L) Vocational stream subjects.

According to the Ministry, the vocational stream will be offered in 608 schools starting this year.

The Ministry further clarified that students who have not passed the GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) examination will still be eligible to apply, as O/L results will not be a determining factor for admission to this stream.

For this, students need to submit an application to the principal of the school they wish to enroll in.