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Lankan cultural melting pot presented at London celebration Independence Day

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1 year ago

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Acting High Commissioner Manori Mallikarachchi speaking at the event

By Sujeeva Nivunhella
reporting from London

For the first time in London, the Sri Lankan High Commission hosted a special reception dedicated to community engagement in celebration of the nation’s 77th Independence Anniversary. The event, held at the Sarah Siddons Theatre at the City of Westminster College’s Paddington Green Campus, brought together over 350 members of the Sri Lankan community, friends of Sri Lanka, and well-wishers.

The reception featured a vibrant cultural segment, showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich artistic traditions. It began with a traditional Kandyan dance performed by the Kandyan Dancers Company, followed by a Bharathanatyam performance by Branava Nartanalaya. The Rupavahini Muthuhara Children’s Society UK 2515 captivated the audience with a series of songs, while a fusion dance performance brought together elements of both Kandyan and Bharathanatyam styles, symbolising unity in diversity.

Interspersed between performances were speeches from prominent community leaders, including Dr. Mohan Siriwardena (Buddhist community), Kanagaratnam Rajamenon (Hindu community), Shakeer Nawas (Islamic community), and Dr. Roshan Jayalath (Christian community). Each speaker reflected on the contributions of the Sri Lankan diaspora and the importance of fostering unity and harmony within the community.

In her keynote address, the Acting High Commissioner Manori Mallikarachchi emphasized this year’s Independence theme, ‘Towards a National Renaissance,’ highlighting the resilience of the Sri Lankan people and the nation’s journey through historical struggles toward independence. She underscored the government’s commitment to transparency, economic transformation, and sustainable development, while also calling upon the Sri Lankan diaspora to actively contribute to the nation’s progress.

“The story of Sri Lanka’s independence is one of resilience and hope. As we mark our 77th year, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose,” she stated, acknowledging the role of key historical figures such as Gongalegoda Banda, Veera Puran Appu, Anagarika Dharmapala, Arumugar Navalar, and C.W.W. Kannangara in shaping the nation’s identity and independence movement.

Reflecting on the nation’s post-independence journey, the Acting High Commissioner addressed the challenges Sri Lanka has faced, including the prolonged civil conflict and the economic crisis of 2022. She commended the resilience of the people and expressed confidence in the leadership of President Dissanayake, whose policies emphasize transparency, accountability, and inclusive development.

She highlighted key governmental initiatives such as the Support to Selected Anti-Corruption Initiatives Project and the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative, launched on 01 Jan., 2025. “‘Clean Sri Lanka’ is not just a campaign but a movement that embodies the essence of a National Renaissance,” she said, urging the community to support the initiative and contribute to creating a cleaner, more ethical society.

This reception marked the first time the Sri Lanka High Commission in London has hosted an event solely focused on community engagement. The event’s success was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Sri Lankan Tamil-owned enterprises such as Regent Group UK, Leaf Hotels Group, Sky Wings, Bala Letting, and Home Care Group, along with Bank of Ceylon, De La Rue, and Capital Metals.

“The collaboration between public and private sectors is vital in strengthening community ties and supporting initiatives that celebrate our shared heritage,” the Acting High Commissioner emphasized.

As Sri Lanka moves forward, the government’s vision is centred on economic transformation, inclusive innovation, and sustainable development. “Empowering marginalized communities and fostering technological advancements are at the heart of our nation’s progress,” she stated, encouraging the diaspora to play an active role in Sri Lanka’s recovery and growth.

In closing, the Acting High Commissioner reiterated the significance of unity and resilience. “As we celebrate 77 years of Independence, let us honour the sacrifices of the past and commit to building a future that reflects the ideals of a Thriving Nation, Beautiful Life.”


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A strong Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system equips individuals with practical, relevant, and future-oriented skills helping to innovate responsibly towards a greener and sustainable future – PM

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2026/03/26

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The Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated as the Chief Guest in the international conference on ’Transforming TVET Systems for climate resilience and green jobs’ organized by Colombo Plan Staff College, Philippines together with the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Sri Lanka on 24 th of March at Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The Conference serves as the flagship event of the five-day Regional Programme on “Transforming TVET for a Digital, Green, and Inclusive Economy” (23-27 March 2026), which continues throughout the week, bringing together representatives from CPSC member countries including Bhutan, Fiji, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, fostering high-level dialogue and knowledge sharing on climate-resilient and green skills development.

The Conference features technical and plenary sessions on climate-responsive TVET systems, green skills development, national policy frameworks, and emerging technologies shaping industry transformation.

Addressing at the event, the Prime Minister emphasized the role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) that equips individuals with practical, relevant, and future-oriented skills in addressing climate change and shaping a sustainable future.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that this transformation remains a national priority for Sri Lanka. She stressed that education must go beyond knowledge dissemination to empower individuals with opportunities, dignity, and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.

She further emphasized the need to integrate environmental sustainability into education and training systems by embedding green skills in curricula, investing in modern training facilities, promoting innovation, and fostering collaboration between training institutions and emerging green industries.

Highlighting the importance of ensuring equity the Prime Minister further stated, that opportunities arising from the green transition must be accessible to all, including youth, young women, people with special needs, and marginalized communities.

Reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to working closely with regional and international partnerships, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of transforming them to actual benefits and partnerships.

The occasion was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education  Nalaka Kaluwewa, Additional Secretary (Vocational Training) Ms. Samanthi Senanayake Director General Colombo Plan Staff College Prof. Dr. Suresh K. Dhameja , TVET administrators, institutional leaders, policymakers, instructors, industry representatives, and international delegates from across the region and seniors officials and officials from Ministries.

(Prime Minister’s Media division)

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PM reviews progress of the committee appointed for the establishment of a National Nursing University

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2026/03/26

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A discussion to review the current progress of the special committee appointed under the government’s policy proposals to establish a National Nursing University aimed at elevating the nursing profession in Sri Lanka to degree level was held on 23rd of March at the Prime Minister’s Office under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister inquired into the progress made by the committee in relation to the establishment of the Nursing University and paid attention to the issues and views presented by the committee members.

Emphasizing that establishing a university is a long-term and complex process, the Prime Minister pointed out the importance of advancing this project in line with higher education standards, without hasty decisions, while also taking into account the existing conflicts and challenges within the university system.

The meeting was attended by the Vice Chairman of the University Grants Commission, Professor K. L. Wasantha Kumara, representatives of the All Ceylon Nurses’ Association, and officials from the Ministry of Health and Mass Media.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

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Heat Index at ‘Caution level’ in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Anuradhapura, Mannar, Vavuniya and Monaragala districts

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12 hours ago

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2026/03/26

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Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of  Meteorology
at 3.30 p.m. on 25 March 2026, valid for 26 March 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in
Anuradhapura, Mannar, Vavuniya and Monaragala districts.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry
of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

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