News
Indonesian Ambassador presents Buddha statue to PM Gunawardena
Indonesian Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Dewi Gustina Tobing presented a Buddha statue to Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena last week. The ceremonial handover took place at the Dharmayathanaya Temple in Colombo and was observed by Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera, the temple’s founder and chief incumbent.
A press release from the Embassy said that the Buddha statue, a gift from Indonesia, was granted by Bhikkhu Sri Pannavaro Mahathera, the Head of Sangha Theravada Indonesia. Crafted by top artisans in Muntilan near Borobudur Temple, the statue is carved from a single block of high-quality andesite stone, weighing approximately one ton. Standing 140 cm tall, it is modeled after the Buddha statue at Mendut Temple, and is noted for its historical, archaeological, aesthetic, social, cultural, and religious significance.
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Gunawardena expressed heartfelt gratitude towards Indonesia and its Buddhist community for this remarkable contribution. He praised the statue’s exceptional quality and its embodiment of the values central to Buddhism.
Ambassador Tobing highlighted the statue as a powerful symbol of the deep cultural and spiritual connections between Indonesia and Sri Lanka. She remarked, “This statue reflects the enduring bond of peace, compassion, and enlightenment that characterizes both our nations’ shared Buddhist heritage. It represents not only a religious symbol but also our commitment to mutual understanding and cooperation.”
The gift of the Buddha statue underscores the long-standing and enduring relationship between Indonesia and Sri Lanka, a bond that has been nurtured since the 8th century. The statue serves as a testament to the strong and supportive ties that continue to unite the two countries through a shared reverence for Buddhism and its teachings.
In terms of the provisions of the Establishments Code on payment of festival advance to government officers, there’s a possibility of obtaining rupees 10,000/- as an advance for celebrating festivals of Theipongal, Ramazan, Sinhala and Hindu New Year, Wesak, Deepavali, and Christmas as well as for pilgrimages (Sri Paada pilgrimage and Hajj pilgrimage).
Provisions have been given to recover the said advance in 08 installments or if required earlier without interest. It has been proposed by the Budget 2026 to increase the said festival advance up to rupees 15,000/-.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local governments to revise the relevant provisions so that the festival advance can be increased up to rupees 15,000/- .
As per the approval given by the cabinet meeting held on 02-06-2025, action is being taken at present to offer the underutilized lands/properties of the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Etate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation Company which are under the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure which have been identified under stage one to suitable investors.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure to provide following lands/properties on a lease basis to the suitable investors for optimal utilization following the prescribed procurement procedure.
• underutilized lands/properties identified under stage two owned by the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Estate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation
Company,
• The Mawarala watte land and the Tea factory 40.48 hectares in extent, located in Matara District belonging to the Tea Shakthi Fund.
• The underutilized land of 1,541 hectares in extent of Kondachchi Estate is enjoyed by the Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation.
The drafting of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has commenced with the objective of equitable distribution of the benefits of the fisheries industry and the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture. This policy has been updated from time to time according to current requirements. However, steps have not been taken to obtain the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for that purpose.
According to the policy declaration of the present government, ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’ the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has been redrafted, updating the aforementioned policy in line with the economic and development objectives of the government.
The recommendations of the Department of National Planning have been received for the drafted policy.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Marine
Resources to implement the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, integrating it with other relevant policies.
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Festival advance for government officers to be increased
Providing underutilized lands/properties to suitable investors for optimal utilization.
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