Former Minister Douglas Devananda has criticized the recent name change of the Cultural Centre in Jaffna. Noting that the centre was the result of his personal request to former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh during a visit to India in 2010, Devananda has emphasised the hall’s significance as a testament to India’s commitment to supporting Tamil cultural heritage.
While acknowledging the importance of honouring Thiruvalluvar, whose contributions through the ‘Thirukkural’ are globally celebrated, he questioned the decision to rename the hall as “Thiruvalluvar Cultural Hall,” suggesting it could diminish the focus on the unique identity of the Northern Tamil community.
The former Minister had urged Indian High Commission diplomats, the Minister of Buddhism, Religion and Cultural Affairs, the Minister of Fisheries, the Northern Province Governor and others involved in the issue to provide a clear explanation for the name change.
The Cultural Centre in Jaffna was renamed as ‘Thiruvalluvar Cultural Center’ at a ceremony held on Jan. 18, 2025.
The renaming was jointly announced by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka – Mr. Santosh Jha and Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs – Hiniduma Sunil Senevi.
The event was also attended by Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources – Mr. Ramalingam Chandrashekhar, Governor of Northern Province – Mr. Nagalingam Vethanayan, Municipal Commissioner of Jaffna – Mr. S. Krishnendran, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Mr. Atapattu, Consul General of India in Jaffna – Sai Murali, along with other dignitaries and cultural artists from Jaffna.
Built with Indian grant assistance of USD 12 million, the Cultural Center at Jaffna provides a space where the rich traditions, arts and aspirations of the people of the Northern Province could thrive. The iconic structure is a state-of-the-art facility consisting of multiple facilities such as a museum of two floors; an advanced theatre style auditorium for more than 600 people; an 11-storeyed learning tower; a public square which could also act as an amphitheater; etc.
Addressing the gathering, – Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs – Sunil Senevi had said that an ideal name had been chosen for the Cultural Center in Jaffna. In a special gesture, the Minister had also gifted the High Commissioner of India a copy of the first ever edition of translation of the Thirukkural into Sinhala.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is to appear before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on June 11.
He will appear before the CID to provide a statement in relation to a complaint made by former Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella over the alleged importation of substandard human immunoglobulin vaccines.
Several ministers from the former government have already provided statements as part of the related investigation.
A decision has been taken by the Cabinet of Ministers to send Commissioner General of Prisons – Thushara Upuldeniya on compulsory leave.
The decision has been taken during today’s (June 09) Cabinet meeting.
Meanwhile, an Additional Secretary attached to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration – Nishan Dhanasinghe, has been appointed as the Acting Commissioner General of Prisons with immediate effect.
In addition, the Superintendent of the Anuradhapura Prison, who was arrested by the CID over allegations of unlawfully releasing an inmate of the Anuradhapura Prison under the presidential pardon for Vesak Poya, has been remanded.
The Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court has ordered to remand him until June 11.
Medical Laboratory Technologist and prominent trade union activist – Ravi Kumudesh has been suspended from duty.
According to the letter issued by the Director General of Health Services, Ravi Kumudesh, (employed at the Medical Laboratory of the Colombo National Hospital), had contested the 2024 Parliamentary Election from the Colombo District, violating regulations of the Establishments Code.
According to the letter, the suspension is in effect from October 10, 2024.
Ravi Kumudesh will not receive a salary during the suspension and will also not be entitled to the privileges granted to government employees during the suspension period.
He is also prohibited from leaving the country during the period and is also required to notify the Ministry of Health of any change in his residential address.
