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Shinso Ito Scholarship Awarding Ceremony empowers Buddhist Scholars in Sri Lanka
In a groundbreaking initiative for Buddhist scholarship, Shinnyo-en Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, has empowered over 75 deserving candidates with scholarships to pursue postgraduate studies in Buddhism. The historic Shinso Ito Scholarship Awarding Ceremony marked the first postgraduate scholarship programme of its kind within the university’s 43-year history, fostering the next generation of researchers dedicated to preserving and promoting Buddhist philosophy.
Shinnyo-en is a Buddhist tradition that originates from Japan which emphasizes the potential for enlightenment within each individual. Founded by Buddhist Masters Shinjo Ito and Tomoji Ito, the tradition focuses on simple altruistic practices in our daily lives that nurture and bring out our natural goodness and foster harmony in the relationships we share with others. Embodying this spirit, their daughter Most Venerable Dr. Shinso Ito carries forward and expands their work as the Head Priest of the Shinnyo-en Buddhist order.
The scholarship programme underscores the deep ties between Shinnyo-en Japan and Sri Lanka. Most Venerable Dr. Shinso Ito, Head Priest of the Shinnyo-en Buddhist order, was honoured with a Doctorate of Philosophy by the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka in 2022 for her lifelong dedication to Buddhist leadership. Shinnyo-en’s commitment is further evident in initiatives like the Shinnyo-en Lanka Preschool which was established in 1988 by Master Shinjo Ito to provide free, high-quality preschool education to the children of Sri Lanka. In 2013, representatives from the three main orders of Sri Lankan Buddhism—the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam Nikaya, the Amarapura Nikaya, and the Ramanna Nikaya—all jointly conferred on Dr. Shinso Ito titles that are given to “the most knowledgeable and venerable in the field of Mahayana Buddhism” in honour of her achievements as a master of Mahayana Buddhism and leader of Shinnyo‑en’s philanthropic activities in Sri Lanka.
“Shinnyo-en’s relationship with Sri Lanka is one of deep respect and shared values. We are filled with hope and anticipation for the achievements of these talented scholarship recipients.” said Ikeda Mikinori, Director of Shinnyo-en Lanka Preschool. “Through their research and leadership, may the teachings of the Buddha continue to resonate and bring benefit to Sri Lanka and beyond.”
The ceremony was attended by senior representatives of both Shinnyo-en Japan and the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, emphasizing the deep collaboration and respect between the organisations.
Shinnyo-en Sri Lanka envisions a future where the knowledge and insights cultivated by these scholars extend beyond Sri Lanka’s borders. Their contributions promise to enrich the global Buddhist community and strengthen the understanding of Buddhism’s transformative potential for individuals and societies alike.
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Showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in the Eastern and Uva provinces and showers about 50-75 mm in other areas
WEATHER FORECAST FOR 08 JANUARY 2026
Issued at 05.30 a.m. on 08 January 2026 by the Department of Meteorology
The depression over the Bay of Bengal, located to the southeast of Sri Lanka, was centered near latitude 5.3°N and longitude 86.0°E, about 490 km southeast of Pottuvil, at 11:30 p.m. yesterday (07). It is expected to move west-northwestwards and towards the eastern coast of the island during next 24 hours. This system is likely to intensify further into a deep depression during the next 12 hours.
Cloudy skies can be expected over most parts of the island.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Uva, Central and Southern provinces. Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places elsewhere in the Island after 1.00 p.m. Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in the Eastern and Uva provinces. Fairly Heavy showers about (50 – 75) mm are likely at some places in the other areas of the island.
Strong winds about (50-60) kmph can be expected at times over the Eastern slopes of the central hills, the Northern, North-central, North-western and Eastern provinces and in Hambantota, Gampaha, Colombo and Monaragala districts.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala told Parliament yesterday that information uncovered during ongoing investigations indicated that Pulasthini Mahendran, also known as Sara Jasmine, linked to the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks, was not dead.
Responding to a question raised by Opposition MP Mujibur Rahuman, the Minister said there was no confirmation that Sara Jasmine was currently in India, despite speculation to that effect. He added that investigators suspected she may have fled the country and stressed that further inquiries were underway to establish her whereabouts.
“If necessary, the government will take steps to obtain a warrant,” Wijepala said, noting that legal action related to the Easter attacks had already been initiated, based on available evidence.
Minister Wijepala said the new government had launched an thorough probe to determine whether a political or other conspiracy had been behind the attacks that killed more than 270 people in 2019. However, he declined to disclose certain details in Parliament, citing the risk of hampering investigations.
Sara Jasmine, Mohammed Hashtun, who bombed St. Sebastian’s Church, in Katuwapitiya, in 2019, was long presumed to have died in a suicide blast in Sainthamaruthu, days after the attacks. Wijepala said attempts by previous administrations to establish her death had failed, with recent reports indicating that DNA tests conducted at the time were inconclusive.
During the debate, MP Rahuman recalled that senior figures, including then-Opposition MP Nalinda Jayatissa, had previously claimed Sara Jasmine was in India. He questioned why authorities had not sought an open warrant for her arrest whether the issue had been raised in talks with Indian officials.
Wijepala, responding on behalf of Deputy Minister of Defence Arun Jayasekara, said the government would not hesitate to pursue legal action, including warrants, if necessary.
By Saman Indrajith
The Chief of the Indian Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday (07). On arrival, the COAS was accorded a Guard of Honour by the Sri Lanka Army.
The Indian HC said that: “He will engage with senior military and civil leadership, including the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Deputy Minister of Defence and the Defence Secretary; and hold detailed discussions on matters of mutual interest, including training cooperation, capacity building and regional security.
During the visit, the COAS will address officers at the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) and interact with officers and trainees at the Army War College, Buttala, reflecting India’s strong commitment to defence education and professional military exchanges with Sri Lanka.
General Dwivedi will also pay homage at the IPKF War Memorial, honouring the supreme sacrifice of Indian soldiers.”
General Dwivedi arrived here from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where he attended several events during 05 to 06 January.
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