News

New stipulations for pilgrims as season begins

Published

4 years ago

2020/12/10

Sahan Weerasooriya

BY CYRIL WIMALASURENDRE

KANDY –

Pilgrims climbing Sri Pada this season, beginning from December 28, should bring a letter of registration issued by their respective Divisional Secretary. This decision was taken at a meeting attended by the Chief Incumbent of Sri Pada Vihara, Ven. Bengamuwe Dhammadhinna thera and Governors of Sabaraganuwa and Central Provinces, Tikiri Kobbekaduwa and Lalith U. Gamage.

The number of pilgrims on the first day of the season will be limited to 200. “There are four routes leading to the Sri Pada summit from Palabaddala, Balangoda, Kuruwita and Nallatanniya. Only 50 people will be allowed on one route.”

He said that the procession taking the Sacred objects to the top of Sri Pada, on the dawn of December 28, would not stop on the way.

The owners and employees of the shops and hotels will also be subjected to regular PCR tests.

Ratnapura District Secretary Malini Lokupothanage, Nuwara Eliya District Secretary B.R. Pushpakumara, Secretary to the Central Province Governor Anton Tilakaratne, Central Province Director of Health Services Dr. Nihal Weerasuriya, Ratnapura District Director of Health Services Dr. S.H. Panditharatne and several others were present at the meeting.

All News Advertisement

News

“Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival – Reflection on the Journey from Crisis to Recovery” by Mahinda Siriwardana presented to the President

Published

4 hours ago

2025/04/8

Priyan

The book “Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival – Reflection on the Journey from Crisis to Recovery” ,authored by Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Mahinda Siriwardana, was officially launched this morning (08) at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, with the participation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

The first copy of the publication was formally presented to President Disanayake by Mr. Siriwardana during the event.

Latest News

Former state minister arrested by CID

Published

4 hours ago

2025/04/8

Priyan

It has been reported that former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias ‘Pilleyan’ has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

News

President meets with senior officials of SriLankan Airlines

Published

4 hours ago

2025/04/8

Priyan

A meeting between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and senior officials of SriLankan Airlines was held this afternoon (April 8) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The discussions mainly focused on proposals to transform SriLankan Airlines into a more profitable state-owned enterprise. Special attention was also given to possible short-term and long-term solutions for the airline’s debt management.

The talks further explored new investment opportunities for the airline. The President instructed the officials to take all necessary steps to transform SriLankan Airlines into a profit-making entity.

Although the airline has recorded operational profits, due to past mismanagement and poor decision-making, it remains one of the leading loss-making state enterprises. The current government has decided to reverse the previous administration’s decision to privatize the airline. Instead, it plans to continue operating it as the national carrier while introducing a new management structure to ensure its profitability moving forward.

Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, President’s Senior Advisor Duminda Hulangamuwa, Chairman of SriLankan Airlines Sarath Ganegoda along with several senior officials of SriLankan Airlines, were present at the meeting.