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More ambassadors call on President AKD (Pics)
Several ambassadors have called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka today (Oct. 09).
Meeting the President, Vatican Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Most Reverend Dr. Brian Udaigwe congratulated President Dissanayake on his recent election victory, conveying heartfelt greetings from His Holiness Pope Francis.
The Vatican Ambassador also lauded President Dissanayake’s initiative to conduct transparent and credible investigations into the tragic Easter Sunday bombings. Dr. Udaigwe assured the fullest cooperation of the Vatican in supporting the President’s ongoing efforts to bring justice and healing to the victims and their families.
Meanwhile, Korean Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Ms. Miyon Lee also paid a courtesy call on President Dissanayake.
Ambassador Lee reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Sri Lanka, highlighting the long-standing ties between the two nations. Noting that South Korea ranks sixth in foreign remittances to Sri Lanka, the Ambassador pledged to increase remittances by creating more employment opportunities for Sri Lankans in South Korea.
The Ambassador also assured economic assistance to Sri Lanka, sharing that South Korea had faced similar economic challenges in the past and that Sri Lanka could benefit from Korea’s experience in overcoming them. Discussions centered around addressing rural poverty in Sri Lanka, with investments from the Korean Exim Bank being considered as a key driver of development.
Further support was pledged in the areas of healthcare, anti-corruption measures, and climate change mitigation. Ambassador Lee also emphasized South Korea’s willingness to expand Korean language education in Sri Lanka to better equip Sri Lankans seeking employment in Korea.
In addition, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with Swiss Ambassador – Ms. Siri Walt, who pledged Switzerland’s support for Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption initiatives and efforts to boost Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), tourism, and employment opportunities through labor migration.
The Sri Lankan President had also met with the German Ambassador – Mr. Felix Neumann, who had pledged Germany’s support for Sri Lanka in human resource development, improving technical education, and boosting government efficiency. Looking forward to exploring new trade and labour opportunities and enhancing our partnership.
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Foreign diplomats head to Kandy by train for “Siri Dalada Vandanawa” (Pics)
The special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic – ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’, commenced today (April 18) after 16 years.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake, along with Ambassadors, High Commissioners and other diplomats representing several countries, is expected to participate in the inaugural event.
Diplomats from Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, the Netherlands, India, Myanmar, Palestine, France, New Zealand, Cuba, Egypt, Japan, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Canada and South Korea were among those taking part. The group traveled to Kandy this morning in a special observation saloon of a train that departed from Colombo Fort Railway Station at around 7:00 a.m.
This initiative aims to convey a message to Sri Lanka’s friendly nations that the country is recovering economically, overcoming previous challenges, and fostering national harmony. The event also seeks to strengthen international support for Sri Lanka.
Upon arrival in Kandy, the delegation first visited the Mahaweli Reach Hotel, where a special Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebration was organized in accordance with local customs to welcome them.
Additional diplomats joined the group in Kandy, bringing the total number of participants to 44. Together, they proceeded to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to take part in the inauguration ceremony of the “Siri Dalada Vandanawa.” Afterward, they returned to Colombo by train.
Today, on the opening day, the public had the opportunity to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. From tomorrow (April 19) onwards, veneration will be open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(Pics : President’s Media Division)
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‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ inaugurated (Video / Pics)
The inauguration of the ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’, a special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic commenced today (April 18).
President Anura Kumara Disanayake attended the ceremony.
Additionally, a number of foreign diplomats traveled to Kandy on a dedicated train service to attend this event.
(Video : SLRC)
(Previous news 2025 April 18 – 10.40.a.m.)
“Siri Dalada Vandanawa” commences today
The ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’, a special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, will commence today (April 18) at 12:30 noon, after 16 years.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake is scheduled to participate in the inauguration ceremony.
Additionally, a number of foreign diplomats are expected to participate in this event. Special arrangements have been made for them to travel from Colombo to Kandy via a dedicated train service.
From April 19 to 27, the special exposition will be from 12:00 noon to 5:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Police’s Information Technology Division has introduced a new system to provide essential services for the convenience of devotees attending the ‘Siri Dalada Wandanawa’ and to facilitate collaboration with the police.
Through this platform, devotees can access information and receive instructions regarding the special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic via the official website of the Sri Lanka Police, daladadekma.police.lk
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Oil anointing rituals at Dehiwala Zoo (Pics)
The oil anointing tradition for this year’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held today (April 16).
The National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka in Dehiwala also performed these rituals on several of its inhabitants.
The rituals began with the ‘Kadol’ elephant, continuing a customary tradition of blessing elephants during the New Year period.
The head of a brown bear recently received by the zoo from United Arab Emirates, was also anointed.
However, the most special zoo resident that was included in these rituals, was the 153-year-old giant tortoise, recognized as the oldest living animal in Sri Lanka.
The event was organized by the zoo’s management team under the guidance of Director General Chandana Rajapaksa and coordinated by Deputy Director Dinushika Manawadu.
“Reports of Wijepala – Nissanka meeting, fake”
Foreign diplomats head to Kandy by train for “Siri Dalada Vandanawa” (Pics)
