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2022 Kalabhooshana state awards held

Published

2 years ago

October 11, 2023

editor

The 2022 Kalabhooshana State Award Ceremony, which honours artists for their outstanding contributions to the arts industry, took place today (11) at the Maharagama Youth Service Council under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Organized by the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, this marks the 38th edition of the award ceremony. The Kalabhooshana Award, the highest recognition an artist can receive in Sri Lanka, was bestowed upon 200 accomplished artists from across the island this year.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe participated in the event, symbolically presenting the Kalabhooshana Honorary Title, Appreciation Award and certificates, along with a cash prize of Rs. 50,000, to the deserving artists. During the ceremony, Director of Cultural Affairs, Mrs. Yasintha Gunawardena, also presented a commemorative gift to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Before the awards were presented, a moment of silence was observed to pay tribute to artists, including the late Mr. Jackson Anthony. The event was attended by Venerable Rambukkana Siddhartha Thera, religious leaders and several dignitaries, including the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Mr Vidura Wickramanayake, State Minister Mr Shantha Banadara, Members of Parliament Mr Wajira Abeywardena and Mr C. B. Ratnayake, Professor Tissa Witharana, as well as the Secretary of the Ministry of Religious and Cultural Affairs, Mr Somaratne Vidanapathirana. Notable scholars and artists were also present on this significant occasion.

(President’s Media Division)

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07 new envoys to SL, present credentials to President AKD (Pics)

Published

4 days ago

May 15, 2025

editor

Seven newly appointed foreign ambassadors to Sri Lanka presented their credentials to President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (May 15) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The new ambassadors represent the State of Israel, the Argentine Republic, the Republic of Zimbabwe, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Tajikistan, the Kingdom of Cambodia, and the Kingdom of Denmark.

The new diplomats who presented their credentials are as follows :

– Mr. Mariano Agustin Caucino has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Argentine Republic, based in New Delhi.
– Ms. Stella Nkomo has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Zimbabwe, based in New Delhi.
– Mr. Reuven Javier Azar has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the State of Israel, based in New Delhi.
– Ms. Nina P. Cringlet has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Republic of the Philippines, based in Dhaka.
– Mr. Lukmon Bobokalonzoda has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Tajikistan, based in New Delhi.
– Ms. Rath Many has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, based in New Delhi.
– Mr. Rasmus Kristensen has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Denmark, based in New Delhi.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, were also present at the occasion.

(President’s Media Division)

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“Lassana Dansala” offers beauty care during Vesak (Pics)

Published

5 days ago

May 14, 2025

editor

A special ‘Dansala’ was held at the Maharagama Youth Services Council premises from 7:00 a.m. yesterday (May 13) to mark Vesak Poya Day.

Unlike traditional ‘dansal’ that offer food, this unique initiative provided a host of free beauty care and advisory services for both women and men, including haircuts, head massages, eyebrow shaping, facials, under-eye treatments, and skin analysis.

This event attracted over 5,000 participants who received professional grooming and skincare advice in a Vesak-themed setting.

Present at the event were Deputy Youth Affairs Minister Eranga Gunasekara, NYSC Chairman and Director-General of Youth Affairs Attorney Supun Wijerathna, MP Kaushalya Ariyarathna, Maharagama Mayor Saman Samarakoon, and Colombo Mayoral candidate Vraie Cally Balthazaar, among others.