Photo Story
A ride along the ‘Seine of Beijing’ (pics/video)
The Liangma river of the Chaoyang district in Beijing is a beautiful area that serves as a window to modern China
With a history that goes as far as the Ming dynasty’s Yongle era, the Liangma river today has been transformed to an international style waterfront and is dubbed as the ‘Seine of Beijing’ by Chinese media.
The river passes through the embassy zone, Jiuxianqiao Bridge and Chaoyang Park, before joining the Bahe river.
The construction of the Liangma River International Waterfront commenced in April 2019 before opening to the public in 2020 August.
The Waterfront starts from the Xiangheyuan Road in the west, runs through Sanlitun, Zuojiazhuang, Maizidian sub-districts and Chaoyang Park, and ends at the East Fourth Ring North Road. Spanning 5.58km, the Waterfront boasts a construction area of 80.76 hectares, including a water area of 16.67 hectares and a green area of 64.09 hectares.
In 2022, the extended construction of the Liangma River tourism project was started in Chaoyang District, covering “one river, two lakes, 24 bridges and 18 scenic spots”, including such main attractions as Dragon in the Water, National Beauty, Heavenly Fragrance and Qingyi Small Scene. After the project is completed, Chaoyang Park and Honglingjin Park will be integrated to form a 6km cruise route from the 3rd Ring Road to Honglingjin Lake.
(Script | Video | Pics – Kelum Shivantha reporting from Beijing)
Photo Story
Foreign diplomats head to Kandy by train for “Siri Dalada Vandanawa” (Pics)
The special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic – ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’, commenced today (April 18) after 16 years.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake, along with Ambassadors, High Commissioners and other diplomats representing several countries, is expected to participate in the inaugural event.
Diplomats from Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, the Netherlands, India, Myanmar, Palestine, France, New Zealand, Cuba, Egypt, Japan, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Canada and South Korea were among those taking part. The group traveled to Kandy this morning in a special observation saloon of a train that departed from Colombo Fort Railway Station at around 7:00 a.m.
This initiative aims to convey a message to Sri Lanka’s friendly nations that the country is recovering economically, overcoming previous challenges, and fostering national harmony. The event also seeks to strengthen international support for Sri Lanka.
Upon arrival in Kandy, the delegation first visited the Mahaweli Reach Hotel, where a special Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebration was organized in accordance with local customs to welcome them.
Additional diplomats joined the group in Kandy, bringing the total number of participants to 44. Together, they proceeded to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to take part in the inauguration ceremony of the “Siri Dalada Vandanawa.” Afterward, they returned to Colombo by train.
Today, on the opening day, the public had the opportunity to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. From tomorrow (April 19) onwards, veneration will be open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(Pics : President’s Media Division)
News
‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ inaugurated (Video / Pics)
The inauguration of the ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’, a special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic commenced today (April 18).
President Anura Kumara Disanayake attended the ceremony.
Additionally, a number of foreign diplomats traveled to Kandy on a dedicated train service to attend this event.
(Video : SLRC)
(Previous news 2025 April 18 – 10.40.a.m.)
“Siri Dalada Vandanawa” commences today
The ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’, a special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, will commence today (April 18) at 12:30 noon, after 16 years.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake is scheduled to participate in the inauguration ceremony.
Additionally, a number of foreign diplomats are expected to participate in this event. Special arrangements have been made for them to travel from Colombo to Kandy via a dedicated train service.
From April 19 to 27, the special exposition will be from 12:00 noon to 5:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Police’s Information Technology Division has introduced a new system to provide essential services for the convenience of devotees attending the ‘Siri Dalada Wandanawa’ and to facilitate collaboration with the police.
Through this platform, devotees can access information and receive instructions regarding the special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic via the official website of the Sri Lanka Police, daladadekma.police.lk
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Oil anointing rituals at Dehiwala Zoo (Pics)
The oil anointing tradition for this year’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held today (April 16).
The National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka in Dehiwala also performed these rituals on several of its inhabitants.
The rituals began with the ‘Kadol’ elephant, continuing a customary tradition of blessing elephants during the New Year period.
The head of a brown bear recently received by the zoo from United Arab Emirates, was also anointed.
However, the most special zoo resident that was included in these rituals, was the 153-year-old giant tortoise, recognized as the oldest living animal in Sri Lanka.
The event was organized by the zoo’s management team under the guidance of Director General Chandana Rajapaksa and coordinated by Deputy Director Dinushika Manawadu.
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