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SL Buddhist delegation visits venue of First Parliament of World’s Religions in Chicago

Published

11 months ago

2025/05/18

Ven Sumedha Thera with members of Lankan delegation at the Art Institute of Chicago

A delegation of Sri Lankan and American Buddhist monks and nuns visited the historic site of the First Parliament of the World’s Religions, held in September 1893 at the Art Institute of Chicago on Michigan Avenue. The visit marked the occasion of Vesak 2569, said a press release issued by the Jambudvipa Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple, Sarnath, Varanasi, India.

It said: The Parliament, held from Sept 11 to 20, 1893, was a groundbreaking interreligious event that introduced Eastern philosophies to the Western world. It was famously attended by Anagarika Dharmapala, the founder of the Maha Bodhi Society, who represented Southern Buddhism, and Swami Vivekananda, a revered Hindu monk who powerfully introduced Vedanta and Hindu philosophy to a global audience.

The event took place in the Fullerton Hall of the Art Institute, which still preserves the original platform where both leaders delivered their now-historic addresses. Anagarika Dharmapala’s profound speech, ‘The World’s Debt to the Buddha’, brought Buddhist teachings of peace, compassion, and mindfulness to international attention. Swami Vivekananda’s address on religious tolerance and universal brotherhood is remembered as a defining moment in India’s spiritual contribution to the modern world.

On May 12, 2025, the historic venue welcomed Ven Dr. K. Siri Sumedha Thero, Chief Incumbent of Jambudvipa Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple, Sarnath, Varanasi, India, accompanied by Bhanthe K. Ghanissara and Bhanthe Dhamadassi of the Blue Lotus Temple, Chicago, along with Ven Bhikshuni P. Sudarshana of Samadhi Meditation Center, Florida.

The delegation offered prayers, chanted Buddhist sutras, and paid homage to the Buddha, as well as to the great religious pioneers of the 19th century, Anagarika Dharmapala and Swami Vivekananda. The solemn ceremony honored their contributions to global interfaith dialogue and the spread of Dharma in the West.

The modern Asian Art galleries of the Art Institute—dedicated to the cultures of India, China, Japan, and Korea—now include Buddha images and exhibits that echo the spiritual roots of the 1893 Parliament. These galleries serve as a bridge between past and present, preserving a vital chapter in the history of world religions.

The Government of Chicago continues to maintain and preserve the Fullerton Hall auditorium, recognizing its enduring significance as a beacon of interfaith understanding and spiritual legacy.

The visit concluded with prayers for world peace, universal happiness, and a reaffirmation of the timeless messages of compassion, tolerance, and unity shared at the first Parliament over 130 years ago.

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Advisory for Severe Lightning issued for all provinces of Sri Lanka

Published

7 mins ago

2026/04/20

Priyan

Advisory for Severe Lightning
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 12.00 noon 20 April 2026 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 20 April 2026

Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur most places in the island after 1.00 p.m.

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.

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Indian Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan meets Prime Minister

Published

54 mins ago

2026/04/20

Priyan

The Vice President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan, who is currently on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka, held a bilateral discussion with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Sunday (19) morning at Temple Trees.

Upon his arrival at Temple Trees, the Indian Vice President was received by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. The Prime Minister also extended her congratulations to C.P. Radhakrishnan on his appointment as the Vice President of India.

During the meeting, the Vice President noted that this is his first official visit to Sri Lanka and expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him during his stay.

The occasion was attended by the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel; Members of Parliament Dr. K. Laxman and Dr. Medha Vishram Kulkarni; Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri; and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, and representing the Government of Sri Lanka the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath; Minister of Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage; Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj; Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri; Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Harshana Suriyapperuma; Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa; and several other officials.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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Heat Index at ‘Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

12 hours ago

2026/04/20

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 19 April 2026, valid for 20 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.