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Indian HC launches sinhala translations of ‘Amar Chitra Katha’ (Pics)

Published

1 month ago

February 12, 2025

editor

The High Commission of India in Colombo marked a significant milestone with the launch of the Sinhala translations of five Jataka Tales Amar Chitra Katha comic books on the occasion of Navam Full Moon Poya Day at the revered Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya.
These books published and translated by India’s largest comic book publisher, Amar Chitra Katha, are aimed at connecting students of Dhamma with the message of Buddha in an engaging and accessible medium. The books were well received by the audience including the hundreds of Sunday school students in participation.

In addition to the book launch, the High Commission also hosted the second edition of the ‘Buddham Sharanam Gacchami’ mobile exhibition at Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya. Curated by the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi, this exhibition presents a distinguished collection of paintings illustrating key episodes from the life of Lord Buddha, as well as other important Buddhist teachings. The exhibition will be showcased at various Buddhist temples across the country on each Poya day throughout the year.

Both the launch of the Jataka Tales comic books and the exhibition are a continuation of the efforts by the High Commission of India to promote Buddhist values and the shared heritage. These initiatives further reinforce the longstanding cultural and religious links between the people of India and Sri Lanka while fostering a deeper understanding of Buddhist art and culture.

(Indian HC)

News

Misuse of plantation funds and lands exposed in parliament

Published

1 hour ago

March 15, 2025

editor

Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure, Samantha Vidyarathna, addressed Parliament, alleging that numerous associates and officials, including former ministers, have recently received substantial sums of money and government lands under the pretext of various cultivation projects, which were subsequently not implemented. He announced that investigations will be initiated into these matters.

Minister Vidyarathna accused former Minister Salinda Dissanayake of acquiring 76 acres of fertile land from the Kurunegala Plantation Company through a company he personally established.

Additionally, he claimed that a friend of former Minister Arundika Fernando was allocated 21 acres of fertile land belonging to the same company, misrepresented as barren land, with the transaction allegedly authorized by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The Minister further alleged that Anoma Gamage, wife of former Primary Industries Minister Daya Gamage, received 140 million rupees purportedly for an agricultural project, which was never executed.

These allegations were presented during the debate on the expenditure head of the Ministry of Plantations and Community Infrastructure.

He also stated that former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda was granted 180 million rupees for a cultivation project, and that 82 million rupees were given to the son of former Ministry Secretary Bandula Wickramarachchi for a similar initiative.