On 15th February, International Childhood Cancer Day, Ambassador of Japan – Mr. Akio ISOMATA attended the handover ceremony of the Healing Garden at the palliative care centre for children with cancer “SUWA ARANA” under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

Dr. Lanka Jayasuriya Dissanayake, Chairperson of Indira Cancer Trust operating SUWA ARANA, highlighted the garden’s role in holistic healing, emphasizing that cancer affects the mind, body, and spirit, and the Healing Garden provides a peaceful space for patients and families to find comfort, renewal, and strength.

Ambassador Isomata expressed his delight that this project has contributed to alleviating the concerns and anxieties of patients and families, creating an environment where they can live happily and with dignity. He also expressed his hope that, through future exchanges with Japanese children’s hospices, the palliative care will be further promoted.

(Pics : Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka)

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)

The medical camp organized by the Parliamentary Administrative Staff Union (PASU) was held on Feb. 11 at the Parliament premises. 

This medical clinic, which was sponsored by the Ministry of Health, was open to the parliamentary staff and affiliated staff as well as to all Members of Parliament.

Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of Parliament – Mr. Chaminda Kularatne, President of the Parliamentary Administrative Staff Union – Mr. Palitha Priyankara and Secretary of the Union – Ms. Buddhika Abeysinghe and staff members were present for the inaugural session of the medical camp.  

Opportunities pertaining to clinics and laboratory testing services related to non-communicable disease screening, kidney, eye, and dental care, as well as Ayurvedic medicine, nutrition, and psychiatry were provided at the medical camp held.