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Orientation programme for newly appointed SL heads of Mission

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conducted an orientation programme from 16 – 23 December, for 14 newly designated Heads of Sri Lanka Missions abroad and two (02) Heads of Post who were recently appointed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Those appointed are due to assume duties shortly.

The Foreign Ministry welcomes the appointment of a large number of career diplomats as Heads of Mission. Twelve (12) of the new Heads of Mission designate and one (01) Head of Post are members of the Sri Lanka Foreign Service.

The orientation programme was inaugurated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry who highlighted the current priorities for Sri Lanka Missions and foreign policy challenges. Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane emphasized on the leadership role of Heads of Mission in achieving the goals and objectives of the country. The orientation programme included discussions on economic, political, security, cultural and consular matters and field visits to the Northern Province as well as other government entities.  The Ambassadors designate presented their strategies for their term of office at a panel discussion attended by Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya and Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane.  The Heads of Mission designate paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and will pay a courtesy call on President Ranil Wickremesinghe in due course.

The newly appointed Heads of Mission designate from the Foreign Service include, Permanent Representative designate to the UN in Geneva Himalee Arunathilaka, Ambassador designate to Bahrain Reethi Wijeratne, High Commissioner designate to  Australia Chitranganee Wagiswara, Ambassador designate to Vietnam Dr. Saj Mendis, Ambassador designate to France Manisha Gunasekera, , Ambassador designate to Kuwait B. Kandeepan, Ambassador designate to Ethiopia & Africa Union Theshantha Kumarasiri, Ambassador designate to Germany Varuni Muthukumarana, Ambassador designate to Lebanon Kapila Jayaweera, , Ambassador designate to Jordan Priyangika Wijegunasekara, Ambassador designate to the Philippines  Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa, Ambassador designate to Israel Nimal Bandara and Consul General designate to Milan Dilani Weerakoon.

In addition, Ambassador designate to Indonesia Admiral Jayanath Colombage, Ambassador designate to the UAE Udaya Indrarathna and, Consul General in Melbourne Sandith Samarasinghe have also been appointed.

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Pope Francis passes away

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His Holiness Pope Francis has died aged 88, the Vatican has announced.
According to the Vatican news service, the Pope has passed away at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.

“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church,” His Eminence Cardinal Farrell has stated.

His death comes a day after the Pope appeared in St Peter’s Square to wish “Happy Easter” to thousands of worshippers.

He was the first Pope from the Americas or the southern hemisphere. Not since Syrian-born Gregory III died in 741 had there been a non-European Bishop of Rome.

(Agencies)

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Siri Dalada Vandanawa : exposition hours extended (Update)

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The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy has announced that the daily exposition hours of the Sacred Tooth Relic has been extended.

Accordingly, the exposition will be held from 11.00 am to 5.30 pm. Previously the exposition started at 12 noon.

The move comes in response to the significantly increased number of pilgrims arriving in Kandy for the ‘Siri Dalanda Vandanawa’.


(Previous news 2025 April 21 –9.57.a.m.)

‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ : Nearly 300,000 pilgrims 03 days

The Central Province Deputy Inspector General of Police Sudath Masinghe has said that nearly 300,000 devotees have paid homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic during the first 03 days of the ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’.

Long queues continue as the ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ enters the 04th day today (April 21).

Meanwhile, Kandy District Secretary – Indika Udawatta has said that a special programme will be kicked off to broaden services provided to devotees arriving at the city for the special exposition.

Kandy Municipal Health Officer Pasan Parakum Jayasinghe has also said that registrations had been granted for 820 ‘dansals’ which have come forward to offer food and beverages to devotees.

He said that with the increase in the number of devotees, registrations for ‘dansals ‘are also increasing rapidly and the registration can be done easily by visiting the official website of the Kandy Municipal Council.

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Maithripala arrives CID

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Former President Maithripala Sirisena arrived at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) this morning (April 21).

Reports indicate that he was summoned to provide a statement.

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