News

Vap Full Moon Poya falls today

Published

6 months ago

October 17, 2024

editor

Today is the Vap full moon poya day, which marks the end of the vas season for bhikkus.

This day is rich in religious significance, commemorating several key events in Buddhist history.

Notably, seven years after the Buddha’s enlightenment, he visited Thavathinsa Heaven to preach the Abhidhamma to Mathru Deva, returning to Sankassa on Vap Full Moon day.

The day also marks the Buddha’s declaration of Arahat Sariputta as the most intelligent disciple.

Additionally, King Devanampiyatissa of Sri Lanka sent a delegation to Emperor Asoka on this day, requesting his daughter Sanghamitta Theri to establish the Bhikkhuni Sasana (Order of Nuns) in Sri Lanka.

Vap Full Moon also marks the conclusion of the rainy season retreat, during which monks remain in their monasteries.

This period, known as Cheevara Masaya or Katina, ends with the Maha Pavarana ceremony, after which monks resume their preaching and activities.

News

“Reports of Wijepala – Nissanka meeting, fake”

Published

11 hours ago

April 18, 2025

editor

The Public Security Ministry has denied media reports claiming that the Public Security minister – Ananda Wijepala had met Nissanka Senadhipathi.

The Minister’s media secretary had clarified this in a letter to Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya.
Adding that the neither the Minister or a representative had ever met Senadhipathi as claimed, the letter calls for proper investigations into the fake news and legal action against those responsible.

News

Special allowance for policemen on duty at ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’

Published

15 hours ago

April 18, 2025

editor

A special transport allowance and a combined allowance will be provided to police personnel assigned to ensure the safety of devotees attending the exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Siri Dalada Vandanawa) in Kandy, the police said.

The measure has been taken over the instructions of the Acting IGP, in consideration of the fact that these police personnel will be on continuous day and night duty for over 10 days, away from their regular stations and incurring additional personal expenses.

News

Ravi K’s Bill to repeal Online Safety Act, gazetted

Published

15 hours ago

April 18, 2025

editor

The Bill to repeal the Online Safety Act, No. 9 of 2024, and other regulations concerning the Act, has been gazetted.

The Online Safety Bill was passed by a majority vote in Parliament on Jan. 24, 2024.

The Bill that has been gazetted was submitted by opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake.

On Feb. 28, 2025, MP Karunanayake submitted a private member’s Bill to the Parliament Secretary-General, aiming to repeal the controversial Online Safety Act.