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Dutch Government returns priceless artifacts to Sri Lanka

Published

2 years ago

2023/12/5

Priyan

The Dutch government officially handed over to Sri Lanka, six priceless Kandyan artifacts which were seized as war booty during the Dutch colonial occupation of the country, at a ceremony held at the National Museum today (05). A commemorative postage stamp was also issued during the event.

The items returned include a golden and silver kasthãné (ceremonial swords), two maha thuwakku (wall guns), and Lewke Disave’s cannon, which were originally taken by the Dutch East India Company in 1765, during the siege of the Palace of Kandy. The artifacts will be on public display at the Colombo National Museum from today.

Minister of Buddha Sasana and Cultural Affairs, Vidura Wickramanayake, the President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, Minister of State for Media, Shantha Bandara, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Sri Lanka, Ms. Bonnie Horbach, the Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Dewi van de Weerd, Ambassador of Egypt in Sri Lanka Maged Mosleh the Secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana and Cultural Affairs, Somaratne Vidanapathirana, the Director General of the National Museum Department, Sajani Kasturiarachchi, were present at the ceremony.

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Warm welcome extended to the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam at the Presidential Secretariat

Published

9 hours ago

2026/05/8

Priyan

The official welcoming ceremony for the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, who is on a State visit to Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, was held this morning (08th May 2026) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Dissanayake.

President To Lam is undertaking this State visit with the aim of further strengthening the economic, cultural and social ties between Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

Upon his arrival at the Presidential Secretariat, escorted by the Police Mounted Division, President To Lam was warmly received by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Following the playing of the national anthems of both countries, the official welcoming ceremony for President To Lam formally commenced.

On the occasion, President To Lam was accorded a ceremonial gun salute with full State honours.

Thereafter, President To Lam and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reviewed the Tri-Forces Guard of Honour, following which the Vietnamese and Sri Lankan delegations were introduced.

The two leaders also posed for official photographs.

Representing the Government of Sri Lanka at the occasion were Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Science and Technology Professor Krishantha Abeysena, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Minister of Environment Dr Dhammika Patabendi, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala, Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retired), Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aruni Ranaraja, along with a number of senior officials from both countries.

(PMD)

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BCCI to conduct surprise checks on IPL teams over compliance of guidelines

Published

9 hours ago

2026/05/8

Priyan

The BCCI has said it will conduct periodic checks on the IPL teams to assess the adherence of the new set of guidelines [BCCI]

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has said it will conduct periodic checks on the IPL teams to assess the adherence of the new set of guidelines issued to the team on Thursday evening. The surprise checks will be undertaken by BCCI/IPL operation teams.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, in his communication to the franchises, has noted that, “The BCCI / IPL Operations Team may conduct periodic checks to assess adherence to the directives set forth in this Advisory. Team Managers are required to maintain records of all approved guest visits and hotel movements.

“Any breach of the aforementioned directives must be self-reported to the IPL Operations Team or the relevant IPL Venue Team at the earliest opportunity. The BCCI trusts that all IPL franchises will treat this Advisory with the seriousness it warrants and take all necessary steps to uphold the integrity and reputation of the Indian Premier League.”

Consequences of non-compliance

Saikia has also warned teams about the consequences of non-compliance with the guidelines, stating that any violations will be treated as a serious disciplinary matter, while also outlining the possible action that could be taken against those found breaching the code.

Saikia wrote: “The BCCI and the IPL Governing Council wish to make unequivocally clear that any breach of the directives set out in this Advisory shall be treated as a serious disciplinary matter. Non-compliance shall expose the relevant IPL franchise and the individual concerned to proceedings under the applicable provisions of the IPL Regulations, the BCCI Rules & Regulations, and other applicable statutes, as the circumstances may warrant.

“Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the following consequences may be imposed at the sole discretion of the BCCI / IPL Governing Council:

1. Show-Cause Notice:Issuance of a formal show-cause notice to the Franchise and/or the individual concerned.

2. Financial Penalties:Imposition of financial penalties on the Franchise or individual, as prescribed under the IPL Regulations.

3. Suspension or disqualification: Suspension or disqualification of the player, support staff member, or team official from the ongoing or subsequent IPL season(s).

4. For Legal Violations: In cases involving legal violations, including use of prohibited substances, breach of security protocol, or conduct amounting to harassment, referral of the matter to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.

5. Other Action: Any other action as the BCCI / IPL Governing Council may deem appropriate in the interest of the tournament and the sport.

“Franchises are strongly advised to take cognisance of this Advisory and take all necessary steps to ensure full compliance. The BCCI reserves the right to conduct periodic audits and inspections to ascertain adherence to these directives,” the Saikia’s signed seven-page note said.

[Cricbuzz]

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President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam arrives in Sri Lanka on State Visit

Published

13 hours ago

2026/05/8

Priyan

President To Lam, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, accompanied by a delegation of 209 members arrived in Sri Lanka on Thursday (07) night on a state visit.