Photo Story
President handed over ‘Sandeshaya’ as Esala Perahera concludes (Pics)
The Diyawadana Nilame of Sri Dalada Maligawa Pradeep Nilanga Dela, handed over the Esala Perahera ‘Sandeshaya’ (scroll) to President Ranil Wickremesinghe this afternoon (31).
The ‘Sandeshaya’ highlights the meticulous execution of the annual Esala Perahera at Kandy’s Sri Dalanda Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic), a magnificent cultural festival celebrated with great reverence for ancient traditions.
Accompanied by the Nilames of Sathara Maha Dawala and Pitisara Dewala, including the Diyawadana Nilame of Sri Dalada Maligawa Pradeep Nilanga Dela, the procession made its way to the Kandy President’s House. The President warmly welcomed them at the main gate of the premises.
Following the acceptance of the ‘Sandeshaya’, the President offered a fruit treat to the baby elephant “Sindu”, who represented elephants that graced the Perahera procession. Continuing the tradition, a group photo was taken with the Nilames and the President.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe took the opportunity to honour the artists who participated in the Perahera by presenting them with traditional gifts and awards.
Additionally, he extended financial support to ‘Pitisara Devala’ through the “Esala Perahera Trust” and shared the book “Sacred Dalada Culture,” a compilation by the Central Provincial Ministry of Culture.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, expressing his deep gratitude to all those who supported the Perahera, including the Diyawadana Nilame and led by the Nilames of the Sathara Devala, emphasized the significance of safeguarding the historical Kandy Esala Perahera. He highlighted that this event was not only a religious and national celebration, but also a grand cultural festival that showcased Sri Lankan heritage to the global stage. President Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of carrying this legacy forward.
Acknowledging the importance of elephant protection, the President also underscored the need to preserve and uphold our ancient customs. He called for the resolution of challenges such as acquiring tame elephants for the Perahera through constructive negotiations. Additionally, President Wickremesinghe noted that Kandy’s esteemed Esala Maha Perahera would hold a special place in a program designed to enhance progress in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector by the upcoming year.
The event saw the participation of several notable figures, including Central Province Governor Lalith U Gamage, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, State Minister Lohan Ratwatte, State Minister Dilum Amunugama, Member of Parliament Gunathilaka Rajapakse, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Secretary of the Ministry of Buddhasasana Religious and Cultural Affairs Somaratne Vidanapathirana, as well as various government officials and the chiefs of the three armed forces. Additionally, the Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela, along with Basnayake Nilames representing the Sathara Maha Devala, Pitisara Devala and other Nilames were also present at the event.
(Pics : PMD)
News
Overhead bridge at Moratuwa Egoda Uyana railway station collapses (Pics)
The overhead bridge at the Moratuwa ‘Egoda Uyana’ Railway Station collapsed last night (March 26).
The bridge had collapsed together with a power pole.
According to railway officials, the collapse had occurred just after the 7.40pm train to Colombo had left the station.
Fortunately, no deaths or injuries have been reported.
Work on removing the debris is underway.
(Pics : Accident1st)
Photo Story
Bimal Ratnayake elected as Chair of the SL – China Parliamentary Friendship Association (Pics)
Hon. Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament, Bimal Rathnayake, was elected as the Chair of the Sri Lanka-China Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament, at the meeting held on March 21st under the Chairmanship of Speaker – Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne at the Parliament, marking the re-establishment of the Sri Lanka-China Parliamentary Friendship Association.
The Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mr. Qi Zhenhong, participated in this event as the chief guest.
Furthermore, MP Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney at Law, was elected as the Secretary of the Sri Lanka – China Parliamentary Friendship Association.
Speaker – Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, expressing his views on the occasion, recalled the long-standing bilateral cultural and political relations between China and Sri Lanka, maintained for centuries. He further emphasized that the Parliamentary Friendship Association is a platform for enhancing these relations. He also highlighted the importance of working closely to further strengthen bilateral relations in economic, trade, education, and technological sectors, ensuring maximum benefits for both parties. The Speaker stressed that the newly appointed officials of this association should actively engage in achieving these objectives.
Joining the occasion, the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka emphasized the importance of strengthening relations in mutually interested fields through the Friendship Association. Mr. Qi also recalled the friendly and cooperative relations between Sri Lanka and China, especially during challenging times, and extended his best wishes to the newly appointed officials of the Sri Lanka-China Parliamentary Friendship Association.
Expressing his gratitude upon being elected as the Chair of the Association, Minister Rathnayake acknowledged China’s longstanding friendly support for Sri Lanka. He particularly emphasized the significance of sharing China’s knowledge and experience in fields such as education and trade industries. The Chair invited all members to work together to strengthen Sri Lanka-China relations. Furthermore, he requested that the programs and workshops previously organized through the Sri Lanka – China Parliamentary Friendship Association for Sri Lankan representatives also be extended to the young Members of Parliament in the current Parliament.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Secretary of the Association, MP Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney at Law, emphasized the Association’s commitment to further strengthening the long-standing ties between China and Sri Lanka.
The event was attended by the Leader of the Opposition, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, the Secretary General of Parliament – Kushani Rohanadeera, and several others.
News
SLAF training craft crashes in Wariyapola (Pics)
A Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) K-8 training jet crashed in the Wariyapola area earlier today.
The aircraft, manufactured in China, was on a training mission when it lost radar contact and crashed near Minuwangete.
According to the SLAF Spokesman, both pilots ejected safely using parachutes and escaped without injuries.
The jet, however, caught fire upon impact. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
The incident highlights the risks associated with military training exercises, though the safe ejection of the pilots underscores the effectiveness of emergency protocols.
(Pics : Accident 1st)
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