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President casts his vote after returning from Vietnam

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President Anura Kumara Disanayake cast his vote this afternoon (May 06) at the Abesingharama Saikoji Preschool in Panchikawatta, Maradana, for the  Local Government Election 2025.

Speaking to the media after casting his vote, President Disanayake stated that following his victory in the presidential election, the people now expect a continuation of the peaceful and democratic freedoms that have been established in the country, including during all upcoming elections.

The President also noted that under the National People’s Power (NPP) government, the country has experienced a peaceful election campaign, which he believes should be integrated into Sri Lanka’s political culture.

President Disanayake voted after returning to the island this afternoon via a special aircraft of the Vietnamese government, concluding his successful three-day official visit to Vietnam, at the invitation of the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Mr. Luong Cuong.

During the visit, President Disanayake held official bilateral talks with President Cuong and engaged in wide-ranging discussions with senior leaders of Vietnam on matters of mutual interest, covering bilateral, regional, and international issues.

The President also met with Mr. To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The two sides emphasized the enduring friendship between the two nations, built over 55 years on strong political trust, close people-to-people ties, and a spirit of goodwill and cooperation. Both parties expressed their shared commitment to strengthening this partnership further in the years ahead, particularly in the context of national development.

During his stay, President Disanayake paid tribute at the War Heroes Monument and laid flowers at the tomb of Ho Chi Minh — Vietnam’s independence leader and first president.

He also held a series of discussions with major Vietnamese business groups, including Vingroup, Sun Group, FPT Corporation, SOVICO Group, and ROX Group, exploring opportunities for enhanced economic collaboration.

In addition, the President ceremonially opened the new Bodhi precinct at the Bai Dinh Temple, one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia.

President Disanayake was the chief guest at the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations and delivered the keynote address, reaffirming the long-standing Buddhist ties between Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, also accompanied the President during this visit.

The joint statement issued by Sri Lanka and Vietnam is as follows :

(Excerpts : President’s Media Division)

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3 dead in Dunhinda bus accident 

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Three persons have died from the bus accident at Dunhinda in Badulla today (June 21), according to hospital sources.

A total of 34 individuals were injured when the bus toppled down a precipice this evening (June 21) at the 4th Mile Post area, near the Dunhinda bends on the Badulla–Mahiyanganaya road.

According to reports, the passengers were a group of pilgrims travelling from Badulla to Anuradhapura.

The injured persons have been admitted to the Badulla General Hospital. 

Police are conducting further investigations.

(Pic : Accident1st)

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11th International Day of Yoga celebrated in Colombo (Pics)

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The 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) was celebrated with great enthusiasm by the High Commission of India in Colombo and its cultural arm, the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Sri Lanka at the historic Independence Square in Colombo today (June 21).

This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, highlighted the universal relevance of yoga in fostering harmony between humans and nature.

The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santosh Jha, joined the celebrations along with distinguished guests including Minister of Science and Technology – Dr. Chrishantha Abeysena, Minister of Labour and the Deputy Minister of Economic Development – Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka – Dr. Rizvie Salih, Deputy Minister of Defence – Major General K. P. Aruna Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs – Gamagedara Dissanayake Deputy Minister of Sports – Sugath Thilakaratna, and other senior dignitaries.
The event began with a spiritual invocation through prayers by Most Ven. Dr. Maitipe Wimalasara Nayaka Thera and the Maha Sangha, who offered blessings for peace and well-being. A dynamic and refreshing yoga and meditation session followed, conducted by experts from renowned yoga institutions in India and Sri Lanka. The event brought together hundreds of yoga enthusiasts, dignitaries, and students in a shared spirit of wellness and unity. As part of the celebrations, a specially curated Yoga Pendrive and a Sinhala translation of the Hatha Yoga Pradeepika were launched, aiming to make authentic yoga knowledge more accessible. Complementing the main event in Colombo, the Consulates in Hambantota and Jaffna, along with the Assistant High Commission in Kandy, also organized special events – reflecting the enthusiastic and widespread participation in the 11th International Day of Yoga across Sri Lanka.

In a significant prelude to the main event, the Department of Ayurveda, Ministry of Health, Government of Sri Lanka and Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre jointly organized a landmark, island-wide celebration of the International Day of Yoga on 19 June 2025, with simultaneous yoga sessions held in 113 Ayurveda hospitals and four universities across all nine provinces – marking the first time such a nationwide initiative has been undertaken in Sri Lanka in a unified fashion.
It may be recalled that the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution piloted by India in 2014, proclaiming June 21 each year as the International Day of Yoga. The resolution was supported by more than 170 countries, with Sri Lanka being one of its proud co-sponsors.

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Mathews bows out of Test cricket

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Angelo Mathews ended his final Test innings today (June 21) after being dismissed during the Test match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at Galle International Stadium.

Mathews was dismissed after scoring just 8 runs off 45 balls after being caught by Mominul Haque. The match also ended as a draw.

Mathews retires from the longest format of the game as he made 8,214 runs from 119 Tests at an average of 44.4, with 16 centuries and 49 half-centuries to his name. 

In 2013, Angelo Mathews was handed the leadership of the Test side for the first time in his career. He also became historic as the youngest Sri Lanka player to become Test captain. 

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