Former Provinces Governor and veteran lawyer M.P. Jayasinghe has passed away. He served as the Governor of the Uva and North Central Provinces during the presidency of Maithripala Sirisena.

Jayasinghe was a multi-faceted professional who practiced as a lawyer for over 45 years. An alumnus of the University of Ceylon, he held a Special Degree in Commerce and shared his knowledge as both a teacher and a lecturer during his distinguished career.

His remains are currently lying at his residence at Poornawatta, Kandy.

The final rites will be performed today (15th) at 12 noon at the Mahaiyawa General Cemetery in Kandy.

By S.K. Samaranayake

The Chess Federation of Sri Lanka (CFSL), on behalf of the Commonwealth Chess Federation and the World Chess Federation (FIDE) will be conducting the Commonwealth Chess Championship 2026 at Citrus Hotel, Waskaduwa from May 17-25. This event has attracted 350 foreign players representing 14 countries (Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, India, Kenya, Maldives, Malaysia, Mauritius, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, Singapore and South Africa) and an equal number of Sri Lankans.

The President of FIDE and former Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Arkady Dvorkovich – Former, will attend the event

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the guidance or religious leaders is essential to further strengthen harmony and solidarity among communities in multicultural areas such as Anamaduwa, where Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities live together.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the official ceremony of presenting the Sannas Patra to confer the title of Chief Sanghanayaka of the Rajavanni and Kumaravanni two provinces upon Venerable Dharmakeerthi Sri Pangnananda Nayaka Thero of Anamaduwa. The ceremony was held on Wednesday (13) at Sudampaya, Anamaduwa.

The event was held under the patronage of the Anunayaka Thero of the Malwathu Chapter, Most Venerable Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thero. During the ceremony, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya formally presented the official declaration appointing Venerable Dharmakeerthi Sri Pangnananda Nayaka Thero as the Chief Sanghanayaka of the Rajavanni and Kumaravanni provinces. The ceremonial Vijinipatha was presented by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister stated:

“Venerable Dharmakeerthi Sri Pangnananda Nayaka Thero of Anamaduwa is a distinguished member of the Maha Sangha who has rendered invaluable service to both the Buddha Sasana and the education sector through the country nearly 50 years of monastic life and 35 years of service as an educator.

His service is not confined merely to religious observances. He has sheltered the children and people of the area in times of both hardship and happiness. In particular, it is important to remember the humanitarian leadership he demonstrated in providing relief to the people of the Puttalam District affected by cyclone Ditwah, which became a source of strength for the entire region.

His dedication towards restoring and preserving historic religious sites, including the Paramakanda Rajamaha Viharaya, for future generations is commendable.

As the government strives to lead the country towards ’a new era of renaissance’ built upon compassion and solidarity, the guidance and blessings of religious leaders such as him are of immense value to the government”.

The occasion was graced by the presence of members of the Maha Sangha representing the three Nikayas, clergy of other religions, and attended by the Governor of the North Western Province, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Chandana Abayarathna, Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela Bandara, Members of Parliament, government officials, and a large number of devotees.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]