In the tiny village of Bogdal in Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, locals are turning their rich history into tourism opportunities, reviving the rural economy.

Located in Wenquan County, Bogdal is about 60 kilometers from Sayram Lake, the largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, which is known for its stunning views and rich biodiversity. 

Most of Bogdal’s residents are of Mongolian ethnicity whose ancestors were sent to Xinjiang to garrison the border during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

At the present, the local Han, Kazakh and Uyghur people, the local farmers and herdsmen at Bodgal are turning their past into tourism attractions, creating new economic opportunities.

Yurts of Mongolian or Kazak-style, colourful murals, villagers donning traditional costumes, bygone items such as ox carts placed as decorative elements are sights that provide a glimpse into a bygone era.

Visitors are warmly welcomed by horseback riders dressed as ancient Mongolian soldiers amid sombre ringing of horns, in an elaborate gate opening ceremony. 

Taking in the views, visitors can savor local delicacies of various ethnic groups or if in Winter, go skiing or enjoy the nearly hot water springs.

Villagers also enact a traditional Mongolian wedding ceremony for visitors.

The village’s face-lift is all due to a rural vitalization project that started in 2021.

Infrastructure has been fully developed, including sewage systems, roads and walls, all renovated with government funding. The village committee encourages residents to convert idle houses into homestays, and organizes activities to attract tourists.

Slowly but surely, Bogdal has transited from a mere pastoral village to an emerging tourist destination in recent years.

(Pics / Video : Kelum Shivantha)

A felicitation ceremony was held on June 26 at the Parliament premises to honor Mr. K. Rahulan, former Chief Parliamentary Interpreter of Parliament, and five recently retired Parliamentary Interpreters, in recognition of their exceptional service to the field of parliamentary interpretation.

This ceremony, held under the patronage of the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, was organized by the Parliamentary Interpretation Division under the Department of Legislative Services.

On this occasion, the highest honorary award that is bestowed only once in a lifetime was presented to Mr. M.K. Rahulan, former Director of Legislative Services and former Chief Parliamentary Interpreter of Parliament, by the Secretary General, in recognition of his distinguished service over a period of more than three decades in parliamentary service.Moreover, gifts of appreciation were presented to the following recently retired Deputy Chief Parliamentary Interpreters and Senior Parliamentary Interpreters: Mr. K.M. Christopher, Mr. I.D.L. Rathnaseeli, Mr. S.R.M. Nizam, Mr. H.V.S. Heendeniya, and Mr. Sunil Wijesingha.

Addressing the occasion, the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, stated that former Chief Parliamentary Interpreter Mr. K. Rahulan has left an indelible mark in the history of parliamentary interpretation in Sri Lanka. She also extended special appreciation to the other honorees for their decades of dedicated service to the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

The retired Parliamentary Interpreters who addressed at the event reflected on the meaningful as well as challenging experiences they encountered during their professional lives in Parliament.Assistant Secretary General of Parliament Mr. Hansa Abeyrathne, Director (Legislative Services), Acting Director of Communications Mr. M. Jayalath Perera, Chief Parliamentary Interpreter Mr. C.J. Karunaratne, along with several department heads and staff members, also participated in this event.

The Sri Lanka Navy has rescued 04 Indian fishermen aboard an Indian fishing boat capsized in the Sri Lankan waters off Talaimannar on June 25.

Upon receiving the distress alert, a team of the Special Boat Squadron stationed at SLNS Thammanna, under the North Central Naval Command swiftly launched a search and rescue operation. During the rescue mission, the naval personnel located the overturned Indian boat, capsized after being caught in rough seas north of Sand Dune VII, and safely rescued all four fishermen.

The rescued individuals, identified as residents of Rameswaram, India, were brought ashore by the Navy and provided with necessary assistance.

The fisherman in good health condition were subsequently handed over to the Talaimannar Police for onward action. The Sri Lanka Navy remains vigilant in assisting distressed maritime and fishing communities within Sri Lankan waters, reaffirming its commitment to maritime safety and humanitarian efforts.

(Pics : navy.lk)