News
Stronger Indo-Sri Lanka cultural relations sought
Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda recently met with the President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe to discuss ways and means to further strengthen cultural cooperation between Sri Lanka and India, Moragoda’s New Delhi office said.
Director General of the ICCR Ambassador Dinesh K. Patnaik was also present at the meeting.
Founded in 1950, the ICCR, is an autonomous organization of the Government of India, involved in India’s external cultural relations, through cultural exchange with other countries and their peoples.
“Over the years, a large number of Sri Lankan students have benefited from ICCR scholarships in various academic disciplines. The ICCR offers approximately 200 scholarships to Sri Lanka for undergraduate and post-graduate studies in India annually,” a news release said.
The discussion between Moragoda and Sahasrabuddhe focused on inter alia enhancing the number of scholarships provided by the ICCR to Sri Lanka, compiling of a comprehensive publication on the Buddhist sites throughout India, and jointly celebrating the centenary of the first visit of Rabindranath Tagore to Sri Lanka next year, the release said.
The High Commissioner also requested the President of ICCR to support enhancing Hindi and Sanskrit language capabilities of the higher education institutions in Sri Lanka.
Moragoda also presented a copy of his policy road map “Integrated Country Strategy for Sri Lanka Diplomatic Missions in India 2021/2023” and a copy of the Hindi version of the booklet “The History of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya”, authored by Anagarika Dharmapala and translated by Hasara Dasuni Hirimuthugoda, to Sahasrabuddhe.
Minister (Administration) of the High Commission, Upul Pushpakumara accompanied Moragoda to the meeting.
A meeting between UN Resident Coordinator Marc-André Franche and Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi was held on Monday (07) morning at the Presidential Secretariat.
Particular attention was given to the Government’s programme to resettle people who lost their homes due to Cyclone Ditwah.
The Government’s programme to address potential disasters that may arise in the future amid El Nino conditions was also discussed. The Chief of Staff to the President briefed the UN Resident Coordinator on the Government’s preparedness and plans to address such challenges.
Mr Franche stated that the United Nations was prepared to provide the necessary assistance to the Government to support the successful implementation of these programmes.
Partnerships and Development Finance Specialist at the United Nations Azam Bakeer Markar and UN Sri Lanka Humanitarian and Resilience Officer Wagisha Perera also participated in the discussion.
[President’s Media Division]
[ Cricbuzz]
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Udaygiri arrived at the Port of Colombo on an official visit today, 8 September 2026, where it was received by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with time-
honoured naval traditions.
INS Udaygiri is a 149.02m long Frigate, Commanded by Captain Vikas Sood. Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer of the visiting ship is scheduled to call on Commander Western Naval
Area, Rear Admiral Harsha De Silva at the Western Naval Command Headquarters.
Captain Sood served as the Defence Adviser at the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka from July 2020 to October 2023.
During their stay in the island, the crew of INS Udaygiri will participate in several goodwill events organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two forces.
The visiting personnel are also scheduled to visit prominent tourist and cultural locations across the island.
Additionally, Sri Lanka Navy personnel are expected to visit the ship for capability observation and knowledge sharing, and will conduct onboard training during its stay.
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