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Sri Lanka’s constitution mandates that the government should accord priority to Buddhism – President
President Ranil Wickremesinghe reiterated that our constitution mandates that the government should accord priority to Buddhism. This responsibility is not solely vested in the government but extends to the state as a whole. Therefore, the support of all three branches of the state—the executive led by the President, the Parliament led by the Speaker and the Judiciary led by the Chief Justice—is essential to uphold this principle.
Failure to provide this support goes against the Constitution. As Members of Parliament, we have all taken an oath to uphold the constitution and it is incumbent upon us to adhere to its principles. Despite the conflicts experienced in our country, such a request has never before been raised or discussed.
It is essential to recognize that the three branches of government, the executive, the legislature and the judiciary should prioritize the Buddhist doctrine within our nation. While debate may arise regarding the specifics of implementation, the fundamental principle remains indisputable. As a government, it is imperative that we adhere to it. If there is a desire to amend this principle, it must be done through constitutional amendments.
The constitution of our country underscores three fundamental principles: people’s sovereignty, prioritizing Buddhism and maintaining territorial integrity. It is imperative that we uphold these principles as the basis for our actions. Any opposition to these principles is deemed a violation of the constitution.
The President made these remarks during his participation in the opening ceremony of the “Gurudev Suva Arana Gilan Bhikshu Centre” constructed in Kiriwatthuduwa, Homagama, today (01).
USS Spruance of the United States Navy which arrived at the port of Colombo on a replenishment visit on 18 th November 2024, departed the island today (19th November), after successfully completing its replenishment operations.
The Sri Lanka Navy extended a ceremonial farewell, upholding its rich naval traditions, as she departed.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) ship SAMIDARE, which arrived in Sri Lanka on 17th November 2024, departed the island today (19th November), on successful completion of her formal visit. The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Colombo port, following naval traditions.
On her departure, JMSDF SAMIDARE engaged in a successful Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with SLNS Gajabahu in Colombo seas. The PASSEX involved training exercises in communication and tactical maneuvering, concluding with the traditional cheer ship salute.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, the Commanding Officer of the ship, Commander Naoki KOGA called on the Commander Western Naval Area and Commandant Volunteer Naval Force, Rear Admiral Chinthaka Kumarasinghe. Meanwhile, the crew members took time off to visit some of the tourist attractions in the country as well.
Foreign naval ships making port calls are essential for promoting collaboration among naval forces. These visits not only support naval exercises and training activities but also enable the sharing of knowledge and information regarding distinctive maritime environments. This exchange proves especially advantageous in tackling common maritime challenges.
[Navy Media]
The first Cabinet meeting of the new government was held today (19) at the Presidential Secretariat under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
During the meeting, Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, was appointed as the Cabinet Spokesperson for the new government.
[PMD]
USS Spruance departs Colombo
JMSDF SAMIDARE departs island concluding formal visit
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