The Maha Bodhi Society has taken steps to establish a statue of Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala in Ladakh, India as a tribute to his invaluable service for the Buddhist revival.
The statue of Dharmapala has been installed in the premises of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre in Leh, the capital of the state of Ladakh, the only Buddhist-majority state in India.
The ceremony of establishing the statue of Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala was conducted on September 30 under the chairmanship of the President of Sri Lanka Mahabodhi Society Chief Sanghanayaka of Japan Most Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thero and Founder of Ladakh International Mahabodhi Centre Ven. Sanghasena Thero.
Parallel to the ceremony Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thero was honored with the highest honor of Ladakh Maha Buddhist Vihara and Ladakh Mahabodhi International Meditation Center.
President of Sri Lanka Mahabodhi Association Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thera, Incumbent of Ladakh Buddhist Monastery Rev. Rinpoche Thera, Former General Secretary of Mahabodhi Association of India and Incumant of Saranath Viharaya Ven. Dodamgoda Revatha Thero, Ven. Ananda Thera of Bangalore Mahabodhi Center and a large number of Buddhist devotees were present on this occasion.
Caption:
Unveiling the statue of Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala, which has been established in the premises of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre in Leh, the capital of the state of Ladakh, the only Buddhist-majority state in India by the The Maha Bodhi Society and President of Sri Lanka Mahabodhi Society Chief Sanghanayaka of Japan Most Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thero being felicitated.
A statue of Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala in the capital of Ladakh, India.
The two women who dreamed of jobs in Korea and Dubai and made money were caught in the bureau’s net..
.The officers of the special investigation department of the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau have arrested two women who cheated money by saying that they would provide foreign jobs without a valid license.
A woman resident in Kandy was arrested by the investigation officers at her home in connection with the 4 complaints received by the bureau that she had received money of Rs. wasAfter presenting the arrested woman to the Kandy Magistrate’s Court, the Magistrate ordered to set her free in all 4 cases with 2 body bails of 10 lakh rupees each for one case.
Meanwhile, a woman resident of Galagedara area has been arrested recently as per a complaint received by the Bureau’s Special Investigation Division that she was offered a job in the state of Dubai after receiving an amount of 5 lakh rupees but was not given the job. After presenting the suspect to the Galgedara Magistrate’s Court, the Magistrate ordered her to be remanded until October 4. Complaints against the suspect are still being received by the Bureau, and court action will be taken after investigating the complaints.
Before giving money or passport to any organization or person to get a foreign job, the Bureau must check whether the agency has a valid license to recruit for foreign jobs and whether the agency has received the relevant job order even if it is a valid employment agency. www.slbfe.lk The Bureau urges job seekers to obtain information by visiting the website or calling the 1989 hotline .
Colombo Fort’s Cultural Revival: Developing Sri Lanka’s Next Tourist Hub with Fairway
Colombo Fort is where history whispers through cobbled streets and colonial facades, standing tall against the backdrop of a rapidly modernizing skyline. As sleek skyscrapers rise, this district remains a timeless symbol of Sri Lanka’s heritage, offering an irresistible blend of old-world charm and urban energy. Its proximity to iconic landmarks like Galle Face Green, the Dutch Hospital, and Pettah Market makes it the perfect place where culture, history, and the rhythm of a modern city converge. Yet, despite its activity, the true potential of Colombo Fort as a global tourism and cultural hub is still waiting to be realized.
Originally fortified by the Portuguese in 1518 and expanded by the Dutch and British, Colombo Fort has all the elements to rival renowned heritage destinations like Singapore’s Civic District or Penang’s George Town. These cities, once colonial trade hubs, have transformed into thriving centers of tourism by seamlessly blending history with modern experiences. Colombo Fort, with its rich architecture and cultural depth, is poised to follow the same path.
Fairway Colombo, a hotel situated behind Dutch Hospital, in between hospital street and Chatham street, has taken a leading role in breathing new life into the area. Hosting events like the Fairway Colombo Street Food Festival, Art and Jazz on the Street, and the Cultural Festival, Fairway is working towards turning Hospital Street into a vibrant cultural hub, inviting tourists to experience the flavors and artistry of Sri Lanka in an immersive setting.
However, Fairway Colombo believes much more can be done. It invites other stakeholders to join in shaping Colombo Fort’s future, calling for collaboration among local vendors, artists, and performers to create an engaging experience that draws visitors from across the globe. By fostering these opportunities, Fairway Colombo is laying the foundation for sustainable tourism growth that will benefit the entire community and elevate Colombo Fort as a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (ICC,SL)Signs MOU with Port City Colombo to Foster Investment Opportunities
Colombo, Sri Lanka – On September 24, 2024, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Sri Lanka proudly announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Port City Colombo. This strategic partnership aims to enhance collaboration in promoting Port City Colombo as a prime investment destination for local and international investors.
The MOU, signed during a ceremony attended by leading business figures and dignitaries, outlines a framework for the ICC to extend invitations, sponsorships, and host events and seminars that spotlight the unique opportunities offered by Port City Colombo. This initiative is geared towards attracting potential investors from Sri Lanka and around the world, fostering a thriving business environment in this transformative urban development.
As part of this partnership, ICC members and nominated parties will gain valuable opportunities to conduct business within Port City Colombo, enabling them to leverage its state-of-the-art facilities and strategic location. This initiative marks a significant step towards positioning Port City Colombo as a leading hub for trade and investment in the region. ICC will be conducting a webinar in promoting investments to the Colombo Port City in October 2024.
Commenting on the MOU, the President of ICC Sri Lanka stated, “We are excited to collaborate with Port City Colombo to promote and facilitate by showcasing the remarkable potential of Port City Colombo, we aim to attract diverse investments that will drive Sri Lanka’s economic growth.”
Port City Colombo, an ambitious project set to transform Colombo into a modern metropolis, offers a variety of sectors for investment, including finance, technology, tourism, and trade. The ICC looks forward to leveraging its extensive network and expertise to facilitate this vision.
The signing of this MOU is not only a commitment to supporting economic development in Sri Lanka but also a testament to the potential of Port City Colombo to create new avenues for growth and prosperity.
In the picture:
Mr. Xiong Hongfeng (Managing Director Port City Colombo) and Mr. Shanil Fernando (Chairman- ICCSL, Chairman -Ceylon Port City Corporate Services Ltd)
Left to right: Mr. Imran Ahamed (Manager Business Development- Port City Colombo), Mr. Indika Rajapakshe (Vice Chairman- ICCSL), Mr. Hemakumara Gunesekara (Secretary -ICCSL), Mr. Buddhapriya Ramanayake (Deputy Secretary -ICCSL) , Sanjeeva Karunaratne (COO- ICCSL),Mr. Tian Zheng(General Manager –Port City Colombo), Ms. Radika Obeyesekere (Director – Investment Promotion & Marketing)
Sri Lanka’s General Election on November 14
The Extraordinary Gazette notification issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake dissolving the Parliament of Sri Lanka effective from midnight today (24), has been published by the Department of Government Printing.
The proclamation dissolves Parliament with effect from midnight today and summons the new Parliament to meet on the November 21, 2024.
It has also fixed November 14, 2024 as the date for the election of the new Members of Parliament.
The Gazette notification further specifies the period beginning on October 04 and ending at 12 noon October 11, 2024 as the nomination period, during which nomination papers shall be received by the Returning Officers.
The President has issued the Gazette by virtue of the powers vested in him by Article 70 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and in pursuance of the provisions of Section 10 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, No. 1 of 1981.
Dissanayake, leader of the People’s Liberation Front (JVP) and the National People’s Power (NPP) alliance, won a landslide victory over the weekend by beating 38 other candidates and garnering over 5.6 million or 42.3 per cent of the votes.
During the election campaign, Dissanayake vowed to dissolve Parliament if he wins and call snap elections. The present Parliament’s five-year term ends in August next year.
His party had just three lawmakers in Sri Lanka’s 225-member parliament.
Dissanayake was sworn into office on Monday while he appointed academic and first-time lawmaker Harini Amarasuriya as the new prime minister on Tuesday, making her the third woman to be appointed to the post.
On the same day, he appointed a three-member Cabinet which includes NPP’s Vijitha Herath, Amarasuriya and himself, which will serve as the caretaker government until the polls are held.
Meanwhile, President Dissanayake is expected to make a special statement while addressing the nation at 7.30 pm tomorrow (25 September), according to the Department of Government Information.
The President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas congratulates the New President of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Dissanayake
The President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas congratulates Anura Kumara Dissanayake on winning the presidential elections and taking the constitutional oath as the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
Baby Cheramy and Castle Street Hospital join hands to raise standards of newborn care in Sri Lanka
Baby Cheramy has successfully completed the first phase of its project started at Castle Street Hospital, Sri Lanka’s premier hospital for women. Through this project implemented with the aim of providing a more comfortable and pleasant experience to the parents visiting the hospital, necessary assistance was provided for the installation of signboards with detailed information in the hospital premises.
Accordingly, under this project, it is planned to prepare boards with the necessary information concisely and clearly written in the three main languages of the country. This will improve the experience of outsiders visiting the hospital , and also ensure easy access by offering essential guidance for the care of children and the well-being of patients.
Furthermore , through this project, efforts have been made to renovate the breastfeeding training unit and the education unit, and Baby Cheramy ‘s commitment to promoting optimal methods of breastfeeding during prenatal , delivery and post-natal care was well emphasized. The primary objective of all approaches is to facilitate the effective delivery of information that supports infant care and patient well-being.
Commenting on this, Mr. Shiyan Jayaweera, Marketing Director of Hemas Consumer Brands said: “Our health department and this hospital are doing a great service for Sri Lanka. So we are honored to have the opportunity to support their single commitment. As a brand that has been close to the lives of new mothers in Sri Lanka for 60 years , Baby Cheramy has been working closely with consumers to provide safe baby products for many years. In addition , as part of this project, we have also planned to hold many educational programs throughout the island to provide parents with good knowledge about the best baby and child care by building partnerships with several government and professional organizations.”
The Director of Castle Street Hospital , Dr. Ajith Dantanarayana added his views on this as follows. “ We are very happy to work with Baby Cheramy for this meaningful partnership . And we look forward to continuing our efforts to provide holistic care and support.”
Commenting on this, Ms. Asmara Mannan Perera, Sales Manager, Baby Care Division , Hemas Consumer Brands , said, “We are humbled to have successfully completed the first phase of this ongoing project. Also, the first care of babies for all new mothers in nine major hospitals in the country. We are very happy to have the opportunity to provide the package monthly.This can be called as one step in our continuous efforts to raise the standards of baby care over the years.In the near future, we also expect to continue to offer essential items to mothers in the early maternity phase and Sri. We also hope to further develop these activities to provide our contribution to many more hospitals to take better care of mothers and their families in Sri Lanka.”
The first phase of the joint project launched with the cooperation of Baby Cheramy and Castle Street Women’s Hospital based on the common intention of ensuring the safety and well-being of new born children in Sri Lanka has been successfully completed and Baby Cheramy is committed to continue contributing to such valuable projects.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake sworn in as President of Sri Lanka
Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been sworn in as the 9th Executive of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, a short while ago.
He was ceremonially sworn in as the country’s new President before Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.
The swearing in ceremony commenced following Dissanayake’s arrival at the Presidential Secretariat with a large number of party supporters and well-wishers gathered outside to welcome him.
After taking oath as the new President in a simple ceremony, Dissanayake delivered a brief statement emphasizing his commitment to the nation and the citizens of Sri Lanka.
The Election Commission declared 56-year-old Anura Kumara Dissanayake the winner last night after the second round of counting.
Dissanayake created history on Sunday by winning the Sri Lankan presidential election. Sri Lanka’s Election Commission declared him the winner after the second round of counting. Dissanayake defeated Sajith Premadasa of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), his closest rival.
In the presidential election held on Saturday, no candidate got more than the required 50% votes in the first round of counting. Due to this, the Election Commission ordered a second round of counting, in which National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake won.
Popularly known as “AKD” in Sri Lanka, Dissanayake became Sri Lanka’s first President elected in a run-off. His party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) was on the margins for a long time, but this victory has given a new identity to the party.
The rise of the party under Dissanayake’s leadership has been based on demands for anti-corruption and change in political culture.
Dissanayake hails from rural Thambuttegama in the North Central Province and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Kelaniya in suburban Colombo.
He joined the JVP (Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna) in 1987, when the anti-Indian insurgency was at its peak. Throughout his political career, he has fought against corruption and for people’s rights.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s victory represents a major shift in Sri Lanka’s political landscape. His rise to the presidency, especially at a time of economic and political challenges in the country, shows that the public is looking for a new leadership style and political vision.
New Secretary to the President appointed
Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake has been appointed as the Secretary to the President, the Government Information Department announced.
Dr. Kumanayake had previously served as the Deputy Director of Sri Lanka Customs, focusing on research areas such as Corruption and Integrity in Customs, International Trade, and Development Economics.
He holds a Phd in Development Economic
Mr. Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been elected as the 9th Executive President of Sri Lanka.
Accordingly, he is scheduled to take over work tomorrow morning (23). A special feature of this presidential election is that the second preference is counted and no candidate gets 50% of the votes.