Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa on Friday told Parliament that the Buddhism textbook contained a “serious error,” citing the use of the Ashoka Chakra instead of the Dharmachakra.

He said the Dharmachakra depicted in the book differs from the one featured in the state symbol and called on the Education Minister to correct the mistake.

Responding, Education Minister and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the Dharmachakra used in the textbook had been approved by the Ministry of Buddhist Affairs. She added that the advisory board on Buddhism had also endorsed it.

The Premier further noted that during her recent visit, Mahanayake Theras confirmed that the Dharmachakra in the textbook was the officially approved version.

The Annual Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera at the historic Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya lit up the streets once again, concluding on Saturday night after three days of colourful pageantry.

First held in 1927 thanks to the vision of philanthropist Don Walter Wijewardene, son of Helena Wijewardene Lamathani of Sedawatte, the Kelaniya Duruthu Maha Perahera has grown into one of Sri Lanka’s most elaborate and grand low-country Buddhist pageants.

The Perahera commemorates the sacred visit of the Buddha to Kelaniya, the most revered temple in Sri Lanka’s Western Province. Celebrated annually during Duruthu Poya in January, the event showcases a fusion of historic, cultural, and religious traditions.

This year, under the guidance of Chief incumbent Venerable Professor Mahinda Sangarakkitta Nayaka Thera and Dayaka Sabha President Dr. Saman Weerasinghe, the festivities began with the ceremonial handover of the Sacred Relic Casket by Chancellor of Kelaniya University, Agra Maha Panditha Ven. Professor Kollupitiya Mahinda Sangharakkita Nayake Thera, to Chief Basnayake Nilame Dhammika Attygalle.

The sacred relic procession was followed by three Devale Peraheras dedicated to God Vibishana, God Kataragama, and God Vishnu, captivating devotees and tourists alike with traditional drumming, vibrant costumes, and ceremonial elephants.

The Perahera festivities also featured Pahalamaluwe Perahera on 8th January, Sacred City Perahera on 9th January, and the Grand Duruthu Maha Perahera on 10th January, with all events commencing at 8:00 pm. Special enclosures were arranged to accommodate foreign tourists, providing an immersive view of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

As lanterns faded into the night sky and devotees paid homage, the Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera once again reaffirmed its place as a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious calendar.

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament on Friday that the NPP government had re-filed 65 cases that had been withdrawn between 2019 and 2024.

Responding to a question from SJB Kalutara District MP Ajith P. Perera, the Prime Minister said a total of 102 cases had been withdrawn by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption and the Attorney General during that period.

She noted that the NPP had pledged during its election campaign to review and re-file cases that had been withdrawn under previous governments for various reasons.

The Prime Minister added that a decision had been made not to re-file 34 of the cases, while the government was still considering re-filing three more.