News
First ever visit of Buddhist and Hindu Priests from Sri Lanka to Saudi Arabia
On the invitation extended by Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al- Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League and President of the Organisation of Muslim Scholars to participate at the Forum titled “Promoting Common Values Among the followers of Religions”, organised by the Muslim World League, an International Islamic Non-Governmental Organisation based in Mecca, Saudi Arabia meant for religious leaders and senior scholars, a delegation led by the Most Venerable Banagala Upatissa Thera, President of the Mahabodi Society of Sri Lanka and Chief Sangha Nayaka for Japan, Chief Priest–Lankaji Temple, Japan and Chief Priest-Sanchi Chethiyagiri Viharaya, India visited Saudi Arabia from 9 -13 May 2022. This is the first ever visit to the Kingdom by a Buddhist Priest.
The Most Venerable Banagala Upatissa Thera addressed the above Forum convened on 11 May at the prestigious Ritz Carlton Hotel in Riyadh. In his address, Most Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thera focused his attention on the similarity of teaching of Lord Buddha and teaching and practices in the Islamic faith. He stated that “Many people would be shocked to think of Islam and Buddism being comparable in anyway and yet if you look closely at their teachings, and their efforts towards peace, they are more similar than one may suspect”. Further elaborating on the teaching of Lord Buddha, the Most Venerable Thera said “Buddhist philosophy is really important for world peace. The mantras and philosophy are valid and useful in everyone’s life not only for Buddhists”.
During his stay in Riyadh, the Venerable Thera also spoke to a few Sri Lankan community members on religious tolerance and understanding. He stressed the importance of positive contribution by the Sri Lankans living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at a time when Sri Lanka faces a critical economic situation.
The Most Venerable Thera also took part in the Vesak Celebration at the Sri Lanka Embassy premises on the 13 May organised by the Sri Lanka Cultural Forum, together with the Sri Lankan community in Riyadh, which included a Bodhi Pooja, and Cultural performance by the students of the Daham Pasala. The Most Venerable monk hailed the Sri Lankan community in Riyadh for scaling down the Vasak celebrations this time and diverting the resources meant for the celebrations for the needy people in Sri Lanka.
He also took part in the Dhana (Alms giving) which was organised at the Embassy on 12 May.
Kurukkal Ramachandra Iyer of the Hindu Religious Department and Ven. Koswatte Palitha Thera also took part in the forum. It is also the first time a Hindu Priest from Sri Lanka has visited the Kingdom.
The government, under heavy Opposition fire over inclusion of a sex website in the Grade 6 English module, as well as overall education reforms, has decided to put on hold reforms in respect of Grade 6.
Cabinet Spokesman and Media and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced the government decision yesterday (13) at the post-Cabinet media briefing at the Information Department.
According to him, the decision had been taken at the previous day’s Cabinet meeting, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Dr. Jayatissa said that education reforms pertaining to Garde 6 had been put on hold until 2027.
The Minister said that other proposed education reforms would be implemented as planned. The Minister said that action would be taken against those responsible for the inclusion of a link to a sex website following investigations conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department and the National Education Institute.
The SJB and several other political parties, as well as civil society groups, have accused the government of promoting an LGBTQ agenda, through the proposed education reforms.
The Opposition grouping Mahajana Handa, on Monday, made representations to the Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatta Chapter regarding the controversial reforms, while urging their intervention to halt the project.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (13) vowed to go ahead with his government’s agenda, regardless of the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Emphasising the responsibility on the part of all to contribute to the post-Ditwah recovery efforts, President Dissanayake said that he would have complete faith in the public service.
The President said so at the launch of the re-building Sri Lanka project at the BMICH yesterday.
The JVP and NPP leader said that he wouldn’t take advantage of the death and destruction caused by the cyclone or use the situation as an excuse to reverse their agenda or weaken it.
President Dissanayake said that in spite of many calling for amending the then Budget, in view of the cyclone, the government presented the proposals that were agreed before the disaster struck.
The United States has announced that it will provide the Sri Lanka Air Force with 10 US Navy TH-57 helicopters free of charge.
The announcement was made by outgoing US Ambassador Julie Chung, who stated, on social media, that the helicopters would be transferred under the United States’ Excess Defence Articles programme. The aircraft are Bell 206 Sea Ranger helicopters previously operated by the US Navy.
US sources said that the transfer was intended to strengthen Sri Lanka’s disaster response capabilities, following the devastating cyclone that struck the island at the end of 2025 and killed more than 600 people. US officials have framed the move as a humanitarian measure aimed at improving aerial rescue and relief operations.
Fair weather will prevail except for a few showers in the Uva, Eastern, Western and Central provinces and in Galle, Matara and Rathnapura districts
Trump cancels US-Iran meetings, urges protesters to take over institutions
Govt. bows to pressure, shelves Grade 6 reforms
AKD: Govt. agenda on track despite Ditwah disaster
SL to receive 10 helicopters from US
Foreign couple held over alleged biopiracy at Horton Plains
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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