The Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission, Mr. Jose Ignacio Sanchez Amor, Member of the European Parliament, and his delegation met with the Speaker – Jagath Wickramaratne at Parliament on Jan. 17.

Secretary General of Parliament of Sri Lanka, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, was also present on this occasion.
During this meeting, the Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission first extended his congratulations to the Speaker and the new government. He then presented the final report of the Presidential Election Observation Mission – 2024 to the Speaker. The Chief Observer praised the democratic conduct of the elections and acknowledged the vital role of the Election Commission, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the Commission. He also expressed his appreciation for the increase in women’s representation in the current Parliament.

Speaking at the meeting, Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne expressed his gratitude to the European Union Election Observation Mission for sharing their experience. 

The Speaker emphasized that the government is currently working towards a more transparent, corruption-free governance with true democratic qualities. Meanwhile, the Speaker further stated that plans are being made to hold a conference of Members of Parliament with disabilities for the first time in the country.

To mark the upcoming Chinese New Year festival, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism jointly hosted a cultural celebration last night (Jan. 19) at the Cinnamon Life Hotel.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who attended the event as Chief Guest, delivered a congratulatory message from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for the Chinese New Year.

The celebration was also attended by former President – Maithripala Sirisena, former Prime Minister – Dinesh Gunawardena, Industry Minister – Sunil Handunnetti, Deputy Minister Finance and Planning – Dr. Harshana Sooriyapperuma and other political dignitaries, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Qi Zhenhong, Prime Minister’s Secretary – Pradeep Saputhanthri as well as a large gathering of Sri Lankans and Chinese nationals.

Impressive Kungfu performances, colourful dances and musical performances graced the evening as well as traditional Chinese art forms such as paper cutting, calligraphy and sugar crafting.

A special delegation comprising 34 members from the Henan Art Troupe and the Sichuan Chef Team has also arrived in Sri Lanka as part of the New Year celebrations. In addition, the festivities will feature the “Chinese Food Festival” and the “Port City Chinese Cultural Night,” scheduled to take place from January 20 to 23.

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, 2025 is the year of the wood snake. The Snake is known for qualities such as grace, intelligence, and intuition.

(Pics – Shanika Jayasekara / Video – Kelum Shivantha)

High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka – Mr. Santosh Jha and Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs – Hiniduma Sunil Senevi jointly announced the naming of the Cultural Centre in Jaffna as ‘Thiruvalluvar Cultural Center’, in honour of the great Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, at a ceremony held on 18th January 2025. 

The event was also attended by Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Hon’ble Ramalingam Chandrashekhar, Governor of Northern Province Hon’ble Nagalingam Vethanayan, Municipal Commissioner of Jaffna Mr. S. Krishnendran, Secretary to Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Mr. Atapattu, Consul General of India in Jaffna Sai Murali, along with other dignitaries and cultural artists from Jaffna.
Built with Indian grant assistance of USD 12 million, the Center provides a space where the rich traditions, arts, and aspirations of the people of the Northern Province could thrive. The iconic structure is a state-of-the-art facility consisting of multiple facilities such as a museum of two floors; an advanced theatre style auditorium for more than 600 people; an 11-storeyed learning tower; a public square which could also act as an amphitheater; etc.

The foundation stone for the Cultural Center was laid by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, during his historic visit to Jaffna in March 2015. The facility was subsequently inaugurated in March 2022 and dedicated to the people of Sri Lanka in February 2023.

High Commissioner – Mr. Santosh Jha, during his address at the naming ceremony on 18th January, said that the initiative not only served to pay tribute to the great Thiruvalluvar, it was also a celebration of a shared history, a shared culture, and the unique and unbreakable bond between India and Sri Lanka. He remarked that the occasion marked the beginning of a journey guided by the wisdom of Thiruvalluvar, towards a future rich in culture, collaboration, and shared prosperity. The High Commissioner urged the people of Jaffna and the Northern Province to make the center a living, breathing embodiment of Thiruvalluvar’s teachings.

Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs – Sunil Senevi said that an ideal name had been chosen for the Cultural Center in Jaffna. He added that Thiruvalluvar’s teachings remind us that our actions should always be rooted in compassion and righteousness, and that his masterpiece, the Thirukkural, guides us in the pursuit of a just and harmonious society. In a special gesture, Hon’ble Minister gifted the High Commissioner of India a copy of the first ever edition of translation of the Thirukkural into Sinhala.

On behalf of the President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, the Minister thanked the Government of India for the generous gift of the cultural center, and said that he looked forward to working with all stakeholders towards making it a hub of vibrant cultural activity.