News

Cultural celebration held to mark Chinese New Year (Pics / Video)

Published

4 weeks ago

January 20, 2025

editor

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)

News

New program to monitor the activities of Police OICs

Published

5 hours ago

February 15, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs has launched a new program to closely monitor the activities of Police OICs.

Minister Ananda Wijepala highlighted that OICs are responsible for tackling drug trafficking, shootings, and organized crime in their jurisdictions.

The Acting IGP will review OICs’ performance monthly to ensure these duties are fulfilled.

OICs are also responsible for building positive relations with the community and maintaining peace.

The Minister emphasized that strict action will be taken against any OIC who fails in these duties or associates with organized criminals.

He said the government is committed to creating a law-abiding and community-friendly police service.

(News1st)
(This story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Fisheries ministry plans to produce ice for fishermen

Published

5 hours ago

February 15, 2025

editor

Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic, and Ocean Resources, Rathna Gamage, announced that the Ministry is exploring options to produce ice to meet the needs of the fishing community.

This decision comes after unsuccessful discussions with ice mill owners to secure ice at a reasonable price.

The Ministry had requested ice mills to provide one ice cube for Rs. 400, a proposal aimed at easing the financial burden on fishermen.

News

Social media activist arrested for fraud

Published

9 hours ago

February 15, 2025

editor

Police have arrested two individuals, including a social media activist who operated a fake account under the name ‘Little Harts,’ for allegedly swindling Rs 2.9 million through an online scam.

The suspects, identified as Senadheerage Dulan Maheshitha, 28, from Nochchiyagama, and Manikkuge Sandaruwan Silva, 23, from Palaviya, were apprehended in the Kalpitiya and Norochcholai areas.

According to authorities, the duo operated a fraudulent website offering various prizes, through which they deceitfully collected money from unsuspecting victims. The suspects are set to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate today.

The arrests highlight the growing concerns over online scams and the misuse of social media platforms for illegal activities. Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious online activities to prevent falling victim to such schemes.