News
Muthuraja gifted by Thailand finds safe caring refuge at Dehiwala zoo
By Ifham Nizam
Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Ministry Secretary had been instructed to take necessary steps to take care of Muthuraja Elephant at the Dehiwala National Zoological Garden.The Muthuraja elephant is a gift from Thailand to the former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and she in turn donated the elephant to the Aluthgama Kande Vihara temple.
“This is elephant is a gift from the Thai Government and it is our duty do the best to care of the Tusker, we also believe that tusker could fill the void at the zoo created by the recent death of longtime resident there Bandula,” a Ministry spokesperson said.
Animal Rights activists recently revealed that the elephant faced severe harassment due to callous handling of the elephant by its keeper.Therefore, the Thai Ambassador in Sri Lanka took the Muthuraja elephant from the Kande Vihara and entrusted it to Dehiwala Zoological Garden. The elephant is now very safe amid the care given by the staff of the Dehiwala Zoo, the Ministry said.
As it was earlier reported that the Thai ambassador to Sri Lanka has decided to take the Muthuraja elephant back to Thailand, Wednesday (16) the Minister of Agriculture, Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation, Mahinda Amaraweera had a long discussion with the Secretary to the Ministry, Chandra Herath regarding retaining of Muthuraja elephant in this country.
Accordingly, the National Zoological Department has agreed to keep the Muthuraja elephant in the Dehiwala Zoo, then the Minister advised the Secretary to discuss with the Thai Ambassador and take the necessary steps.
The Director General of the Zoo Department stated that the elephant is currently in a very good condition in the Dehiwala Zoo and the Thai Ambassador to Sri Lanka who visited the elephant was very happy with the steps taken to take care of Muthuraja.
It has been reported that, former Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, General Hamilton Wanasinghe has passed away at the age of 91.
Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake has instructed relevant officials to provide the maximum support necessary to successfully hold the Global Bora Community’s Spiritual Assembly and Convention scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka.
The Secretary to the President issued these instructions during discussions held on Thursday (12) at the Presidential Secretariat regarding the Global Bora Conference and Convention.
The Bora Conference and Convention will be held from 27 June to 05 July, coinciding with the Bora Community’s Spiritual Assembly, centred on the Bambalapitiya Bora Mosque and the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre, with the participation of the community’s Spiritual Leader His Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin Sahib.
Approximately fifteen thousand members of the Bora Community from India and numerous other countries are expected to arrive in Sri Lanka for this Convention and Conference. Extensive discussions were held regarding the provision of all infrastructure facilities, including airport arrangements, for them.
A group of the Bora Community’s religious leaders, along with officials including the Secretary to the Foreign Ministry, Aruni Ranaraja and Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, participated in this occasion.
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has reached consensus with Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna (SLPP), United National Party (UNP) and the People’s Alliance (PA) to take control of Akurana, Kadugannawa, Kuliyapitiya and Udubaddawa Pradeshiya Sabhas.
Opposition parties made the announcement at a joint media briefing by SJB National Organiser Tissa Attanayake, SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam, PA General Secretary Lasantha Alagiyawanna and UNP General Secretary Thalatha Athukorala.
Terms of 161 out of 339 local government bodies to which elections were held in May commenced on June 2. The ruling NPP and the Opposition parties have been trying to seize control of the remaining councils. Contestants failed to secure working majorities in 178 councils. Both sides have accused each other of trying to bribe elected members in a bid to take control of the councils.
Elections were not held to two local government institutions on 06 May—the Kalmunai Urban Council due to a court case and the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha (PS), which was elected last year.
Responding to questions, the Opposition spokespersons said that they were confident of forming administration and many more councils.
SJB sources said that the Opposition was also working on an arrangement regarding the Colombo Municipal Council scheduled to meet on Monday (16) for the first time when the Mayor will be elected.
Leader of Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Mano Ganeshan, MP, has alleged that the NPP bribed two of its members in the Haldumulla PS to vote in favour of the person nominated by the NPP as the chairman.
Israel launches ‘major strike’ on Iran’s military, nuclear sites
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