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Meetings to further fast track flagship grant projects

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High Commissioner Gopal Baglay held two separate meetings with Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs – Vidura Wickramanayaka, on the implementation of USD 15 million grant by Government of India for the promotion of Buddhist ties and functioning of Jaffna Cultural Center (JCC) on 1 November 2022 in Colombo.

Secretary, Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Mr. Somarathna Vidanapathirana, First Secretary (Development Cooperation), Mr. Eldos Mathew Punnoose and other officials representing the Governments of India and Sri Lanka attended these meetings.

It may be recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a special grant of USD 15 million for the promotion of bilateral Buddhist ties at the Virtual Bilateral Summit on 26 September 2020 and the MOU governing the grant was signed on 28 March 2022, during the visit of External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to Colombo.

High Commissioner and Hon’ble Minister Wickramanayaka agreed to immediately undertake steps for the quick implementation of jointly-identified priority projects under the grant in numerous areas pertaining to Buddhism. Specific action points regarding installation of solar power facilities in places of worship and Pirivenas, spread across different parts of Sri Lanka were also identified.

The meeting on JCC focused on the establishment of an enabling joint-framework to make the state-of-the-art facility available for regular use by common public. This glowing example of India-Sri Lanka development partnership, which has been constructed under a Government of India grant of more than USD 11 million, consists of multiple facilities such as a museum of two floors, a latest theatre style auditorium for more than 600 people, a 11-storeyed learning tower, and a public square which could also act as an amphitheater, among others.

The two meetings underscore Government of India’s abiding commitment to bring about a palpable impact to the daily lives of the people of Sri Lanka through the implementation of people-centric grant projects. These projects are guided by the demands and needs of all sections of Sri Lankan society and the priorities of the Government of Sri Lanka. Till date, India has been associated with the implementation of more than 85 grant projects in Sri Lanka and the latest endeavours include the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity Project.

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PCB postpones PSL

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the postponement of the remaining eight matches of the HBL PSL X.

A statement from Pakistan Cricket Board says : 

The last 24 hours have seen a worsening of the situation on the LOC, increased incursion of 78 drones, and the firing of surface to surface missiles from India.

The decision to postpone has been taken pursuant to advice received from the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif who has kept in view the reckless aggression from India that has escalated to a point where national attention and sentiments are rightly focused on the courageous efforts of the Armed Forces of Pakistan who are vociferously upholding the sovereignty of our beloved Pakistan.

The PCB and its players stand resolutely in solidarity with the families of the martyrs and our security personnel defending the nation.

The PCB recognizes the efforts and support of its partners, franchises, participating players, broadcasters, sponsors, and organizers in having ensured the smooth conduct of the tournament thus far, however; cricket while being a unifying force and a source of joy, must take a respectful pause when the country is facing such callous opposition.

We, at the PCB, also have sincere regard for the mental well-being of participating players and the sentiments of our foreign players, and we respect the concerns of their families who want to see them back home.

Yesterday, it was also announced that the IPL will also be suspended for a week.

Related News :

IPL suspended for a week over safety concerns

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Minister Nalinda elected President of Sri Lanka-India Parliamentary Friendship Association

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Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has been elected as the President of the Sri Lanka – India Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament, the Department of Communications of Parliament said.

The revival meeting of the Friendship Association was held on May 08, 2025 in Parliament under the patronage of the Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.

The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor. The event was also attended by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Rizvie Salih, the Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, and the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera.

At the meeting, Member of Parliament Dr. Kavinda Jayawardhana was elected as the Secretary of the Sri Lanka – India Parliamentary Friendship Association, the statement added.

During the meeting, representatives from both Sri Lanka and India highlighted the deep-rooted and enduring relationship between the two nations, spanning centuries. They emphasized the importance of strengthening parliamentary cooperation through exchange programs and sustained dialogue, according to the statement.

The Speaker expressed appreciation for India’s steadfast support during Sri Lanka’s most challenging times. He also highlighted the recent state visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India as a key milestone that has opened new avenues for bilateral collaboration. 

He also expressed his gratitude for organizing the upcoming Capacity Building Programme for newly elected Members of Parliament of Sri Lanka, to be conducted by the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training of India later this month, it added.

Addressing the gathering, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, recalled the successful visit of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka and reaffirmed India’s commitment to support Sri Lanka across multiple sectors as a close and trusted neighbor.

In his speech, the newly elected President Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa emphasized the vital role of the Friendship Association as a bridge between the two Parliaments and expressed confidence in fostering meaningful engagement to deepen the already strong ties between Sri Lanka and India, it said.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Secretary of the Friendship Association he Dr. Kavinda Jayawardhana conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to India for its enduring friendship and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to continued cooperation.

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Vesak week commences tomorrow

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The National Vesak Week will commence tomorrow (May 09), under this year’s theme of “Let’s associate with noble people with good qualities.”

According to the secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, W.P. Senadheera said that it will continue until May 16.

The official inauguration ceremony will take place tomorrow at the Nuwara Eliya Buddhist Center, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Sri Lanka Railways has announced special train services during the Vesak week and the long weekend.

Meanhwile, the Ministry of Public Administration has ordered the closure of slaughterhouses, meat vendors, casinos, and clubs nationwide from May 12 – 14 May for the state Vesak Festival. 

A circular issued on April 29 instructs all relevant businesses to comply during the period.

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