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“Dalai Lama’s visit could damage SL – China friendship” (Video / Pics)

Published

2 years ago

January 16, 2023

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Charge d’affairs of the Chinese embassy in Colombo – Mr. Hu Wei points out that a visit by the spiritual leader – Dalai Lama could damage the friendship between Sri Lanka and China.

He said this during an exclusive interview with ‘Sri Lanka Mirror’ at the Nellligala Temple, Kandy, after the conclusion of the Fa Xian project in Kandy district.

Explaining the mutual trust between the two countries is based on the ‘One China policy’, Mr. Hu explained that Tibet is not an independent country but a part of China, just like Jaffna or Kandy are a part of Sri Lanka.

He further noted that during his trip to Kandy, he had talks with the Buddhist monks including the Maha Nayaka Theros, who assured him that none of them had invited the Dalai Lama to visit Sri Lanka.

Working hard for a solution to the debt issue

Speaking on the debt restructuring process, Mr. Hu said that they have been talking to the Sri Lankan government since the debt default was announced but things got delayed with the situation last year and government change.

“It doesn’t matter what happened before but we are trying to focus on what is happening now and in the future. At this moment, my colleagues in Beijing are working very hard to find a solution for the debt issue,” he said.

Time to do more

Speaking on the future steps of the Fa Xian project, Mr. Hu also said that they hope to cover the entire island with the project and they are talking to Beijing to let more Chinese people know of the difficulties faced by Sri Lankans at this juncture.

“I think they are more than happy to extend their helping hand,” Mr. Hu said, adding that all Sri Lankans are their friends regardless of the city they live, their ethnicity or their religious belief.

“Just like what you did before for us, now it is time for us to do more for our Sri Lankan friends because you are in difficulties… When it is a good time, everybody is your friend but when it is a bad time, you know who is your true friend,” he added.

The Fa Xian Charity Project was conducted in Kandy on 11th & 12th Jan.

As a donation by the People’s Republic of China, dry rations boxes were distributed to 9,600 disadvantaged families of all ethnicities through several temples in the Kandy district, including the Temple of the Tooth and Nelligala Temple.

(Pics & Video : Kelum Shivantha | Shanika Jayasekara)

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4 SL players in ICC men’s ODI team of 2024

Published

25 minutes ago

January 24, 2025

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Four Sri Lankan players have been included in the ICC men’s ODI team of 2024.

Sri Lankan players Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga have been named in this manner.

Also, Charith Asalanka has been named as the captain while Kusal Mendis has been named as the wicket keeper of the team.

The full team is as follows :

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2 including Salochana Gamage granted bail

Published

1 hour ago

January 24, 2025

editor

Two persons including former Western Provincial Councillor – Salochana Gamage, who were arrested while allegedly accepting a bribe, have been granted bail by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (24).

Each suspect was granted bail, subject to a cash bail of Rs. 25,000, two sureties of Rs. 500,000 each, and an overseas travel ban.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali also ordered that the guarantors must be close relatives of the two suspects.

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Douglas criticizes renaming the Cultural Centre in Jaffna

Published

2 hours ago

January 24, 2025

editor

Former Minister Douglas Devananda has criticized the recent name change of the Cultural Centre in Jaffna.
Noting that the centre was the result of his personal request to former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh during a visit to India in 2010, Devananda has emphasised the hall’s significance as a testament to India’s commitment to supporting Tamil cultural heritage.

While acknowledging the importance of honouring Thiruvalluvar, whose contributions through the ‘Thirukkural’ are globally celebrated, he questioned the decision to rename the hall as “Thiruvalluvar Cultural Hall,” suggesting it could diminish the focus on the unique identity of the Northern Tamil community.

The former Minister had urged Indian High Commission diplomats, the Minister of Buddhism, Religion and Cultural Affairs, the Minister of Fisheries, the Northern Province Governor and others involved in the issue to provide a clear explanation for the name change.

The Cultural Centre in Jaffna was renamed as ‘Thiruvalluvar Cultural Center’ at a ceremony held on Jan. 18, 2025.

The renaming was jointly announced by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka – Mr. Santosh Jha and Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs – Hiniduma Sunil Senevi.

The event was also attended by Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources – Mr. Ramalingam Chandrashekhar, Governor of Northern Province – Mr. Nagalingam Vethanayan, Municipal Commissioner of Jaffna – Mr. S. Krishnendran, Secretary to the 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 Cultural Center at Jaffna 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.

Addressing the gathering, – Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs – Sunil Senevi had said that an ideal name had been chosen for the Cultural Center in Jaffna. In a special gesture, the Minister had also gifted the High Commissioner of India a copy of the first ever edition of translation of the Thirukkural into Sinhala.

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