There will be no special passes or separate queues issued for VIPs or VVIPs during the upcoming exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, set to begin today 18) at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, according to Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Kandy and Matale Districts, Sudath Masinghe.
Speaking at a special media briefing held yesterday at the Kandy DIG’s office, he emphasized that 95% of the devotees attending the exposition would be regular worshippers, and that equal access would be ensured for all.
DIG Masinghe added that a selected group of Buddhist monks and foreign ambassadors would be provided special security arrangements and assistance to pay homage to the Sacred Relic. These dignitaries will be given the opportunity to venerate the relic before the official commencement of the event.
He also noted that special measures have been taken to manage traffic and ensure the smooth flow of devotees, particularly those arriving in buses and other heavy vehicles, with detailed awareness being provided to both drivers and pilgrims.
The exposition draws thousands of devotees from across the country and abroad, and authorities have taken extensive measures to manage the large crowds expected over the coming days.
(dailymirror.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)
Monara TV, launched with much fanfare just a year ago under the Swarnavahini media network, has reportedly shut down operations.
Employees have been informed that the closure is temporary, citing the need to resolve certain administrative issues.
The channel, led by Buddhika Wickramadhara, was ceremonially launched on June 25, 2024, with a grand event at Waters Edge.
Producers who supplied teledramas to Monara TV say they are owed nearly Rs.200 million in unpaid dues.
Meanwhile, it is reported that the parent Swarnavahini TV channel is also reportedly grappling with a serious financial crisis, paying teledrama producers only after 60 episodes are broadcast.
Producers claim they are compelled to wait about 03 months to recover an investment of around Rs.15 million per teledrama. Even then, payments are made in small portions, covering just 05 episodes at a time.
Producers who supplied teledramas before the appointment of Mr. Susara Dinal as CEO say it is even harder to claim their outstanding payments, as they have been asked to recover the dues from former CEO – Udara Wijesinghe.
The Swarnavahini Media Network is owned by Subaskaran Allirajah – Chairman of Lyca Group, which also owns Lycamobile, a global telecommunications company.
A young woman was found in the Dewipahala-Dodam Ella area in Kuruwita, after being brutally attacked and her gold necklace stolen
According to the police, the victim was found collapsed on the roadside with severe neck injuries caused by a sharp weapon. She was rushed to the Ratnapura Hospital but succumbed to her injuries shortly after admission.
The victim has been identified as a 26-year-old.
Arrests are yet to be made and an investigation is underway.
