In response to a request by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, it has been decided to hold a special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic for the public from April 18 to 27.

The exposition will be open to the public on April 18 from 3 p.m. to 5.30 p.m and thereafter, from April 19 to 27, daily from 12 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. A preliminary discussion on the event took place at the President’s House in Kandy under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (2).

President Dissanayake expressed his gratitude to the Mahanayake Theras for granting the Buddhist community of Sri Lanka the opportunity to partake in this sacred event after 16 years. He emphasized that the Buddhist people of Sri Lanka aspire to see the Sacred Tooth Relic revered and worshipped throughout their lifetime.

The President also expressed his belief that this occasion would help restore the declining civility in the country and serve as a catalyst for religious and cultural enlightenment.

Highlighting the significance of organizing such events for the promotion of Buddhist enlightenment, President Dissanayake conveyed his hope that this exposition, which coincides with the New Year celebrations, would help guide the country toward a new direction.

He anticipated the participation of hundreds of thousands of people, with large crowds expected to attend the exposition over the course of the ten-day event. The President stressed that it is the responsibility of all to ensure the public can worship the Sacred Tooth Relic without hindrance and assured that the government would provide full support to facilitate this opportunity for all.

During the discussion, it was decided to establish three separate lines for the public to venerate the Sacred Tooth Relic during the special exposition. President Dissanayake instructed officials to follow the guidance of the Mahanayake Theras regarding the safety of both the Sacred Tooth Relic and the public.

It was also proposed that schools in Kandy be closed during the period of the exposition, with alternative dates for student education to be scheduled. Considerable attention was given to ensuring adequate sanitary facilities for devotees and managing waste effectively. Plans were also made for a vehicle management system to handle the increased traffic during the event.

Additionally, extensive discussions were held regarding the provision of healthcare, drinking water, and other essential services for the public. There was also a proposal to allow people who wish to provide food for devotees to register for the Dansal.

Further discussions focused on the importance of decorating the event in a manner that promotes Buddhist enlightenment and raises awareness about the exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

The meeting was attended by Maha Sangha led by the Malwathu and Asgiri Anunayake Theras, Buddhist Affairs, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Dr.Hiniduma Sunil Senavi, Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation Minister K. D. Lal Kantha, Central Province Governor Sarath Abayakoon, Secretary to the President Dr.Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela, District Secretary, Divisional Secretaries, heads of line institutions, and senior officials from the Tri-Forces and police.

Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa pointed out that the Government is spending more than 40 times the annual budget allocated to the indigenous Ayurvedic medical sector on treating diseases caused by unhealthy dietary habits.

The minister made this revelation during a recent visit to the ‘Research and Propagation Service Herbal Garden’ in Janasavigama, Pallekele, Kandy, which has been established under the National Medicinal Plant Cultivation Project and the Herbal Collection Programme of the Ayurveda Department.

Minister Jayatissa also emphasised that diseases resulting from poor dietary habits have become an unbearable burden on the country. He highlighted that while significant funds are spent on medical treatments, the government is compelled to spend an amount exceeding 40 times the Ayurveda budget annually to treat such illnesses.

He also noted that Ayurveda is not solely about treatments but also prioritises diet as a crucial aspect of health. He stressed that merely spending money on medicine and treatment without preventive measures is ineffective. Considering these issues, he proposed launching a three-year national nutrition programme in collaboration with all relevant sectors.

Under the guidance of the Health Minister, a National Medicinal Plant Cultivation Project and a Herbal Collection Programme have already been initiated to strengthen the production network of Ayurvedic medicines. These initiatives are planned for implementation over the next five years, with the first phase already underway.

The Ayurveda Department manages seven research herbal gardens, located in Giradurukotte, Pallekele, Haldummulla, Pinnaduwa, Pattipola, Kanneliya and Navinna. Additionally, under the Sri Lanka Ayurvedic Drug Corporation, herbal gardens have been established in Nikaweratiya, Medawachchiya, Dangolla, and Ambanpola.

Minister Jayatissa also stated that the Government is working to enhance the network of local herbal gardens and increase domestic production of Ayurvedic medicines. He pointed out that Sri Lanka imports over 130 varieties of medicinal raw materials annually, requiring substantial financial expenditure. However, a large proportion of these medicinal plants can be cultivated locally, he added.

He also emphasised the potential of the national medicinal plant cultivation project to produce surplus medicinal raw materials for export, thereby earning foreign exchange. Additionally, boosting local Ayurvedic medicine production can strengthen the rural economy.

During the visit, the ministers inspected the herbal plants in the garden and participated in a symbolic tree-planting ceremony.

Health and Media Deputy Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Central Province Governor S.B.S. Abeykoon, Central Province Ayurvedic Commissioner W.D.C. Wickramathilaka, Ayurvedic Commissioner Dr. Dhammika Abeygunawardena, Central Province Chief Secretary Ajith Premasinghe, Central Province Health Secretary Jagath Adhikari, Research and Outreach Herbal Garden Supervisory Medical Officer R.R.M.R.V.W.K. Medagama and Ayurvedic hospital doctors and staff attended the observation tour.

Envoy extends official invitation to President to visit Japan:

Japan has expressed its willingness to invest in port and aviation-related projects, as well as digitisation initiatives in Sri Lanka.

This was conveyed by Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Akio ISOMATA during a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday at the President’s Office, the President’s Media Division said.

During the meeting, the Ambassador officially invited President Dissanayake to visit Japan and expressed appreciation for the new Government’s policy framework.

The Japanese Ambassador stated that efforts have been made to include Sri Lanka in the recently launched security cooperation assistance programme by the Government of Japan.

Extensive discussions were held regarding the ongoing and future initiatives of the joint Japan-Switzerland-South Africa programme aimed at fostering national reconciliation among the Northern communities affected by the 30-year conflict. Additionally, they reviewed the current status of Japanese investments in Sri Lanka.

Furthermore, the current status and progress of digital economic and airport investments were discussed. The Ambassador also reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s Digital Transformation Programme, emphasising the Government of Japan’s intention to invest in port and aviation-related projects, as well as digitalisation initiatives in Sri Lanka.

The discussion was attended by President’s Advisor on Economic and Financial Affairs Duminda Hulangamuwa, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Roshan Gamage, Japanese First Secretary and Head of Economics and Development Cooperation Section Kenji OHASHI, and First Secretary and Head of Political Section Shinichi MURATA.

Prasanna Perera Appointed as Director General of the President’s Media Division (PMD). Marking a new chapter in the government’s communication strategy, Prasanna Perera has been appointed as the Director General of the PMD.

The official letter of appointment was handed over to Perera by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (24).

Bringing a wealth of academic expertise to the role, Perera holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Peradeniya.

Senior journalist Chandana Sooriyabandara has been officially appointed as the Media Advisor to the President.
Chandana Sooriyabandara, a senior journalist with over 30 years of experience, has made remarkable contributions to Sri Lanka’s media industry.

Meanwhile, Anuruddha Lokuhapuarachchi, a veteran journalist, has been appointed as the Director of International Media and Strategic Communications under the President’s Media Division.Anuruddha Lokuhapuarachchi, known for his distinguished career in photojournalism, has worked with the international Reuters news agency for nearly two decades. He is credited with introducing digital photography to Sri Lanka’s print media industry. Lokuhapuarachchi also holds an honorary degree in photography and digital imaging.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assured that there is no threat to  national security in Kandy yesterday.The President visited the historic Temple of the  Sacred Tooth Relic where he paid homage to the  Sacred Tooth Relic and received blessings.

Addressing journalists he acknowledged that while conflicts among underworld  groups exist, they do not pose a risk to public safety. The President emphasised that the current Government is taking firm action to  completely eradicate organised crime, which had previously thrived under  political protection.

President Dissanayake also announced that a special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic will be held for the public after the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

He stated that discussions regarding this event were held yesterday (23) with the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiriya Chapters. Arrangements for the exposition were agreed upon with the participation of the Central Province Governor, the Kandy District Secretary, government officials and the Diyawadana Nilame of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited the historic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy yesterday, where he paid homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic and received blessings.

Subsequently, he visited the Malwathu Maha Viharaya, where he met with the Chief Prelate of the Malwathu Chapter, Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera.

The President inquired about the Chief Prelate’s well-being and engaged in a brief discussion. During the visit, the Maha Sangha chanted Seth Pirith (blessings) and bestowed blessings upon the President.

The President then proceeded to the Asgiriya Maha Viharaya, where he met with the Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter, Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thera and engaged in a brief discussion.

Senior monks, including the Anunayaka Theras of the Asgiriya Chapter, were present at the occasion and the Maha Sangha chanted Seth Pirith to invoke blessings upon the President.

Responding to a question from journalists the President reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to conducting the Local Government Elections as soon as possible.

He assured that there are no legal obstacles preventing the Election Commission from holding the elections and that the government has already allocated the necessary funds. The President expressed confidence that the Election Commission will soon announce the election date. Minister Samantha Vidyaratna, Deputy Ministers Dr.Prasanna Gunasena and Dr.Hansaka Wijayamuni, Kandy District MP Thushari Jayasinghe, Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara and several other dignitaries attended.

The 139th birth anniversary of Lake House founder D. R. Wijewardene fell yesterday (February 23). Religious activities to mark the occasion will be held today and the day after.

The Lake House Buddhist Association will conduct an all-night pirith chanting ceremony at the Lake House premises today and an alms-giving for Maha Sangha will be held tomorrow.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake highlighted that due to the mismanagement of public finances by previous administrations, the country had fallen into bankruptcy and is currently operating under a probationary period of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. Given this situation, he emphasized that the Budget 2025 has taken the initial steps towards building a strong and stable economy.

The President made these remarks while participating in the Post-Budget forum 2025 organized by the University of Colombo Master of Business Administration (MBA) Alumni Association held yesterday (19) at Cinnamon Life Hotel in Colombo.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the government aims to utilize the three-year debt moratorium granted through debt restructuring effectively and implement proper economic management to regain debt repayment capacity by 2028.

The President further noted that while many countries in the world have taken decades to recover after facing bankruptcy, Sri Lanka is expected to recover in a significantly shorter period.

The President also highlighted that this year’s budget proposes to increase government revenue to 15.1% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing expenditures based on identified national priorities.

The President emphasized that this year’s budget focuses on expanding the economy by driving economic activities to rural areas and integrating citizens as stakeholders in the economy. He expressed confidence that this approach would enhance the economic benefits available to the people.

The government plans to reintegrate marginalized groups into the economy by establishing small economic units at the village level. As a result, the country aims to foster a surge in Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs), the President stated.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting industries, the President noted that reducing production costs would ultimately provide relief to consumers.

To uplift the nation from rural poverty, the highest budget allocation this year has been directed towards education. This investment aims to restructure both human and physical resources within the school system, transitioning from a linear education model to a more diversified, multi-directional approach.

The budget also prioritizes public expenditure management. Given the high costs associated with delivering public services, the government intends to conduct a comprehensive review of state institution expenditures.

President Dissanayake stressed the importance of maintaining a corruption-free political authority and underscored that fostering a culture where bribery is rejected is a collective responsibility of the citizens.

To establish an export-driven economy, the government plans to sign new trade agreements and anticipates higher export earnings this year.

Additionally, the current administration is focused on developing a port-eccentric economy. The budget has placed special attention on establishing an efficient transshipment hub.

Tourism promotion initiatives will be further strengthened through City Branding programs, with plans to develop key cities such as Anuradhapura, Yapahuwa, and Jaffna as major tourist destinations.

The President also emphasized the need to leverage the country’s diplomatic service to expand economic opportunities for Sri Lanka.

A 30-member Board of Review has been appointed to oversee the collection of taxes on imported teledramas, films, and commercial programs. The appointments were made at the Mass Media Ministry Auditorium on February 17, under the patronage of Minister of Health and Mass Media, Mr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

The board includes a diverse group of experts, including film critics, journalists, academics, teledrama directors, and other media professionals.

The members are as follows:

1. Mr. Gamini Weragama, Film Critic, Veteran Journalist
2. Mr. Tissa Premasiri, Film Critic, Veteran Journalist
3. Prof. S. J. Mr. Yogaraja Professor of Linguistics
4. Mr. Buddhadasa Galappatti Film Critic, Veteran Journalist
5. Mr. Ravindra Guruge Film Director, Veteran Journalist
6. Mr. Kumaradasa Saputhanthree Veteran Lyricist
7. Ms. Chathurika Nimalachandra Senior Lecturer Sripalli University
8. Dr. S.A. Nayana Suraweera Senior Lecturer Sripalli University
9. Ms. Fatima Shanash Senior Lecturer University of Colombo
10. Mr. Ranga Manupriya Senior Lecturer University of Aesthetics
11. Dr. Nuwan Nayanajith Kumara Chief Editor University
12. Mahinda Mr. Prasad Maimbula, Literary Scholar,
13. Mr. Somasiri Ekanayake, Literary Scholar
14. Mr. Lalith P. Dayaratne, Journalist
15. Mr. Sisira Mahagamage, Cultural Promotion Officer
16. Mr. Gayan Weerasinghe, Broadcasting Engineer
17. Mr. Chamaru Pathirana, Journalist
18. Mr. Vajira Perera, Journalist, Communicator
19. Mr. Manohari Hewawasam, Teledrama Director
20. Mr. Suranga Lakmal, Teledrama Director
21. Mr. Shirley Samarasinghe, Film Director
22. Mr. Prasanna Perera, Journalist, Translator
23. Mr. Priyan Wijebandara, Journalist
24. Mr. Dasun Wijesekera, Media and Advertising Planner
25. Mr. Lal Wijethunga, Film Editor and Colorist
26. Mr. Rohitha Silva, Chairman, Salacine Institute
27. Mr. Priyantha Kodippili, Journalist
28. Mr. Tissa Nihal Wickramasinghe, Veteran Writer, Pirivena Teacher
29. Mr. Kapila M. Gamage, Veteran Journalist
30. Mr. Sisira Siripala Yapa, Director Editorial, Lake House

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that the government will take steps to construct an apartment complex for artists and journalists who have made significant contributions to the cultural enrichment of society.

The President shared this information while presenting the budget proposals in Parliament on the morning of the 16th.

A total of 1,996 housing units are being constructed with assistance from the People’s Republic of China.

As part of this initiative, an apartment complex with 108 housing units has been allocated for the Palathuruwatte area in Kottawa.

The President further stated that construction of the complex is expected to begin soon.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, commenced the presentation of the government’s maiden 2025 budget at 10:30 a.m.

Addressing Parliament, the President attributed the country’s ongoing crisis to corrupt governance, failed economic policies, and irresponsible leadership. He emphasized that these factors had led to dire consequences, including people losing their lives while waiting in queues.

He further stated that the economic crisis of 2022 had left the country’s most vulnerable populations in a state of extreme hardship.