The 59th birthday of Venerable Bergama Wimaladhamma Thera, the Chief Incumbent of Nawala Wimala Vihara, is set to be observed today (23), with a series of Pinkamas organized by the temple to mark the occasion. Born on March 23, 1967, in Beragama, Ambalantota, Wimaladhamma Thero was ordained as a monk in 1981 at the age of 14 under the guidance of the Mahanayake of the Amarapura Chapter, Rev. Verellane Wimalathissa Nayake Thero.

He later received his higher ordination under several distinguished monks, including Ven. Weligama Sumanaransi Thero, Hikkaduwe Ginajasara Thero, Ambalangoda Sumangala Nayake Thero, and Kotogoda Dhamamwasa Uttharaithara Maha Nayake Thero. Currently, he serves as the Mulya Lekhkadikari of the Amarapura Chapter. Recently, he was honored with the Maha Vihara Vansalankara Saddharmakeerthi Sri Vichithrabhani title and the Chief Sanghanayake position of Salpitiya Korale. He also holds the position of Chief Sanghanayake of the Western Province.

Rajakeeya Pandit Ven. Kandegedara Sobitha Thero of Ratmalana Jayasumanarama Vihara stated that the annual sermon series initiated by Ven. Werellane Vimalathissa Nayaka Thero, originally named “Nawala Dharma Desana,” has now evolved into the significant platform ‘Saddharmavahini,’ complete with its own television channel. The initiative is aimed at spreading the teachings of Dharma worldwide. This year, the traditional birthday celebrations will take place on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the historic Kirivehera Puja Grounds in Ruhuna Magampaththuwa, in the evening.

The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka (MMCA Sri Lanka) opened the third and final rotation of their exhibition ‘Total Landscaping’ on 15 March. Curated by Sandev Handy and Thinal Sajeewa, the exhibition will close on 29 May 2025.

‘Total Landscaping’ explores the broad, dramatic, and stirring ways in which land has been transformed in Sri Lanka. The exhibition brings together 29 contemporary artists whose works go beyond traditional illustrations of landscapes. Instead, their works register the different ways in which perceptions of land have been constructed and contested. ‘Total Landscaping’ unfolds as a sequence of changing displays that elicit an all-out renegotiation of our relationships with land.

“The final rotation of ‘Total Landscaping’ brings together artists who disrupt conventional ways of seeing. They challenge us to reconsider the frames—both literal and conceptual—that shape our understanding of land, history, and ecology,” said Handy, who is Senior Curator at the MMCA Sri Lanka. He added “The act of framing is never neutral—it determines what is seen, what is hidden, and how we relate to the landscapes around us. From fragmented perspectives to buried national narratives, what is represented in these works remind us that landscapes are not passive backdrops but dynamic spaces of memory, contestation, and imagination waiting to be unearthed.”

Rotation 3 of ‘Total Landscaping’ features Bandu Manamperi (b.1972), Danushka Marasinghe (b.1985), Deshan Tennekoon (b.1977), Isuri Dayaratne (b.1985), Laki Senanayake (1937–2021), M. Vijitharan (b.1985), Muhanned Cader (b.1966), Ruvin de Silva (b.1986), Sakina Aliakbar (b.1996), Suntharam Anojan (b.1991), and Tashiya de Mel (b.1991).

Sajeewa, Assistant Curator at the MMCA Sri Lanka noted that, “This exhibition was in the works for the last two years and only scratches the surface on the curatorial research we have done about landscape.” He also said that, “The reception we have had from different audiences has been exceptional. Over 10,000 people have visited the exhibition so far, including over 900 participants for student outreach events and our public programmes. Entrance to our museum and all our public programmes is free, and I encourage everyone living in or visiting Sri Lanka to drop by to view the new rotation of ‘Total Landscaping’.”

The MMCA Sri Lanka is an education-led initiative that aims to establish a public museum dedicated to the display, research, collection, and conservation of modern and contemporary art for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public, schools, and tourists. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm (except on Poya days and public holidays) on the ground floor of Crescat Boulevard, Colombo 3, and entrance to the museum and all its public programmes are free. Information about the museum and its exhibitions and public programmes can be found via its website, www.mmca-srilanka.org, or on Facebook at facebook.com/mmcasrilanka and Instagram at instagram.com/mmcasrilanka/.

The International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS), a pioneer in healthcare training for over 23 years, has partnered with the University of Surrey, UK, to revolutionise healthcare education in Sri Lanka and the broader South Asian region. This will create a world-class academic pathway for aspiring nursing and healthcare professionals, as well as young individuals seeking careers in the field. Under this agreement, IIHS and the University of Surrey will introduce a series of academic initiatives to enhance healthcare training and accessibility. These include delivering internationally recognised nursing programmes that allow Sri Lankan and regional students to earn globally competitive qualifications in Sri Lanka.

Commenting on the move, Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe, CEO & Dean of Undergraduate Studies at IIHS, said: “This MOU marks a significant step in our mission to deliver world-class healthcare education to Sri Lanka and the region. IIHS remains dedicated to shaping the future of healthcare professionals and fostering global healthcare leadership.” Dr. Shelini Surendran, Associate Dean (International) at the University of Surrey, emphasised: “Sri Lanka is establishing itself as a regional education hub, and this partnership ensures students across Asia can access top-tier UK healthcare education at IIHS. By bridging academic excellence with accessibility, we provide students with a clear pathway to their professional goals.” This initiative will strengthen Sri Lanka’s role as a centre of excellence in healthcare education by; attracting international students, enhancing the education sector and economy; addressing the global nursing shortage through highly skilled graduates, and elevating Sri Lanka’s academic standing through research and international collaborations.