The Maha Bodhi Society of Sri Lanka has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis.

The head of the Maha Bodhi Society of Sri Lanka and Chief Sanghanayaka of Japan, Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thero has conveyed deep condolences on behalf of the organization.

The Thero, who had met Pope Francis on several occasions, described him as a humble and deeply insightful leader, dedicated to religious coexistence and compassion for the poor. The Thero praised Pope Francis as a venerable disciple of Jesus Christ, who embodied humility and love.

In a significant move during his visit to Sri Lanka in 2015, Pope Francis visited the Maligakanda Maha Bodhi Viharaya. The Pope had remarked back then that he was the first Pope to visit a Buddhist temple.

Venerable Upatissa Thero concluded his message by praying for Pope Francis to attain heavenly bliss, acknowledging his lifelong dedication to spreading true Christianity and peace worldwide.

(Pic : News1st)

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has formally informed the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) that he will be unable to appear before the Commission on April 25th as requested.

He requested a date after April 27th to appear before CIABOC, citing that his lawyer Ronald Perera is currently abroad.

Mr. Wickremesinghe is summoned to record a statement regarding a statement he had made about the bribery case filed against MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake.

The CIABOC had previously summoned him on April 17, but the latter had informed of his unavailability on that day. Subsequently, the CIABOC yesterday requested Mr. Wickremesinghe to appear before them on April 25.

At a meeting on April 21 at the UNP headquarters, Sirikotha, the former President had also reiterated that he would appear before the Commission once his legal counsel returns.

(Previous news 2025 April 22 – 9.15.a.m.)

Ranil given new date by CIABOC

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been summoned before the Bribery Commission this week.

Accordingly, Mr. Wickremesinghe has been requested to report to the Bribery Commission at 09.30 am on April 25.

He has been summoned to record a statement regarding a statement he had made about the bribery case filed against MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake.The CIABOC had previously summoned Mr. Wickremesinghe on April 17, but the latter had informed of his unavailability on that day.

Therefore, the CIABOC has issued an alternative day.

Colombo Additional Magistrate Manjula Rathnayake issued yesterday (April 21) a conditional injunction order against 05 individuals, including the Municipal Commissioner of the Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte Municipal Council.

The order prohibits the use of loudspeakers or sound amplification equipment that causes excessive noise during events held at the Angampitiya Sports Grounds.

This conditional court order follows a private lawsuit filed by several residents of the Angampitiya  area – Shehan Dushanta de Silva, Shamini Alwis, Glen Mathew, Asanka Sanjeewa Karunaratne, and K.A.O.S. Kuruppu.

Noting that they do not object to the holding of events, they had sought a court order to prevent public nuisance caused by the excessive noise.