News
Shinso Ito Scholarship Awarding Ceremony empowers Buddhist Scholars in Sri Lanka
In a groundbreaking initiative for Buddhist scholarship, Shinnyo-en Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, has empowered over 75 deserving candidates with scholarships to pursue postgraduate studies in Buddhism. The historic Shinso Ito Scholarship Awarding Ceremony marked the first postgraduate scholarship programme of its kind within the university’s 43-year history, fostering the next generation of researchers dedicated to preserving and promoting Buddhist philosophy.
Shinnyo-en is a Buddhist tradition that originates from Japan which emphasizes the potential for enlightenment within each individual. Founded by Buddhist Masters Shinjo Ito and Tomoji Ito, the tradition focuses on simple altruistic practices in our daily lives that nurture and bring out our natural goodness and foster harmony in the relationships we share with others. Embodying this spirit, their daughter Most Venerable Dr. Shinso Ito carries forward and expands their work as the Head Priest of the Shinnyo-en Buddhist order.
The scholarship programme underscores the deep ties between Shinnyo-en Japan and Sri Lanka. Most Venerable Dr. Shinso Ito, Head Priest of the Shinnyo-en Buddhist order, was honoured with a Doctorate of Philosophy by the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka in 2022 for her lifelong dedication to Buddhist leadership. Shinnyo-en’s commitment is further evident in initiatives like the Shinnyo-en Lanka Preschool which was established in 1988 by Master Shinjo Ito to provide free, high-quality preschool education to the children of Sri Lanka. In 2013, representatives from the three main orders of Sri Lankan Buddhism—the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam Nikaya, the Amarapura Nikaya, and the Ramanna Nikaya—all jointly conferred on Dr. Shinso Ito titles that are given to “the most knowledgeable and venerable in the field of Mahayana Buddhism” in honour of her achievements as a master of Mahayana Buddhism and leader of Shinnyo‑en’s philanthropic activities in Sri Lanka.
“Shinnyo-en’s relationship with Sri Lanka is one of deep respect and shared values. We are filled with hope and anticipation for the achievements of these talented scholarship recipients.” said Ikeda Mikinori, Director of Shinnyo-en Lanka Preschool. “Through their research and leadership, may the teachings of the Buddha continue to resonate and bring benefit to Sri Lanka and beyond.”
The ceremony was attended by senior representatives of both Shinnyo-en Japan and the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, emphasizing the deep collaboration and respect between the organisations.
Shinnyo-en Sri Lanka envisions a future where the knowledge and insights cultivated by these scholars extend beyond Sri Lanka’s borders. Their contributions promise to enrich the global Buddhist community and strengthen the understanding of Buddhism’s transformative potential for individuals and societies alike.
Latest News
Landslide Early Warnings issued to the districts of Kalutara, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura
The National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] has issued landslide early warnings to the districts of Kalutara, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura effective from 0400hrs on 12th June 2026 to 0400hrs on 13th June 2026
Accordingly,
LEVEL I [YELLOW] landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Palindanuwara in the Kalutara district, Doluwa in the Kandy district, Ambagamuwa in the Nuwara Eliya district and Pelmadulla, Ayagama, Ratnapura, Godakawela, Kalawana and Nivitigala in the Ratnapura district
News
Wife, counsel seek regular access to ex-Spy Chief Sallay held under President’s detention order
Wife of former State Intelligence Chief Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Suresh Sallay has asked CID Director retired SSP Shani Abeysekera to allow her, her family members and lawyers to visit her husband in the National Hospital, Colombo. Sallay’s counsel has also written to Abeysekera, asking for permission to visit the former spy held on a detention order signed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The text of Manori’s letter: “I respectfully request your assistance in granting me, and my daughter or alternatively my son, permission to visit my husband, Rtd. Major General Suresh Sallay, who is currently at the National Hospital, Colombo.
“As you are aware, my husband is presently engaged in a fast-unto-death campaign. His physical condition and emotional well-being are of deep concern to our family. During this difficult period, the presence and support of his immediate family are extremely important to him.
“I firmly believe that regular visits from me with our daughter or our son would help uplift his spirits, provide him with much-needed emotional strength, and may encourage him to reconsider continuing this course of action. Family support can play a vital role in preserving his mental and emotional health while he remains hospitalised.
“In view of these exceptional circumstances, I kindly request that permission be granted for either me and my daughter or my son to visit him daily during the period of his hospitalisation.
“I would be most grateful for your compassionate consideration of this request.”
“The text of the counsel’s letter: “I write in my capacity as Counsel for Rtd. Major General Suresh Sallay, who is presently under detention and admitted to the National Hospital, Colombo.
As you are aware, Major General Sallay has embarked on a fast-unto-death campaign, giving rise to serious concerns regarding his physical and mental well-being. In these circumstances, it is imperative that I be granted reasonable and regular access to my client during his hospitalisation.
As his legal representative, I have a professional obligation to monitor his condition and obtain instructions from him so that I may accurately apprise the relevant courts of his health status and any developments affecting his rights and welfare. Effective legal representation requires continuous communication with my client, particularly in light of the grave circumstances presently confronting him.
I also wish to respectfully highlight that Major General Sallay has placed explicit trust and confidence in me as his counsel. Indeed, I was the first person he contacted following his arrest.
Given the trust he reposes in me, I believe I am uniquely positioned to engage with him constructively and persuade him to discontinue this campaign and instead place his confidence in the legal remedies and judicial processes available to him.
For these reasons, I respectfully request that I be granted permission to visit my client on a daily basis during the period of his hospitalization.
Such access would not only facilitate the discharge of my professional responsibilities but may also contribute meaningfully towards safeguarding his health and encouraging a resolution through lawful and institutional means.
News
CIABOC summons Yoshitha over his participation in British Navy training programme
Yoshitha Rajapaksa, who served as a Lieutenant in the Sri Lanka Navy, has now been summoned to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption next Tuesday (16) for questioning over his participation in a Royal Navy training programme in the United Kingdom outside established procedures.
The Commission is expected to record statements in relation to several complaints received regarding his recruitment and subsequent service in the Navy after he enlisted on December 14, 2006.
According to sources, the investigation focuses on allegations concerning the educational qualifications considered at the time of his enlistment, as well as foreign training opportunities he is said to have received while in service, which are suspected to have been granted in violation of due process.
The Bribery Commission has launched the inquiry under the provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act, officials said.
-
News5 days agoWomen’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up: Chamari Athapaththu’s 94 helps Sri Lanka beat Pakistan
-
News6 days agoAsst. Manager, security officer arrested over Rs 30 mn snatch at Horana PB branch
-
Editorial4 days agoProbe Sallay’s complaint
-
News5 days agoLankan-Canadian inducted to Toronto Sports Hall of Fame
-
News2 days agoLocal firms move millions of dollars overseas for phantom imports: Govt.
-
Editorial5 days agoPrez in the dock
-
Features5 days agoEntering MIT for my Ph.D program, coping with harsh Boston winter and breasting the tape
-
News6 days agoNo blanket ban on musical performances; only those promoting LTTE
