News
Sithulpawwa chief incumbent says Prez on the right path
Chief Incumbent of the historic Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Vihara, Ven. Mataramba Hemaratna Thera, on Saturday (1), advised President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to continue with his policies, which he said were welcome. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met the Thera after taking part in a religious ceremony at the Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Vihara.
The President’s Media Division has, in a statement, quoted Ven. Mataramba Hemaratna Thera as having told President Gotabaya Rajapaksa that his journey was on the right path in line with Saubhagyaye Dekma (Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour) Policy Statement. If the project succeeded, the next generation would be able to experience the results.
“There are some people who depend on foreign funds and their task is to oppose whatever good things are done for the betterment of the people. They also spoiled the President’s pure intentions to create a healthy nation by providing a toxic – free diet”.
The Thera further said that if the Saubhagyaye Dekma achieved its objectives the country would be very fortunate. Ven. Mataramba Hemaratna Thera said, “There are people who are eying to gain power as well as who cannot wait another few more years to reap the benefits of the Saubhagyaye Dekma while having envious feelings towards the progress of the country.”
President Rajapaksa, after paying homage to the Datu Mandiraya of the temple, called on the Maha Sangha, including the Chief Incumbent of the temple Ven. Mataramba Hemaratna Thera.
The President handed over the ‘Sannas Pathra’ of declaring the historic Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Vihara as a sacred place to Ven. Mataramba Hemaratna Thera.
The President and other Ministers presented the “Free Grant Certificates” that pronounced naming of four temples adjacent to the Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Vihara as sacred places, to the Chief Incumbents of the respective temples.
The foundation stones for the constructions of ‘Wahalkada’ on the road towards Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Vihara were laid under the patronage of Ministers Chamal Rajapaksa, Mahinda Amaraweera and State Minister D.V. Chanaka.
A meeting between UN Resident Coordinator Marc-André Franche and Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi was held on Monday (07) morning at the Presidential Secretariat.
Particular attention was given to the Government’s programme to resettle people who lost their homes due to Cyclone Ditwah.
The Government’s programme to address potential disasters that may arise in the future amid El Nino conditions was also discussed. The Chief of Staff to the President briefed the UN Resident Coordinator on the Government’s preparedness and plans to address such challenges.
Mr Franche stated that the United Nations was prepared to provide the necessary assistance to the Government to support the successful implementation of these programmes.
Partnerships and Development Finance Specialist at the United Nations Azam Bakeer Markar and UN Sri Lanka Humanitarian and Resilience Officer Wagisha Perera also participated in the discussion.
[President’s Media Division]
[ Cricbuzz]
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Udaygiri arrived at the Port of Colombo on an official visit today, 8 September 2026, where it was received by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with time-
honoured naval traditions.
INS Udaygiri is a 149.02m long Frigate, Commanded by Captain Vikas Sood. Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer of the visiting ship is scheduled to call on Commander Western Naval
Area, Rear Admiral Harsha De Silva at the Western Naval Command Headquarters.
Captain Sood served as the Defence Adviser at the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka from July 2020 to October 2023.
During their stay in the island, the crew of INS Udaygiri will participate in several goodwill events organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two forces.
The visiting personnel are also scheduled to visit prominent tourist and cultural locations across the island.
Additionally, Sri Lanka Navy personnel are expected to visit the ship for capability observation and knowledge sharing, and will conduct onboard training during its stay.
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