News
Chief Sanghanayaka of Sabaragamuwa Province felicitated
The “Gauravabhinandana” ceremonial felicitation was held in honour of the Chief Sanghanayake of the Sabaragamuwa Province of the Malwathu Maha Vihara Chapter of the Maha Vihara tradition of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya; former Pirivena Examiner; Rajakiya Pandith; holder of Master; Scholar of classical texts; recipient of the Kala Bhushana title; Vinaya Keerthi Sri Dhammdinna Saranapala; the Most Venerable Kaeligama Vijithananda Nayaka Thero on Wednesday [25th of February] at the auditorium of the Rathnapura District Secretariat
The event was organized under the patronage of the Anunayake of the Malwathu Chapter of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya, Most Venerable Acharya Agga Maha Panditha Niyangoda Dharmakeerthi Sri Sangharakkhitha Vijithasiri Abhidhana Anunayake Thero.
The presentation of the symbolic casket to the Most Venerable Kaeligama Vijithananda Nayaka Thero took place with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and the Governor of Sabaragamuwa Province, Ms. Champa Janaki Rajaratne.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister stated:
“It is a privilege for me to participate in this felicitation ceremony held in appreciation of the religious and social service rendered by the Chief Sanghanayaka of the Sabaragamuwa Province, Most Venerable Kaeligama Vijithananda Nayaka Thera.
When we reflect on his life journey, it serves as a profound inspiration to us all. Having entered monastic life as a disciple of the Sabaragamuwa prelate, the late Most Venerable Kelle Sri Saranananda Thero, the Nayaka Thera has now rendered over five decades of distinguished service following higher ordination.
After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Vidyodaya University, he devoted several decades as a Pirivena teacher and examiner, enlightening thousands of students. He has also authored numerous scholarly works. His classical literary contributions, especially for students of Pirivena education, are of exceptional value”.
The Prime Minister further recalled with gratitude the commitment shown by the Nayaka Thera, centred around the Ratnapura Mahawala Sri Dharmayathana, to uplift the spiritual and social well-being of the local community, and extended her wishes for good health and long life for the continuation of his invaluable service to the Buddha Sasana.
The occasion was also graced by the presence of Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithreemurthi Thera, Supreme Mahanayaka of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha; the Anunayaka of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya, Waleboda Gnanissara Thera; Lecturer of the University of Peradeniya and Deputy Registrar of the Malwathu Chapter, Panditha Mahawela Dhammakkhanda Rathanapala Thera; the Chief Sanghanayaka of Ratnapura and Uva Wellassa and former Vice-Chancellor of Uva Wellassa University, Bethgamuwa Dhammadinna Thera; along with members of the Maha Sangha. The occasion was also attended by the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Sunil Senavi, Governor of Sabaragamuwa Province, Ms. Champa Janaki Rajaratne, Member of Parliament Shantha Padmakumara, former Members of Parliament A. A. Wijethunga and Janaka Wakkumbura, Ratnapura District Secretary Chinthana Udaya Nanayakkara, Basnayake Nilame of the Maha Saman Devalaya Ishan Sanka Mapitigama, Mayor of Ratnapura Indrajith Katugampala, and many other distinguished invitees.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
A discussion between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and senior officials of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) was held this afternoon (18) at the Presidential Secretariat.
The meeting focused extensively on new development projects planned by the Urban Development Authority. The President emphasised the need to ensure that the budgetary allocations made for these projects in the current year are utilised effectively within the same financial year.
Detailed discussions were also held on projects planned to be implemented jointly by multiple institutions, including the importance of holding consultations with all relevant agencies to reach final decisions and the need to clearly define responsibilities for each institution in both implementation and maintenance phases of the projects.
Attention was drawn to key initiatives such as the Kelani River flood control project, water management projects in Colombo city and the Beira Lake restoration project. The need for a dedicated programme for low-income housing in areas such as Ratmalana and Moratuwa was also highlighted. During the discussion, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake underscored the importance of introducing a structured management framework for the effective coordination of certain projects.
Deputy Minister of Urban Development, Eranga Gunasekara, Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Senior Professor Kapila C.K. Perera, Chairman of the Urban Development Authority (UDA), M.G. Hemachandra and the Heads representing the Urban Settlement Development Authority (USDA), Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation (SLLDC), National Physical Planning Department (NPPD) and the Condominium Management Authority (CMA) were also present at the meeting.
(PMD)
News
CEAT Kelani Branch Inter-Company Employees’ Union makes donation to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund
The Inter-Company Employees’ Union of the Kelaniya Branch of CEAT Sri Lanka has made a financial donation of Rs. 1,148,000.00, a day’s salary of its members to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund established to support the restoration of livelihoods and the rebuilding of areas affected by cyclone Ditwah.
Secretary of the Inter-Company Employees’ Union of the CEAT Kelani Branch, D.G.S.D. Navaratne, handed over the donation to the Chief of Staff to the President, Prabhath Chandrakeerthi at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (18).
Treasurer of the Inter-Company Employees’ Union of the CEAT Kelani Branch, Y.P.I.C. Karunathilaka, together with members of the Executive Committee, were also present on the occasion.
(PMD)
Latest News
Prime Minister off to the United Kingdom to participate in the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Education Forum
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya departed on an official visit to the United Kingdom to participate in the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Education Forum and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) 2026 Board of Governors Meeting.
During the visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in several high-level academic and diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening cooperation in the fields of education, development studies, research collaboration, and international partnerships.
As part of the visit, the Prime Minister will meet with Ms.Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education of the United Kingdom, at the UK Department for Education, to discuss areas of cooperation in education and related sectors. She is also expected to meet Ms.Yvette Cooper, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, for discussions on matters of bilateral interest and cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.
In addition, the Prime Minister is expected to meet Ms.Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, on the sidelines of the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Education Forum and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) 2026 Board of Governors Meeting.
During the visit, the Prime Minister will attend a public event at the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex and she will also take part in the ceremony marking the 60th Anniversary of the Institute of Development Studies. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to address a session at the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies at the University of Oxford, followed by a question-and-answer session with scholars and students.
The visit is expected to strengthen Sri Lanka’s engagement with academic institutions, international development partners, and Commonwealth member states, particularly in the areas of education, research, policy dialogue, and capacity building.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President meets senior officials of the Urban Development Authority
CEAT Kelani Branch Inter-Company Employees’ Union makes donation to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund
Escaped tiger shot by German police after attacking man
Prime Minister off to the United Kingdom to participate in the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Education Forum
Steps initiated to safeguard Sri Lanka’s Maritime Heritage
Fighter jet crews parachute safely after collision at US air show
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