News
New Adikarana Sangha Nayake of Great Britain
By Sujeeva Nivunhella reporting from London
The Buddhist community in Great Britain gathered in joyous celebration as Ven. Makure Mangala Nayaka Thera, the Chief Incumbent of the East London Buddhist Cultural Centre (Lumbini Vihara), Deputy Head Priest of Makandura Sri Saranankaramaya, and Vice President of the Sri Lanka Sangha Sabha of the United Kingdom, was officially bestowed with the distinguished title of “Chief Adhikarana Sangha Nayaka” of Great Britain.
This prestigious honour was conferred upon him by the eminent Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayaka Thera, the spiritual leader of the Malwatta Chapter of Siam Nikaya.
The Sannasa, symbolizing the appointment to the esteemed position, was ceremoniously presented to venerable thero by the Sri Lanka High Commissioner in London. The position of “Chief Adhikarana Sangha Nayaka” of Great Britain had been vacant since the passing of the revered Most Ven. Galayaye Piyadassi Thera.
To mark this momentous occasion, a felicitation ceremony took place at the Lumbini Vihara on July 15, 2023. The event was graced by the presence of several esteemed dignitaries, including the Chief incumbent of the London Buddhist Vihara and the Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain, Most Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala Thera. Joining him were the Head monk of Birmingham Maha Vihara Dr. Vitharandeniye Kassapa Thera, the Head monk of French International Buddhist Centre and Chief Sangha Nayaka of France, Dr. Paravahera Chandra Rathana Thera, Head monk of Manchester Buddhist Vihara Pidiville Piyatissa Thera, Head monk of Birmingham Jethavana Vihara Keppetiyagoda Gunavansa Thera, Thawalama Bandula Thera of London Buddhist Vihara, Head monk of Anuradhapura Sambuddha Jayanthi Vihara and Chief Sangha Nayaka (Asgiriya Chapter) of Northern & Central Province Nugethenne Pannananda Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweliseya temple and Chancellor of the Rajarata University Eethalawetunawewe Gnanathillaka Thera, Head monk of Allenmethiyarama, Kirulapona, Uduwe Dhammaloka Thera, and other esteemed members of the Maha Sangha.
Ven. Makure Mangala Nayaka Thera’s new role holds great responsibility, the legacy of the late Most Ven. Galayaye Piyadassi Thera shall be carried forward. The felicitation ceremony witnessed a large gathering of devoted followers.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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