News

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

Published

4 months 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

‘Sisu Sariya’ driver arrested for drunk driving

Published

1 hour ago

May 20, 2025

editor

A school bus driver was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol during an inspection of a ‘Sisu Sariya’ bus conducted by the Katupotha Police Traffic Division yesterday (May 19) in Katupotha.

The suspect has been identified as a 52-year-old resident of Radaliyagoda, Katupotha.

At the time of the arrest, 16 school children and 02 mothers were traveling in the bus.

The relevant bus has also been taken into police custody, and the suspect is scheduled to be produced before the Narammala Magistrate’s Court today (May 20).

Police are continuing island-wide operations to apprehend drunk drivers and curb traffic violations in an effort to enhance road safety.

News

President meets independent groups elected to CMC

Published

1 hour ago

May 20, 2025

editor

A discussion has been held between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and representatives of independent groups and smaller parties elected to the Colombo Municipal Council at the recent Local Government elections.

The meeting took place at the National People’s Power (NPP) headquarters in Pelawatta yesterday (May 19).

News

HRCSL issues guidelines to prevent police custodial deaths

Published

1 hour ago

May 20, 2025

editor

The Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission (HRCSL) has issued a set of general guidelines and recommendations to prevent deaths occurring in police custody and during confrontations with the police.

These have been issued to the police under General Guidelines and Recommendations No. 01 of 2025, the Commission stated.

According to investigations based on complaints received by the Commission, there have been 49 deaths in police custody and 30 deaths due to clashes with the police between January 2020 and March 31 of this year.

Accordingly, the HRCSL issued this set of guidelines and recommendations, as stated by its Chairman, former Supreme Court Judge L.T.B. Dehideniya.

He emphasized that the police should be encouraged to implement the recommendations in order to fully enforce the guidelines.