News
Lankan duo emerge winners in Latin dance championship held in Blackpool, UK
Sri Lanka’s dance community has earned international recognition as Tarja de Silva and Gihan Umesh Madanpitiya delivered an exceptional performance on the global stage, proudly representing the nation at two of the world’s most prestigious Latin dance championships held in Blackpool, United Kingdom.
The pair first competed at The Open Worlds Latin Dance Championship, held at the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom in Blackpool, UK. Recognised as one of the most celebrated international Latin dance competitions, the championship attracts elite dancers from across the globe, spanning amateur, professional, youth, senior, and formation categories.
Representing Sri Lanka with distinction, Tarja de Silva and Gihan Umesh Madanpitiya secured second place in all five ProAm Single Dance categories, achieving podium finishes in Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive. Their consistent excellence across all five Latin disciplines underscored their technical skill, dedication, and artistry in one of the world’s most competitive dance arenas.
Building on this remarkable achievement, the Sri Lankan duo went on to compete at the 100th Anniversary Blackpool Dance Festival, held at the historic Winter Gardens Blackpool. Widely regarded as the world’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious ballroom and Latin American dance competition, the centenary edition welcomed thousands of professional and amateur dancers from more than 50 countries.
Tarja de Silva and Gihan Umesh Madanpitiya emerged as ProAm Winners in all five Latin dance styles Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive marking a historic triumph at one of the most revered dance festivals in the world.
By Sujeeva Nivunhella
reporting from London
News
Establishment of an Institutional Framework to Inagurate Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority
Policy approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted at their meeting held on 08.06.2026 to establish the Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority for identification and
execution of a formal and long – lasting remedy to secure the central hills including the upper hydro catchment areas enabling them to sustain amidst extreme weather conditions
due to natural calamities and human activities as well as to be used for the sustainable development of the country.
Accordingly, a concept paper has been prepared including
institutional structure, activities, powers, active subject area as well as administrative and coordination mechanism for the proposed authority by an expert technical committee appointed by the Secretary to the President.
Based on the said concept paper, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the President to instruct the Legal Draftsman to prepare a draft bill including legal provisions required for the establishment of Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority.
News
Introduction of Flora and Fauna (Regulation of actions of the Indigenous Community within the nominated areas) Regulations
With the objective of securing the traditional livelihood and the eco system of the indigenous community, it has been recognized the necessity of introducing a formal regulation methodology to secure their engagement in livelihood activities by being more sensitive to the existing laws.
Thereby, the Fauna and Flora (regularizing) regulations under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (Authority 469) have been prepared so that nominated activities within the prescribed area to a member of the indigenous community
who has been registered for securing the rights acquired from law or custom or usage or traditional stance to execute an act within a certain state land that is fundamental to the survival of the indigenous community permission can be granted
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the Minister of Environment to publish the said regulations in the government gazette notification and thereby submit to the Parliament for its concurrence.
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