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Returned artefacts displayed at Colombo National Museum (Pics)
Following a milestone in international relations and provenance research, six priceless Kandyan artefacts seized during the Dutch colonial occupation of Sri Lanka have been returned from the Netherlands.
These Kandyan artefacts will be on public display at the Colombo National Museum from today (Nov. 05) until further notice.
A commemorative postage stamp issued during the event serves as a symbolic marker, celebrating the milestone in international relations and provenance research. The event took place at the National Museum today, presided over by the Minister of Buddha Sasana and Cultural Affairs, Mr. Vidura Wickramanayake, and the President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff, Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka. This marked a significant step in cultural collaboration between the two nations.
The exhibits include golden and silver kasthãné (ceremonial swords), two maha thuwakku (wall guns), and Lewke Disave’s cannon, which were originally taken as war booty by the Dutch East India Company in 1765, during the siege of the Palace of Kandy.
In attendance at this distinguished occasion were the Minister of State for Media, Shantha Bandara, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Sri Lanka, Ms. Bonnie Horbach, the Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Dewi van de Weerd, Ambassador of Egypt in Sri Lanka Maged Mosleh the Secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana and Cultural Affairs, Mr. Somaratne Vidanapathirana, the Director General of the National Museum Department, Sajani Kasturiarachchi, and several distinguished officials from both the Netherlands and Sri Lanka.
(President’s Media Division)
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SLIMFA Media Fest inaugurated (Pics)
Acting High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka – Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, and Minister of Mass Media and Health – Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, jointly inaugurated the first-ever Media Fest organized by the Sri Lanka-India Media Friendship Association (SLIMFA) today at Taj Samudra, Colombo.
Under the theme ‘Navigating the New Media Landscape Together,’ the two-day Media Fest from 25-26 April 2025 will explore contemporary media trends and innovations. Key focus areas include AI in journalism, mobile journalism, media monetisation, data journalism, disinformation and fact-checking, content creation and audio journalism. As the first-of-its-kind in Sri Lanka, it will feature keynotes, panel discussions, breakout sessions and networking opportunities.
The event provides a unique platform for professional development and for fostering collaboration between media professionals from India and Sri Lanka. Experts from India including Ms. Palki Sharma, Managing Editor at Firstpost; Mr. Siddhant Sibal, Assistant Foreign Affairs Editor at WION;Mr. Shailesh Shekhar, Chief Synergy Officer at India Todayand Mr. L.V. Krishnan, CEO of TAM Media Research in collaboration with experts from Sri Lanka will exchange and discuss best practices with the registered participants from the media and business community locally.
SLIMFA, inaugurated in May 2024, under the patronage of the High Commission of India, Colombo is aimed at strengthening media ties between the two countries. Since its inception, the Association has conducted multiple initiatives, including panel discussions and roundtables, focusing on key media-related topics. It is a significant initiative to further bolster the people-to-people connection between the two civilisational twins.
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President makes sudden visit to Kandy (Pics)
President Anura Kumara Disanayake last night (April 24) conducted an inspection tour of Kandy city to inspect the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa” and the related issues that have emerged.
The President held an urgent meeting with relevant officials to address issues related to the provision of facilities and sanitation for devotees visiting the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa”.
Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha, Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Nilanga Dela Bandara, Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Governor of the Central Province Prof. Sarath Abeykoon, Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatte and others participated in this meeting.
(President’s Media Division)
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President offers condolences at Vatican Embassy (Pics)
President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid a visit to the Vatican Embassy this afternoon (24) to extend his condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
Upon his arrival, the President was warmly received by Most Reverend Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican to Sri Lanka.
Following a brief discussion with Archbishop Udaigwe, President Disanayake signed the book of condolence, conveying, on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka, heartfelt sympathies to the global Christian community on the demise of His Holiness Pope Francis.
(President’s Media Division)
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