Mahinda, Sajith Join Indian HC At Mayurapathy Kovil Ceremony

Published

1 year ago

May 18, 2024

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The procession of offerings for the Kumbhabhishekam Pooja began its journey from the Mayurapathy Kovil in Colombo, destined for the Seetha Amman Kovil in Nuwara Eliya.

A group of special representatives recently brought holy water from the Sarayu River in Ayodhya, India, considered the birthplace of Lord Rama, to Sri Lanka for the Kumbhabhishekam festival.

These offerings, including bowls containing the sacred water, were deposited at the Mayurapathy Kovil in Colombo yesterday.

Today, after a special pooja, the procession carrying the offerings began its journey.

Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa were also present at this event.

The offerings are being taken to Seetha Eliya in a special procession.

The motorcade will travel to the Seetha Amman Kovil in Seetha Eliya, Nuwara Eliya.

It is believed that this temple is located in the jungle areas, where Princess Seetha was held after being brought to Sri Lanka.
(newsfirst.lk)

Rains expected in several areas today

Published

26 minutes ago

July 2, 2025

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Several spells of showers will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in the Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts today (July 02), the Department of Meteorology said.

A few showers may occur in the Jaffna and Mannar districts.

Fairly strong winds of about 30-40kmph can be expected at times over the Western slopes of the central hills and in the Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in the Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.

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IMF Executive Board approves Sri Lanka’s 4th review

Published

1 hour ago

July 2, 2025

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The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Fourth review under the 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement, allowing the authorities to draw about US$350 million, said Evan Papageorgiou, IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka.

This brings the total IMF financial support disbursed so far to about US$1.74 billion.

“The EFF arrangement for Sri Lanka was approved by the Executive Board on March 20, 2023 in an amount of SDR 2.286 billion (395 percent of quota or about US$3 billion). The program supports Sri Lanka’s efforts to durably restore macroeconomic stability by (i) restoring fiscal and debt sustainability while protecting the vulnerable, (ii) safeguarding price and financial sector stability, (iii) rebuilding external buffers, (iv) strengthening governance and reducing corruption vulnerabilities, and (v) enhancing growth-oriented structural reforms.”

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Cabinet approval for online traffic fine payment system – Bimal

Published

12 hours ago

July 1, 2025

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Minister of Transport and Highways Bimal Rathnayake has said that Cabinet approval has been granted to implement an islandwide online traffic fine payment system.

He made this statement during a media briefing near the Kottawa Expressway entrance, following a public awareness programme on mandatory seat belt use for vehicles travelling on expressways.

“The Cabinet approved the proposal today. At present, the online fine payment system is available only between Kurunegala and Anuradhapura. Now, we’re providing all police units with mobile devices, so that from this year, traffic fines can be paid from anywhere via mobile phones… Rather than paying fines, we urge everyone to drive carefully, wear seat belts, and avoid violations. Our core message is simple, travel safely,” the minister has said.