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Largest-ever International Gita Mahotsav hosted in Colombo (Pics) 

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A 4-day International Gita Mahotsav was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka from March 01 – 04, 2024 with a copy of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita being presented to the Honourable Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.

This was the fifth edition of the International Gita Mahotsav organised for the first time in Sri Lanka by Kurukshetra Development Board of Government of Haryana (KDB), India, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, the cultural arm of the High Commission of India in Colombo in collaboration with about 30 religious and social organisations in Sri Lanka.

Highlights of the gala event included a Sadhbhavna Yatra from Nelum Pokuna to Vihara Mahadevi Park of Colombo on 03 March 2024 with nearly a thousand artists displaying local performing arts along with floats by ISKCON, Ramakrishna Mission, Mayurapathy Sribhadrakali Temple. Sri Lankan Prime Minister – Dinesh Gunawardena, Ministers Bandula Gunawardena and Vidura Wickramanayaka witnessed the Yatra with Indian High Commissioner in Colombo – Mr. Santosh Jha and the delegation from India.

The second day saw an International Discourse on Gita in addition to several seminars by experts on the theme of “Gita- An Epitome of Peace, Fraternity and Harmony”. The panel for the International Gita Discourse included remarks by Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs – Vidura Wickramanayake, High Commissioner Santosh Jha, Swami Gurusharanand Ji Maharaj, Gita Manishi Swami Gyanand ji Maharaj, Member Secretary KDB Sh. Vikas Gupta and Prof Asanga Tilakaratne. The universality and timelessness of Gita’s message was the common thread in these discussions.

The International Gita Mahotsav in Sri Lanka was the biggest international edition ever held.  The previous 4 editions were held in Australia (2023), Canada (2022), UK (2019) and Mauritius (2019). Within India, Kurukshetra Development Board has been organising Gita Mahotsav since 1989 in the city of Kurukshetra, the land where the ‘Bhagwad Gita’ is believed to have been delivered by Lord Krishna to Arjuna as a part of the epic Mahabharat.

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Italian Naval Ship ANTONIO MARCEGLIA departs (Pics)

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The Italian Naval Ship ANTONIO MARCEGLIA which arrived in Sri Lanka on February 5th for replenishment, departed the island yesterday.

The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.

Upon leaving, ANTONIO MARCEGLIA engaged in a successful Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with SLNS Sayura.

Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer of the ship, Commander Alberto Bartolomeo called on the Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Chandima Silva at Western Naval Command Headquarters.

In addition, crew members of ANTONIO MARCEGLIA took time off to visit some tourist attractions in Colombo and Galle.

(navy.lk)

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Sri Lanka celebrates 77th National Independence Day (Pics)

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Sri Lanka celebrates the 77th National Independence Day today (Feb. 04).

The 77th National Independence Day celebration under the theme ‘Rallying for National Renaissance’ was held today at Independence Square in Colombo under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

This year, the government had announced several measures aimed at cutting costs while ensuring greater public participation.

Accordingly, only 1,873 Tri-Forces military personnel participated in the Independence Day celebrations in comparison to 3,384 who participated last year, reduced by 1,511 soldiers.

The Government had also decided not to use armoured vehicles of the Tri-Forces for this year.

Only 03 aircraft belonging to the Air Force were used this year, in contrast to the 19 aircraft used last year.

While the national flag is to be hoisted at state institutions from February 01 to 07, the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Ministry had decided to scrap electric light decorations at the institutions.

The Prisons Department stated that 285 prisoners will be released today to mark the 77th Independence Day under a special state pardon. Today will be an open day at the prisons for relatives to visit the inmates.

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Gangaramaya Temple facilitates religious activities during Chinese New Year (Pics)

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Special measures are in place at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo these days to mark the Chinese New Year.

Accordingly, since Jan. 28 until Feb 12, from 06.30 am – 11.00am and from 03.30pm – 10.30pm, the temple welcomes Chinese nationals in the country to make offerings and seek
religious blessings during the festive season.

Flowers, lights, candles, oil, fresh fruits can be offered to Lord Buddha according to Chinese traditional customs while dry rations and alms can be offered to the venerable monks.

(Pics : Shanika Jayasekara)

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