News
Second edition of ‘SIRIMAVO – Steering the Destiny of a Nation’ now available

The Bandaranaike Museum Committee has published the second limited edition of the Pictorial Biography; ‘SIRIMAVO – Steering the Destiny of a Nation’ in collaboration with the Sarasavi Bookshop. The book is now available for sale, the Museum Committee said in a press release.
“The first edition of this book showcasing rare archival photographs depicting the remarkable public life of Sirimavo Bandaranaike, who made history in July 1960 as the world’s first woman Prime Minister, was released in March 2022 as a limited publication, and was sold out within few months.
“This coffee table book, ‘SIRIMAVO – Steering the Destiny of a Nation’ presents the remarkable story of Sirimavo Bandaranaike, an extraordinary Prime Minister who pioneered new paths in both national and international arenas. Emphasizing photographs, it offers a fresh perspective on her impactful legacy.
“This 441-page book comprises approximately 300 exceedingly rare and historically significant photographs, with the noteworthy aspect that the majority of these images have never been published before.
“The book ‘SIRIMAVO – Steering the Destiny of a Nation’ is published under the auspices of the Bandaranaike Museum Committee and edited by three esteemed professionals in their own fields; Sarath Perera, Nalaka Gunawardena, and W.M.K. Wijayabandara. Distribution is handled by the ‘Sarasavi Bookshop:
“The foreword of the book ‘SIRIMAVO – Steering the Destiny of a Nation’ was penned by Deshmanya M.D.D. Peiris, a distinguished administrative officer who served as the Prime Minister’s Secretary during the second term of Mrs. Bandaranaike. The introduction to the publication was written by Dr. Ranjith Cabral the former director of Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS).
Mrs. Bandaranaike entered active politics following her husband’s assassination and served as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka on three occasions: from 1960 to 1965, 1970 to 1977, and 1994 to 2000. During her first and second tenures, she concurrently held the positions of Minister of Defence and Minister of Foreign Affairs alongside her role as the Prime Minister. She served as the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament on two occasions: from 1965 to 1970 and from 1989 to 1994.”

News
“Buddha Rashmi Vesak Kalapaya” continues in the vicinity of the President’s office

The second day of the “Vesak Bhakti Gee Saraniya”, held in parallel with the “Buddha Rashmi Vesak Kalapaya” jointly organized by the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, the Presidential Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s Office, commenced on Tuesday (13) at 6:30 p.m. under the patronage of Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat premises.
The evening featured musical performances by renowned vocalist Ilyas Beg and the Sri Lanka Air Force Bhakti Gee Troup, accompanied by the Air Force Band. A Vesak lantern exhibition was also held at the venue. The event was attended by the Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, along with several senior officials of the Presidential Secretariat.
This Bhakthi Gee programme will continue today [May 14] and tomorrow at the same location. Additionally, a short-eats dansala is being held near the Presidential Secretariat for the benefit of the public visiting Colombo for Vesak, and will continue until May 16.
Meanwhile, a ‘Buth Dansala’ organized jointly by the Presidential Secretariat and the Sri Lanka Army was inaugurated yesterday near the Presidential Secretariat, with the participation of senior military officers. A large number of devotees from across the country attended the event.
In line with the ‘Buddha Rashmi’ and ‘Bauddhaloka Vesak Kalapya’, several Vesak programmes have been organized in the vicinity with the support of the Presidential Secretariat. These include the illumination of nearby government buildings and roads with decorative lights, and the display of Vesak lanterns, with the active participation of the Presidential Secretariat staff.
[PMD]
News
French Navy Ship ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ sets sail from Colombo

The French Navy Ship ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ which arrived in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit (09 May 25), departed the island on Tuesday (13 May).
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 ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ visited some tourist attractions in the country. In addition, the Commanding Officer and a group of
crew members of the ship called on senior officers of the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) to discuss key hydrographic matters of bilateral importance.
News
“Clean Sri Lanka” joins hands to Improve facilities and sanitation at Kotmale Regional Hospital

Following the bus accident in the Garandiella area of Kotmale, a large number of injured individuals were admitted to the Kotmale Regional Hospital for treatment. In response, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme has collaborated to improve the facilities and sanitation of the hospital.
Accordingly, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme actively worked to clean the hospital ward complex and the hospital premises, aiming to create a comfortable environment for the patients’ treatment and to enhance other facilities.
A notable aspect was the voluntary participation of the local community in this effort. The “Clean Sri Lanka” secretariat appreciates the dedication shown by the doctors and hospital staff of the Kotmale Regional Hospital, who provided emergency treatment to those injured in this unexpected incident despite having access to limited resources.
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