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Japan honours two Lankans with Order of the Rising Sun
On November 3 2023, the recipients of “The Order of the Rising Sun” (Gold and Silver Rays) were announced by the Government of Japan. For the Spring Conferment this year, “two highly acclaimed individuals from Sri Lanka have been honoured with this esteemed decoration in recognition of their distinguished contributions to enhancing the Japan-Sri Lanka relationship,” the Japanese Embassy in Colombo announced.
They are: Ikebana artist Ms. Shiromi Soosaipillai, President of the Ikebana International Sri Lanka Chapter for her contribution to promoting Ikebana in Sri Lanka and friendly relations between Japan and Sri Lanka and Mr. Dharshan Munidasa, CEO and Owner of the Restaurant “Nihonbashi” for promoting Japanese cuisine in Sri Lanka
A news release from the embassy said Ms. Soosaipillai has long been a champion of Japanese ikebana culture in Sri Lanka. Beginning her journey with Sogetsu-style ikebana in 1983, Shiromi’s passion and expertise in ikebana led her to aspire to hand it down to the next generation. Certified as an instructor in 2011, she’s since played a pivotal role in popularizing ikebana in Sri Lanka, teaching its essence and techniques to many. Shiromi has also graced international ikebana exhibitions worldwide, showcasing her works of art and promoting ikebana’s global appreciation.
“Beyond teaching, she’s made it her mission to introduce ikebana to the broader Sri Lankan public. Through interviews and articles in Sinhalese television and print media, she’s endeavored to familiarize her compatriots with this beautiful art form.
“Shiromi’s works seamlessly meld traditional Japanese ikebana with her unique touch. From carefully chosen flowers and vases that resonate with Sri Lankan vegetation, to the exquisite shapes and expressions she crafts, her distinctive ikebana style has garnered praise both locally and internationally.”
Mr. Dharshan Munidasa was described as a distinguished figure in the culinary world, known for his exceptional contributions to the promotion of authentic Japanese cuisine in Sri Lanka. Since the establishment of his renowned restaurant “Nihonbashi” in 1995, he has been a trailblazer in introducing the intricacies of Japanese gastronomy to the Sri Lankan palate.
“Through his dedication to sourcing the highest quality Japanese ingredients and his commitment to upholding traditional Japanese culinary techniques, Mr. Munidasa has elevated the dining experience for patrons, furthering the cultural exchange between Japan and Sri Lanka.
“As a testament to his relentless efforts in promoting Japanese food and dietary culture globally, Mr. Munidasa was recognized by the Japanese government, receiving the Japanese Ambassador’s Special Commendation 2013, the Eighth Minister’s Awards for Overseas Promotion of Japanese Food in 2015. Moreover, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries of Japan (MAFF) appointed his as its ‘Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador’ in 2021.
“Beyond his culinary endeavors, Mr. Munidasa has actively contributed to the facilitation of Japanese-Sri Lankan relations through his unwavering commitment to cultural exchange, which further solidified the bond between the two nations.”
The Embassy of Japan expressed its heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Soosaipillai and Mr. Munidasa on the decoration of the Orders, with sincere appreciation for their remarkable dedication to the cause of promoting friendly relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka.
A commemorative service was held in memory of Rasaiah Parthipan commonly known by the nom de guerre ‘Thileepan’ in Nallur Jaffna this morning (26).
Parthipan a revolutionary member of the LTTE and a student of the University of Jaffna, commenced a hunger strike on 15th September 1987 untill his death on 26th September 1987. He was 23 years old at the time of his demise.
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Landslide Early Warnings issued to the districts of Colombo, Galle, Gampaha, Hambanthota, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura
The National Building Research Institute has issued landslide early warnings to the districts of Colombo, Galle, Gampaha, Hambanthota, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura from 16:00 hrs on 25.09.2026 To 16:00 hrs on 26.09.2026
Accordingly,
LEVEL III [RED] landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Neluwa, Nagoda, Niyagama and Thawalama inthe Galle district, Ganga Ihala Korale, Udapalatha, Doluwa and Pasbage Korale in the Kandy district, and Kothmale West, Ambagamuwa, Kotmale East and Norwood in the Nuwara Eliya district.
LEVEL II [AMBER] landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Elpitiya, Baddegama and Karandeniya in the Galle district, Walallawita in the Kalutara district, Deltota, Udunuwara, Gangawata Korale, Yatinuwara and Panvila in the Kandy district, Aranayake, Dehiowita, Mawanella, Deraniyagala and Yatiyanthota in the Kegalle district, Thalawakelle in the Nuwara Eliya district and Ratnapura and Pelmadulla in the Ratnapura district.
LEVEL I [YELLOW] landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Seethawaka and Padukka in the Colombo district, Attanagalla and Mirigama in the Gampaha district, Katuwana and Walasmulla in the Hambanthota district, Ingiriya and Bulathsinhala in the Kalutara district, Hatharaliyadda, Poojapitiya, Medadumbara, Kundasale, Ududumbara, Thumpane, Akurana, Pathadumbara, Harispattuwa and Pathahewaheta in the Kandy district, Warakapola, Bulathkohupitiya, Galigamuwa, Kegalle and Ruwanwella in the Kegalle district, Mallawapitiya, Alawwa, Polgahawela and Mawathagama in the Kegalle district, Pitabeddara, Kotapola and Pasgoda in the Matara district, Nuwara Eliya in the Nuwara Eliya district and Elapatha, Ayagama, Nivithigala, Kuruwita and Kalawana in the Ratnapura district
Parliament yesterday passed the Twenty-Second Amendment to the Constitution Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill with two-thirds majorities, with 158 MPs voting in favour and 63 against each Bill.
The Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) and Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) voted with the SJB against the Bills.
NDF MPs Ravi Karunanayake and Faizer Musthapha and SJB Badulla District MP Nayana Wasalathilaka were not present when the votes were taken.
The final vote on the Judicature (Amendment) Bill was announced at around 8.08 p.m. after Opposition MPs called for divisions on its clauses during the Committee Stage.
The votes followed a two-day debate which commenced on Thursday (24), after Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara presented the Bills for their Second Reading.
The Supreme Court’s determination on the Bills was presented to Parliament on Tuesday (22) by Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne. The Court determined that the 22nd Amendment Bill did not require approval at a referendum and could be passed by a special two-thirds majority in Parliament.
The amendment provides for raising the mandatory retirement age of Supreme Court judges from 65 to 67 and that of Court of Appeal judges from 63 to 65. It also provides for the Chief Justice to retire at 67 or after completing six years in office, whichever comes earlier.
The Speaker informed Parliament that the Judicature (Amendment) Bill could be passed by a simple majority.
The SJB opposed the legislation and its MPs attended Parliament dressed in black yesterday. The party also staged a protest at Polduwa Junction, Battaramulla, under the theme “No to 22, which destroys democracy”, with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and several SJB politicians participating.
Thileepan rembered on 39th death anniversary
Landslide Early Warnings issued to the districts of Colombo, Galle, Gampaha, Hambanthota, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura
Showers in the Western, Uva and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Batticaloa and Ampara districts.
22A, Judicature Amendment Bills passed with 2/3 majority
TIN mandatory for key transactions from Nov. 1
Navy brings 25 Indonesian fishermen ashore after trawler capsizes
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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