News
Amb. Hideaki stresses importance of LJFS role in Lanka-Japan bilateral relations
Japanese Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki said that the Lanka-Japan Friendship Society (LJFS) holds a special place in the history of our bilateral relations. As the oldest existing friendship organization between Japan and Sri Lanka, its continuous efforts have been instrumental in promoting mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and lasting camaraderie between our peoples.
The enduring relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka transcends geographical boundaries, encompassing cultural, economic, and educational exchanges that have enriched both our societies. The initiatives undertaken by the Lanka-Japan Friendship Society have contributed significantly to this shared journey of mutual respect and collaboration.
The Ambassador said so at the 64th AGM of LJFS recently where Tony Saldin was elected President of the Lanka-Japan Friendship Society. Saldin succeeded Merrick Goonaratne.
The Ambassador said: “First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the former president, Merrick Gooneratne. Your remarkable leadership and dedicated efforts during your tenure have significantly contributed to advancing the objectives and enhancing the relations between our two nations. The LJFS that I think so highly of is the one led by you.
It has been an honor for me to work with you on some of your major achievements such as the launch of the “Facets of Japan” lecture series and the fun-filled yet philanthropic “Music Night.” The sarong you gave me to wear at the Music Night will be a strong reminiscence of one of my merriest moments in Sri Lanka. I felt I got so much closer to Sri Lanka and my Sri Lankan friends.
Even though you have passed the helm to Saldin, I am certain that your legacy will not lose its luster, and I trust your wisdom will often be invoked to guide the people who follow your path. Gooneratne, the landscape of the Japan-Sri Lanka relationship would not have been the same without your insight into the past and the future, and your ability to make a difference at present. We are immensely grateful for your dedication and commitment.
Now, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected president, Tony Saldin, and the new executive committee members. Mr. Saldin, the shoes to fill may be big but I believe in your resolve and leadership. Over 30 years of your experience of working for reputable Japanese companies is a hallmark of your becoming a great leader of LJFS. You may be faced with challenges down the road but I assure you that I will stand by you and give you every support I can possibly provide.
I am confident that under the leadership of Tony Saldin and the dedicated committee members who support him, the Society will continue to flourish and expand its noble mission of fostering enduring ties and strengthening the bridge of friendship between Japan and Sri Lanka. Your dedication and enthusiasm will serve as a beacon of fostering lasting friendships and mutual prosperity between our nations.”
The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) has announced a revision of fuel prices, effective from midnight on Saturday (May 30).
Accordingly,
the price of Auto Diesel has been increased by Rs. 15 to Rs.407 per liter,
the price of Super Diesel has been increased by Rs. 20 to Rs. 478 per liter.
the price of Petrol 92 Octane has been increased by Rs. 24 to Rs. 434 per liter
the price of Petrol 95 Octane up by Rs. 25 to Rs. 495 per liter
the price of kerosene by Rs. 20 to Rs. 285 per liter.
Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has called for a comprehensive reform programme within Sri Lanka’s Buddhist clergy, warning that repeated efforts to strengthen the Sasana have in the past been derailed by opposition from within sections of the Sangha itself.
In a statement addressed to the Mahanayake Theras of the three Buddhist chapters, Kumaratunga stressed that the long-term preservation of Buddhism depends on safeguarding both the Dhamma and Vinaya, or disciplinary code, and urged urgent internal reform to address what she described as deep-rooted structural weaknesses.
She noted that Buddhist history has consistently demonstrated that periods of institutional crisis were addressed through reform processes, citing precedents from the First Buddhist Council to reforms during the Kandyan era under Welivita Sri Saranankara Thera.
Referring to post-independence efforts, Kumaratunga said initiatives taken during the 1956 Bandaranaike administration to strengthen Buddhism were left incomplete following the assassination of former Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike.
She further stated that during her own presidency, plans to convene a Buddhist Council under the guidance of the late Madihe Pannasiha Mahanayake Thera had received government backing but were ultimately abandoned due to resistance from certain sections within the clergy.
The former President alleged that, on both occasions, vested interests benefiting from existing weaknesses within the Buddhist establishment had worked to obstruct meaningful reform efforts.
Warning that Buddhism in Sri Lanka is currently facing serious challenges, she called for a broad internal dialogue within the Sangha to identify root causes and implement both short- and long-term corrective measures.
Kumaratunga urged the Mahanayake Theras to take the lead in convening a Dharma Sanghayana, or Buddhist Council, and said she was prepared to work with senior lay Buddhist leaders to support such an initiative.
The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on Friday ordered the arrest of former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Bhashwara Gunaratne, Managing Director Rumi Jauffer and several others over the alleged misuse of Rs. 7.8 million belonging to the Tourism Promotion Authority during the 2014 Uva Provincial Council election campaign.
Magistrate Pasan Amarasena directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to arrest and produce the suspects before court, after it was informed that they would be named under the Public Property Act on the advice of the Attorney General.
The CID told court that attempts to take the suspects into custody from their residences had been unsuccessful as they were not present.
The Magistrate also imposed an overseas travel ban on the suspects and ordered that the Controller of Immigration and Emigration be notified.
Investigations have reportedly revealed that the funds were used to print 12,000 T-shirts bearing an image of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa on one side and the name of a political party on the other.
According to the CID, the T-shirts were later distributed at a political event held in the Monaragala District.
Minhas’ record-breaking debut sets up handsome Pakistan victory
Showers expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts
Fuel prices increased
Sangha reform drives stymied from within: CBK
Court orders arrest of Basil
Dayasiri raises alarm over ‘coal cartel’, flags national security risks
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
News6 days agoPolice probe underway to ascertain links between criminals deported from UAE and local politicians
-
News5 days agoEaster Sunday carnage: Court told Maulana’s statement cannot be accepted without cross-examination
-
News1 day agoIMF urges Lanka not to meddle with exchange rate
-
Opinion5 days agoUndermining the democratic political framework
-
News5 days agoUK passport holder hiding here wants to have deportation order rescinded to leave without blemish
-
Features2 days agoThe Division Bell Mystery
-
News6 days agoDickoya double murder suspect arrested
-
Midweek Review4 days agoIsraeli-US aggression won’t go unanswered -Iranian Ambassador