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Panel discussion on ‘Pali as a Classical Language’ held in Colombo (Pics)
The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), the cultural arm of the High Commission of India, organized a panel discussion on ‘Pali as a Classical Language’ on 23 October 2024 at SVCC.
Deputy High Commissioner of India, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey graced the event with Mr. Ranjith Ariyaratne, Secretary of the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, National Integration, Social Security, and Mass Media, Government of Sri Lanka as the Chief Guest.
The event was organised in the context of Classical Language status granted to Pali by the Government of India.
The inaugural address was delivered by Ven. Kirinde Assaji Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple, followed by a panel discussion on the topic. The panel included distinguished scholars, namely Prof. Anand Singh from the Central University of South Bihar, Bodhgaya (via video presentation), Ven. Prof. Miriswaththe Wimalagnana Thero from the Department of Buddhist Culture at the Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies, Ven. Prof. Gonadeniye Pannarathana Thero from the Department of Pali at the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, Ven. Dr. Deniyaye Pannaloka Buddharakkitha Thero from the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies at the University of Kelaniya, and Ven. Dr. M. Sugathasiri Thero from the Department of Buddhist Studies at the University of Colombo.
The speakers focused on the importance of Pali language particularly in the impartation of the teachings of Lord Buddha. The Sri Lankan scholars commended the milestone decision by the Government of India to recognize Pali as a classical language and praised this initiative, highlighting it as a reflection of India’s deep commitment to preserving and propagating Buddhist heritage and culture. The panelists also pointed out that recognizing Pali as a classical language by the Government of India will open up avenues for further collaborations for research in the language by the monastic and academic communities of India and Sri Lanka.
The event saw several monks and scholars in attendance including from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Nepal. Reinforcing the message of Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi at International Abhidhamma Divas on 17 October 2024, the discussions emphasised that granting Pali classical language status would help maintain the purity of Buddha’s message of peace, compassion, and human welfare, ensuring its transmission through generations.
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Jim Brown Nagar model village handed over to beneficiaries (Pics)
On 26 May 2025, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka – Santosh Jha and Deputy Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing – T. B. Sarath, jointly inaugurated and handed over Jim Brown Nagar Model Village in Mannar to the 24 beneficiary families.
The event was also attended by MP Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran – Mr. Ranjith Ariyarathne Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing; District Secretary, Mannar; Chairman and senior officials from National Housing Development Authority, and senior officials from the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing of Sri Lanka; Northern Provincial Council and Mannar District Administration.
The Model Village Housing Project is being implemented in all 25 districts of the island jointly with the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing of Sri Lanka with grant support from the Government of India. A Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of India and the Government of Sri Lanka was signed for the project in October 2017. The project encompasses housing facilities for 600 low-income families of Sri Lanka, with a model village each consisting of 24 houses per district for families selected by the District Housing Committees.
Model villages under the project have earlier been inaugurated and handed over in 13 districts: Batticaloa, Vavuniya, Jaffna, Kandy, Gampaha, Anuradhapura, Badulla, Matale, Puttalam, Colombo, Trincomalee, Monaragala and Kilinochchi. The project progress is over 97% and the remaining model villages too are expected to be inaugurated and handed over to the beneficiaries soon.
Entertainment
‘Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema’ bids adieu (Pics)
The funeral of Malini Fonseka, revered as the ‘Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema’, was held yesterday (May 26) under state patronage at the Independence Square, Colombo 7.
Thousands of fans yesterday paid last respects to her both at her residence in Madiwela and at Tharangani Hall, where her remains lay in state, before being taken to Independence Square.
The iconic actress passed away on May 24 at the age of 78, while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.
(Pics : Nirosha Jayawardena)
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Vesak celebrated at Lankaji Temple in Japan (Pics)
Japan’s first Theravada Buddhist temple – the Lankaji Vihara held their 41st Vesak Festival on May 25 with a large group of Buddhist devotees from both Sri Lanka and Japan.
The festival was held in accordance with the Theravada tradition under the patronage of Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thero who is the President of Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka, Chief Sangha Nayaka of Japan, Chief Priest-Lankaji Temple, Japan and the Chief Monk of the -Sanchi Chethiyagiri Viharaya.
Newly appointed Sri Lankan Ambassador to Japan – Prof. Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe, and Member of Parliament – Shanakiyan Rasamanickam were also in attendance.
The Vesak meritorious festival organized by Ven. Koswatte Palitha Thero of Savara Lankaji Vihara and guided by Ven. Upatissa Na Thero. Ven. Galabada Assaji Thero of Lankaji Vihara performed the Sambuddha Pooja in the morning and midday as well as the Atavisi Gilanpasa Buddha Pooja in the evening.
The alms ceremony was conducted by the incumbent of Lankaji Vihara – Ven. Yatawara Pannarama Thero, while the Viharastha Dayaka Sabha organized morning and midday alms givings for the incumbent and visiting Maha Sangha at the temple.
Additionally, food and tea receptions organized by Sri Lankan families and institutions in Japan were held throughout the day at the temple.
Speaking at the event, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Japan – Prof. Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe praised the Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thero for guiding numerous young Sri Lankans in Japan for nearly forty years and expressed hope that his guidance would strengthen Japan-Sri Lanka relations, enhancing economic and cultural ties between the two countries.
Names of Mayors and Chairpersons of several LG bodies gazetted
Weather Alert: Showers to ease in Southwest, strong winds forecast in North
