News

113th Annual Feast of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Matara begins

Published

6 years ago

2020/09/1

The flag staff being raised yesterday evening commencing the festivities of the 113th Annual Feast of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Matara

Text and pictures by PRIYAN DE SILVA

The 113th Annual Feast of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Matara commenced yesterday evening with the raising of the flag staff.

The Administrator of the Shrine Rev. Fr. Michael Colin Nixon said that the festivities would be held on a low key in keeping with health guidelines imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that there would be neither special transport arrangements nor accommodation facilities provided for pilgrims to stay over.

The programme of events for this year’s feast is as follows:

31st August to 3rd September 4.30 pm Rosary, Holy Mass followed by Novena

4th September- 4.30pm Holy hour and Benediction

Celebrant – Very Rev. Fr. Charles Hewawasam (Vicar General of the Diocese of Galle)

5th September- 8.30am Holy Mass

10.00am Holy Mass

11.30am Holy Mass

3.30 pm Welcoming of the Bishops and dignitaries

4.15pm Rosary, Litany, Vespers followed by the Marian Procession with the Miraculous Statue of Our Lady of Matara

Chief Celebrant – Most Rev. Dr. Harrold Anthony Perera the Bishop of Kurunegala

6th September- 08.00am Festive High Mass

Chief Celebrant- Most Rev. Dr. Raymond Wickremesinghe

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News

UN Delegation Meets Chief of Staff to the President

Published

9 hours ago

2026/09/8

Priyan

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]

News

Afghanistan to host Zimbabwe, Bangladesh in ODI tri-series

Published

10 hours ago

2026/09/8

Priyan

Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe will lock horns in a tri-series [Cricbuzz]

Afghanistan will host Zimbabwe and Bangladesh in an ODI tri-series in UAE from October 17 to 23. This comes as a precursor to the T20I series and the two Tests between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe in the same country. The three T20Is will be played on October 27, 29 and November 1, and will be followed by the two Tests – the first commencing on November 5 and the second from November 13.

Zimbabwe and Bangladesh will get the tri-series going on October 17, with Zimbabwe then facing Afghanistan on October 19. The hosts will meet Bangladesh on October 21 before the summit clash on October 23.

Before Zimbabwe reach UAE for the tri-series and the subsequent bilateral matches, Afghanistan and Bangladesh will also contest in a one-off Test from October 9 to 13.

“This is an important tour for Zimbabwe, offering our players high-quality competition across all three formats,” Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni said.

“The ODI tri-series will test us against two strong sides, while the two Tests are especially valuable as we continue seeking more regular opportunities in the longest format. We sincerely appreciate the Afghanistan Cricket Board for hosting this programme and the Bangladesh Cricket Board for their cooperation. We look forward to a competitive and exciting tour.”

The Afghanistan Cricket Board too welcomed the prospect of playing matches in all three formats in the series.

“Playing Bangladesh and Zimbabwe across different formats will provide our players with valuable competitive opportunities and offer our supporters an exciting period of international cricket,” Afghanistan Cricket Board Chief Executive Officer Naseeb Khan.

“The Afghanistan Cricket Board remains committed to providing our national team with regular, high-quality international cricket. We highly value our relationships with the Bangladesh Cricket Board and Zimbabwe Cricket and appreciate their cooperation in making these important assignments possible,” he added.

[ Cricbuzz]

Latest News

INS Udaygiri makes port call in Colombo

Published

15 hours ago

2026/09/8

Priyan

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.