Business

Sri Lanka hosts world’s first Meditation Conference

Published

1 year ago

2025/01/1

Thilina Walpola

A meditation session in progress at the Centre for Meditation Research

By Professor Saroj Jayasinghe

Unknown to many, Sri Lanka has made history. Few in the country were likely aware that the UN General Assembly had declared December 21st as World Meditation Day. On December 6th, a momentous occasion took place. According to the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York, the draft resolution L.27, titled “World Meditation Day,” was presented to the UN General Assembly.

A core group of six countries, including Liechtenstein, Andorra, Mexico, Nepal, and India, worked alongside Sri Lanka, which played a pivotal role in this achievement. Seventy-one member states from diverse geographical regions and cultural backgrounds co-sponsored the resolution, which was adopted by consensus without the need for a vote. The resolution acknowledges meditation’s universal contribution to health and well-being. Sri Lanka’s leadership in facilitating negotiations was instrumental in its adoption, marking a historic moment for the nation.

Unfortunately, this significant achievement received little prior publicity in Sri Lankan media, leaving many unaware of its importance. Nevertheless, with just 14 days until the inaugural World Meditation Day, a dedicated group of academics from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Colombo took on the ambitious task of organizing an international academic conference, placing Sri Lanka firmly on the global map of meditation.

This event holds enduring significance as the world’s first conference dedicated to meditation, taking place on the very first World Meditation Day. The organizers collaborated with the Sri Lankan Mission for UNESCO, aligning the program with the UN resolution, which “invites all Member and observer States, organizations within the United Nations system, international and regional bodies, civil society, non-governmental organizations, and individuals to observe World Meditation Day in appropriate ways to raise awareness of the benefits of meditation.”

The outcome exceeded all expectations. The conference brought together experts and academics from nine countries, with over 250 registrants from around the world, reflecting global interest in meditation.

The online symposium commenced promptly at 9:00 AM Sri Lankan Time on December 21st and continued until 1:00 PM. The event opened with a welcome address by Senior Professor Vajira Dissanayake, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Colombo. This was followed by a message from Sri Lanka’s Chargé d’Affaires, Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, who described the UN declaration as a significant step toward raising awareness of meditation’s contributions to health, well-being, and the broader vision of a peaceful, sustainable world. Dr. Sirimali Fernando, Secretary General of the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO, highlighted UNESCO’s role in promoting mental health through cultural initiatives such as meditation.

The academic program was thoughtfully curated, featuring diverse topics such as the global impact of meditation, its potential in achieving sustainability, and cutting-edge research.

Renowned meditators from the UK, Australia, the USA, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia shared their personal reflections, while participants from Bhutan, India, Myanmar, and Thailand presented meditation practices unique to their countries. Groundbreaking research from India and Sri Lanka showcased meditation’s positive effects on bodily functions, the brain, well-being, and diseases such as Parkinson’s and diabetes.

A video presentation by the Centre for Meditation Research at the Faculty of Medicine in Colombo highlighted the work of seven doctoral students. Their research underscored meditation’s potential to promote social harmony and environmental awareness, emphasizing its relevance in fostering global peace and addressing the climate crisis.

Esteemed international speakers included Bhante Shravasti Dhammika from Australia, Ven. Luang Por Khemadhammo OBE from the UK, Malaysian practitioner Chee Bock Chwee, Dr. Karma Tenzin from Bhutan, Prof. Aurobinda Routray from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, Dr. Moe Thida Kyaw representing Myanmar, Asst. Prof. Tanatchaporn Kittikong from Thailand, and Dr. Iresha Goonesinghe a cardiologist from the USA. Sri Lanka was represented by Professors Dilshani Dissanayake and Saroj Jayasinghe. The compere was Professor Jeevani Herath.

The symposium included a serene, guided meditation session led by Venerable Panadure Chandrarathana from the Nissarana Vanaya Forest Monastery in Sri Lanka. This session, joined by participants from across the globe, exemplified the unifying power of meditation.

The event received financial support from the University of Colombo, UNESCO, the Rekhi Foundation, and other contributors.

The Centre for Mediation Research can be reached at https://med.cmb.ac.lk/cmr/

(The writer is an advisor to The Centre for Mediation Research, University of Colombo)

All News Advertisement

Business

Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled

Published

17 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).

The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.

Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.

Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.

The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.

Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.

He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.

Business

Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership

Published

17 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.

Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”

Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.

“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”

Business

Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive

Published

17 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.

For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.

The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.

Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.

Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”