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Lanka’s first Cabinet rank High Commissioner in India, Milinda Moragoda, assumes duties
High Commissioner-designate of Sri Lanka to India, Milinda Moragoda, appointed with the Cabinet rank, assumed duties at a simple ceremony held at the High Commission of Sri Lanka in New Delhi yesterday (30) after an unusual delay. His appointment to the post was announced about a year ago.
The staff of the High Commission received High Commissioner-designate Moragoda and Mrs. Jennifer Moragoda, presenting the traditional sheaf of betel leaves. Mr. Moragoda assumed duties amidst chanting of Seth Pirith by the Venerable Maha Sangha including Most Ven. Dr. Niyangoda Vijithasiri Anu Nayaka Thera, Most Ven. Prof. Kollupitiye Mahindasangharakkhitha Anu Nayaka Thera, Most Ven. Thirikunamale Ananda Maha Nayaka Thera, Most Ven. Prof. Kotapitiye Rahula Anu Nayaka Thera and the General Secretary of the Mahabodhi Society of India Most Ven. Pelawatte Seewali Nayaka Thera via zoom platform.
Following the assumption of duties, the High Commissioner-designate addressed the staff of the High Commission and stressed the importance of working as one team to advance the interests of Sri Lanka, and to take India-Lanka relations to new heights.
At the staff meeting, High Commissioner-designate Moragoda officially announced his policy framework “Integrated Country Strategy for the Sri Lanka Diplomatic Missions in India 2021/2023”, which is expected to provide an indicative framework for the work of the Sri Lanka Diplomatic Missions in India for the next two years.
This policy framework is based on satara sampadha or the four accomplishments, referred to in the Vyagghapajja Sutta of the Pali Canon, which comprises saddh?, s?la, c?ga, and paññ?, which in the modern context of international relations, could be interpreted as trust, virtuous behaviour, sacrifice and thorough understanding, respectively. The document can be accessed via https://www.slhcindia.org/images/stories/N_images/PDF/ics%20english%20final300821.pdf
High Commissioner-designate Milinda Moragoda’s career has spanned business, government, politics, diplomacy, media and academia. He is the twenty 26th High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
INS Sahyadri sets sail from Colombo
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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