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‘Thai Pongal’ celebrated today

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Tamil communities in Sri Lanka and around the world mark the ‘Thai Pongal’ festival today (Jan. 14).

The festival, which is. regarded as one of the most important Tamil festivals, takes place on the first day of the Tamil month of Thai.

The day is spent expressing gratitude to the Sun God for blessing the fields with bountiful harvests with preparations beginning from boiling milk to signify prosperity and offering the sacred ‘Pongal’ dish to the Sun God.

This is followed by ‘Mattu Pongal’, where farmers express gratitude towards cattle for their efforts to ensure successful plantations.

The Ministry of Buddhism, Religious and Cultural Affairs had previously  announced that the National Thai Pongal celebration will be held in the Thellipalai area of Jaffna.

Thai Pongal values align profoundly with objectives of Clean Sri Lanka – President

Meanwhile, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his Thai Pongal message, underlined the festival’s deep cultural and spiritual significance, connecting it to Sri Lanka’s broader goals of environmental and societal renewal.

“The Thai Pongal festival, also known as the “Harvest Festival,” is observed with profound reverence by Tamil and Hindu communities worldwide. This significant occasion is dedicated to expressing gratitude to the Sun, the Earth, rain, and cattle for their indispensable contributions to a bountiful harvest,” the President noted, emphasizing the festival’s agricultural roots and its symbolic celebration of nature’s blessings.

He highlighted the festival’s association with renewal and coexistence, stating, “Beyond its agricultural significance, Thai Pongal embodies the spirit of renewal and symbolizes the values of harmony and coexistence within human society, both internally and externally.”

President Dissanayake also tied the festival’s values to Sri Lanka’s transformative “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, which aims to promote ecological and ethical progress. “At a time when Sri Lanka has embarked on the transformative “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, aimed at fostering ecological and ethical progress, the values symbolized by Thai Pongal align profoundly with the objectives of this initiative,” he added.

Concluding his message, the President called for collective action toward a sustainable and harmonious future. “I invite everyone to come together with a shared sense of purpose and commitment to ensure the prosperity and well-being of our nation, cherishing the joy and happiness that enrich the lives of all Sri Lankans. May this Thai Pongal celebration be a blessing and a guiding light, inspiring hope and optimism for a brighter future.”

The President extended his heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans and Hindu devotees around the world, wishing them a prosperous and joyous Thai Pongal filled with gratitude, harmony, and abundance.

President’s Thai Pongal Day Message in full :

“The Thai Pongal festival, also known as the “Harvest Festival,” is observed with profound reverence by Tamil and Hindu communities worldwide. This significant occasion is dedicated to expressing gratitude to the Sun, the Earth, rain, and cattle for their indispensable contributions to a bountiful harvest.

This festival is celebrated on the first day of the month of “Thai” according to the Tamil calendar. The festival marks the commencement of the Sun’s northward journey, referred to as “Uttarayana.” Beyond its agricultural significance, Thai Pongal embodies the spirit of renewal and symbolizes the values of harmony and coexistence within human society, both internally and externally.

This celebration signifies not only a pivotal shift in direction but also underscores the importance of harmonious coexistence—both within society and with the environment. At a time when Sri Lanka has embarked on the transformative “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, aimed at fostering ecological and ethical progress, the values symbolized by Thai Pongal align profoundly with the objectives of this initiative, reflecting the inseparable bond between humanity and nature.

Thai Pongal serves as a source of cultural rejuvenation, instilling renewed hope and inspiration in our collective lives. As we embrace the New Year with renewed vigor and aspirations for a “beautiful life,” we are presented with a significant opportunity to collaborate toward building an environmentally conscious and culturally enriched society.

By prioritizing sustainable development and championing lasting peace and unity, we reaffirm our commitment to leading with integrity, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to fulfilling our responsibilities to the nation and its people.

I invite everyone to come together with a shared sense of purpose and commitment to ensure the prosperity and well-being of our nation, cherishing the joy and happiness that enrich the lives of all Sri Lankans. May this Thai Pongal celebration be a blessing and a guiding light, inspiring hope and optimism for a brighter future.

I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans and Hindu devotees around the world for a prosperous and joyous Thai Pongal, filled with gratitude, harmony, and abundance!”

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Gazette issued on term of newly elected LG members

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A Gazette notification has been issued by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, Chandana Abayarathna specifying that the term of the members of 337 Local Government Authorities should commence on June 02, 2025.

Accordingly, the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government has issued the Gazette in terms of the powers vested in him by Paragraph (b) of Sub-Section (1) and Section 10 of the Municipal Councils Ordinance, Chapter 252. 

The 337 Local Government Authorities include 27 Municipal Councils, 36 Urban Councils and 274 Pradeshiya Sabhas.

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Budget 2025 lays foundation for a strong economy – President

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President Anura Kumara Disanayake highlighted that due to the mismanagement of public finances by previous administrations, the country had fallen into bankruptcy and is currently operating under a probationary period of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. Given this situation, he emphasized that the Budget 2025 has taken the initial steps towards building a strong and stable economy.  

The President made these remarks while participating in the Post-Budget forum 2025 organized by the University of Colombo Master of Business Administration (MBA) Alumni Association held today (19) at Cinnamon Life Hotel in Colombo.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that the government aims to utilize the three-year debt moratorium granted through debt restructuring effectively and implement proper economic management to regain debt repayment capacity by 2028.  

The President further noted that while many countries in the world have taken decades to recover after facing bankruptcy, Sri Lanka is expected to recover in a significantly shorter period.  

The President also highlighted that this year’s budget proposes to increase government revenue to 15.1% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing expenditures based on identified national priorities.

The President emphasized that this year’s budget focuses on expanding the economy by driving economic activities to rural areas and integrating citizens as stakeholders in the economy. He expressed confidence that this approach would enhance the economic benefits available to the people.  

The government plans to reintegrate marginalized groups into the economy by establishing small economic units at the village level. As a result, the country aims to foster a surge in Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs), the President stated.  

Highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting industries, the President noted that reducing production costs would ultimately provide relief to consumers.  

To uplift the nation from rural poverty, the highest budget allocation this year has been directed towards education. This investment aims to restructure both human and physical resources within the school system, transitioning from a linear education model to a more diversified, multi-directional approach.  

The budget also prioritizes public expenditure management. Given the high costs associated with delivering public services, the government intends to conduct a comprehensive review of state institution expenditures.  

President Disanayake stressed the importance of maintaining a corruption-free political authority and underscored that fostering a culture where bribery is rejected is a collective responsibility of the citizens.  

To establish an export-driven economy, the government plans to sign new trade agreements and anticipates higher export earnings this year.  

Additionally, the current administration is focused on developing a port-centric economy. The budget has placed special attention on establishing an efficient transhipment hub.  

Tourism promotion initiatives will be further strengthened through City Branding programs, with plans to develop key cities such as Anuradhapura, Yapahuwa, and Jaffna as major tourist destinations.  

 The President also emphasized the need to leverage the country’s diplomatic service to expand economic opportunities for Sri Lanka.  

The event was attended by Duminda Hulangamuwa Chairman, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce & Senior Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs and Finance,President of the University of Colombo Master of MBA Alumni Association Suraj Radampola, along with several experts from academia and the business sector.

(President’s Media Division)

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Main suspect of Ganemulla Sanjeewa’s murder, arrested

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The suspected gunman behind today’s (Feb. 18) murder of “Ganemulla Sanjeewa” has been arrested, reports say.

According to reports, he has been arrested in the Palaviya area in Puttalam by the Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel, while fleeing in a van.

The arrested suspect has been identified as 34-year-old Mohamed Azman Sheriffdeen.

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