News
Archaeology Department and Bauddhaloka Foundation sign MoU to conserve ancient Kurundimale temple in Mullaitivu

The Department of Archaeology and Bauddhaloka Foundation signe an MoU yesterday to excavate and conserve the ancient Kurundimale temple and adjoining sites of archeological importance.
The MoU was signed at a ceremony held at the Department by Director General of Archeology Prof. Anura Manatunga and Chairman of the Bauddhaloka Foundation Jagath Sumathiapala in the presence of National Heritage, Performing Arts and Rural Arts Promotion State Minister Vidura Wicramanayake and secretary to the Ministry Nishanthi Jayasinghe.
Prof. Manatunga said that it was the responsibility of the Department of Archeology to protect the heritage, identity and dignity of Sri Lanka. It was the responsibility as well as the duty of all employees of the Department.
Prof. Manatunga said that as archeologists, they treated the Kurundimale Temple, the Munneswaram Kovil, the Temple of the Tooth Relic as well as the Nallur Kovil equally, and that archeologists were people who look at things scientifically and make decisions accordingly. He said that the excavations at Kurundimale had commenced, considering the archeological significance of the site and even if it was a Hindu temple, they would be ready to work there. He mentioned that in the early nineteenth century English officials had identified the site as a Buddhist shrine, and that John Steele, who had previously conducted research in the North East under H.C.P. Bell had clearly stated that it was a large Buddhist temple. This is also known as the largest Buddhist monument in the Mullaitivu District, he said.
The Director General of Archeology said that work on the site had not begun for the past three decades due to the war, and now it was appropriate to begin work on the site because more than a decade had passed since the war ended.
He said that he and his group had been involved in the excavations at the Kurundimale Temple in 2021 and found the ruins of a large stupa there. He said that the Yupa pillar of the stupa had been discovered and that the Stupa in early days had that pillar. That element, which stood as an octagonal tower, was the most sacred part of the stupa, and the fact that the element was found in ruins clearly showed that it was a ruin of a stupa and Buddhist monastery. Surveys had confirmed that it was a monastery belonging to the Pabbata Vihara type. He said that not only Kurundimale but also several archeological sites were expected to be conserved in the next few years with the support of the people of the area as well as contribution of scholars, university students and the Army.
Prof. Manatunga said that conservation work of the Kurundimale site had begun on 11 May, 2021. The Bauddhaloka Foundation had come forward to assist in the conservation and further excavation work at the site. (SI)
News
Turkish Naval Ship TCG BÜYÜKADA departs island concluding her visit

The Turkish Naval Ship TCG BÜYÜKADA which arrived in Sri Lanka on a formal visit, departed the island on 18 Jun 25.
The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing
ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions. Upon leaving, the Turkish Naval Ship 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.
Meanwhile, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Sri Lanka, Semih Lütfü Turgut, accompanied by the Commanding Officer of the visiting ship, Lieutenant Commander Anil
BİLGİN met with the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda at the Navy Headquarters on 13 Jun 25. The cordial discussion mainly focused on several matters of
bilateral importance and it importance of the occasion.
During her stay in Colombo, crew members of TCG BÜYÜKADA took part in several programmes including sporting events organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the island.
Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit the Turkish Naval Ship gaining insights into the ship’s operational capabilities.
Meanwhile, the enhanced cooperation and interoperability fostered through this nature of port calls made by foreign naval ships will provide a strong foundation for the Sri Lanka Navy to
collectively and effectively respond to emerging trends and challenges in the maritime fraternity.
News
Students of Nittambuwa Sanghabodhi National School visit President’s House

A group of students from Nittambuwa Sanghabodhi National School visited the Presidential Secretariat and the President’s House on Wednesday (18).
The visit was facilitated under the ‘Vision’ programme series, a collaborative initiative for schoolchildren organised by the Presidential Secretariat, the Ministry of Education and the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
As part of the visit, the students toured the Old Parliament building located within the Presidential Secretariat and received a briefing on the history of parliamentary democracy in Sri Lanka.
The students and teaching staff were also briefed on the Clean Sri Lanka initiative, spearheaded by President Anura Kumara Disanayake, as well as on the functions of the executive branch and the importance of the rule of law.
To symbolically emphasise the importance of environmental preservation, K.M.N. Kumarasinghe, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, presented the school with a valuable plant sapling.
Among those in attendance were Colonel Dhananjaya Senarath, Deputy Director of the Tri-Forces Security Operations Coordinating Unit; N.A.L. Wijerathna, Principal of Nittambuwa Sanghabodhi National School; and members of the school’s teaching staff.
News
President commends the service of outgoing Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana

President Anura Kumara Disanayake on Wednesday (18), lauded Mahinda Siriwardana, the outgoing Secretary to the Treasury, for his exemplary service, stating that it is the responsibility of public officials to strive to prevent adverse outcomes and contribute to positive change.
The President particularly commended Mr Siriwardana’s exceptional dedication and commitment in expertly navigating the nation’s economy through the transformative period following the recent economic crisis, ultimately achieving significant economic victories for the country. President Disanayake expressed his gratitude for Mr Siriwardana’s invaluable contributions.
These remarks were made by President Disanayake at a farewell ceremony organised at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday (18) morning to mark Mr Siriwardana’s retirement from his post as Secretary to the Treasury.
The President highlighted the need for a new value system focused on individual merit in an era where material possessions often overshadow genuine human values. He stressed that the country requires a public service driven by humanity and empathy towards others, fulfilling its duties rather than one marred by excessive consumerism and corruption.
President Disanayake further emphasised that the public service should not be an inaccessible mechanism aloof from citizens. He underscored the importance of considering the impact of decisions on people’s lives when making policy choices. The President concluded by stating that young public officials have much to learn from the distinguished career of Mr Mahinda Siriwardana, a senior public servant with extensive experience and profound understanding.
In his address, Mr Siriwardana described his three-year tenure as Secretary to the Treasury as the most significant period of his professional life. He thanked the President for maintaining confidence in him and allowing him to continue in the position despite a change in government leadership, noting that the President’s support was a great source of strength. Mr Siriwardana added that the country might not have overcome its economic crisis without President Anura Kumara Disanayake’s faith, resilience and boundless dedication.
During the ceremony, the President also presented Mr Siriwardana with a token of appreciation for his outstanding service.
The event was attended by Dr Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development; Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning; Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President; Dr Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Presidential Adviser on Digital Economy; Duminda Hulangamuwa, Senior Presidential Adviser on Economic Affairs; other government officials; and family members of Mr Siriwardana, amongst other invited guests.
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