Sri Lanka – India Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament of Sri Lanka was established at the Parliament complex with the presence of Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne recently. High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha was the Guest of Honour.

The meeting saw participation of nearly a 100 members including several Ministers, Deputy Ministers and MPs across political groups. Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa was elected as the President of the Association. MPs G.G. Ponnambalam, J.C. Alawathuwala, Thanura Dissanayake, Ravi Karunanayake were elected as the Vice Presidents. MP Dr. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana was elected as the Secretary. MPs Sivagnanam Shritharan and Anushka Thilakarathne were elected as Assistant Secretaries and Plantation and Community Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep as the Association’s Treasurer.

Dr. Wickramaratne emphasised the unparalleled connect of shared history, religion and culture between India and Sri Lanka. He shared that India had time and again demonstrated itself as a reliable friend of Sri Lanka and welcomed the continuing expansion of the bilateral partnership.

The High Commissioner underlined the shared democratic traditions between the two ‘civilisational twins’. Congratulating the President, office-bearers and members of the Association, he expressed confidence that the Parliamentary Friendship Association further re-energise and bolster the people-to-people connect between India and Sri Lanka.

JOINT STATEMENT
Between
THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM
AND THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA
On the State Visit of H.E. Anura Kumara Disanayaka
President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
to the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam
4th – 6th May, 2025

1. At the invitation of His Excellency Luong Cuong, President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, His Excellency Anura Kumara Disanayaka, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka paid a State Visit to Viet Nam from 4th – 6th May 2025. The visit takes place on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of Viet Nam – Sri Lanka diplomatic relations (1970 – 2025).

2. During the visit, President Anura Kumara Disanayaka was accorded a ceremonial welcome. President Disanayaka held bilateral meetings with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam To Lam, President Luong Cuong,
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Chairman of the National Assembly
Tran Thanh Man. President Dissanayake also paid tribute to President
Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum and laid a wreath at the Monument to War Heroes and Martyrs, as a gesture symbolizing the close bonds of friendship that have been built and nurtured by generations of leaders, grounded in mutual trust, respect, shared values, cultural traditions, and a profound understanding between the two nations.

3. Honouring a joint invitation extended by the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha and the Government of Viet Nam President Anura Kumara Disanayaka attended the UN Day of Vesak celebrations on 6 May 2025 held in Ho Chi Minh City as
Chief Guest and delivered the keynote address, reaffirming longstanding Buddhist ties between the two countries.

4. The Vietnamese Leaders and President Disanayaka had wide-ranging discussions on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. They noted with satisfaction the development of the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries spanning 55 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations on the 21st of July 1970, underpinned by high level of political trust, close people-to-people linkages and warm sentiments between the two peoples. They affirmed the warm friendship and valuable support which both nations had accorded to each other in the course of National Development had laid a firm foundation for further strengthening and deepening of relations between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka in the coming years.

5. President Disanayaka congratulated Viet Nam on its significant achievements and remarkable progress in social and economic development. He also lauded the success of Vietnamese leadership in transforming the country into one of the fastest growing economies and a thriving manufacturing hub in the East Asia – Pacific region. The Vietnamese Leaders congratulated President Anura Kumara Disanayaka and the National People’s Power (NPP) on the victory at the recently concluded Presidential and Parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka and efforts to bring about economic stability and development in the country; convinced that Sri Lanka could play a vital role as an economic hub in the Indian Ocean region, given its strategic geographical location.

6. The two sides’ Leaders discussed and agreed on key directions to uplift bilateral relations to the next level. It was agreed to continue to promote closer political relations between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka, including increasing high-level visits and contacts, exchange of delegations at various levels as well as promoting people-to-people contacts.

7. They emphasized the need for effective implementation of existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms. In this context, the early convening of the 5th round of bilateral political consultations between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, the 3rd Meeting of the Sub Committee on Trade and the 4th meeting of the Joint Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka were identified as priorities for implementation in 2025.

8. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the areas of national defence and security. In this regard, the two sides agreed to review and renew the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation, increase the exchange of Defence delegations, promote cooperation in Defence studies through the exchange of delegations between the National Defence Academy of Viet Nam and the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University of Sri Lanka. The two sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in education and training, intelligence sharing and exchange of delegations as well as exchange experience in UN Peacekeeping operations. The importance of enhancing cooperation in combating transnational crimes inter alia terrorism, illegal immigration and cybercrimes was also underscored by the two sides. The two sides also discussed opportunities for cooperation in the area of defence industry in order to enhance the capacity building of both countries. With regard to security sector cooperation, Viet Nam and Sri Lanka agreed to strengthen ties between the two Ministries of Public Security of the two countries.

9. Both sides agreed that there remains great potentials in trade and investment between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka. In the context of the rapidly evolving global economic environment, they agreed to promote stronger cooperation, including the reviewing of the Bilateral Investment Treaty and the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka to facilitate bilateral trade and investment.

10. Both sides agreed to take pragmatic steps to increase bilateral trade such as trade facilitation, information exchange, promote business-to-business links through trade missions, as well as business matching, exhibitions, seminars, aimed at bringing the trade turnover to 1 billion USD in the near future. The two sides agreed to collaborate, identify and pursue mutually beneficial trade leveraging on each other’s strengths.

11. The leaders agreed to boost stronger investment flows between the two countries. The Vietnamese side appreciated the investments from Sri Lanka in 33 projects with a total registered capital of more than USD 43 million as of March 31st, 2025.

12. President Disanayaka commended the steady and impressive progress of Viet Nam’s economic development and expressed Sri Lanka’s interest in attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) from Viet Nam particularly in the agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, renewable energy, electronic and automobile components, real estate, hospitality, pharmaceutical, hospitals, tele-communication, logistics, infrastructure and industrial infrastructure sectors.

13. The Leaders concurred on the importance of increasing air connectivity between the two countries based on the Air Services Agreement that was already in existence. They agreed that air connectivity will be a strong incentive to ensure rapid growth in tourism between the two countries. In this regard, both sides agreed to encourage both countries’ Airlines to soon commence direct flights. The two sides also discussed the possibility of facilitating measures to boost tourism, business and people-to-people connectivity and to promote ease of travel between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka.

14. Both sides acknowledged the significant potential for co-operation in the agriculture sector. Given the remarkable strides made by Viet Nam in advancing its agriculture sector particularly in the areas of automation, mechanization and scientific research, and in the area of post-harvest processing, President Disanayaka requested for sharing of expertise and exchanges to support the efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka to encourage agriculture modernization in the country.

15. Both sides agreed that the ongoing collaboration between the Vietnam Institute of Agricultural Engineering & Post-Harvest Technology (VIAEP), the National Institute of Post-Harvest Management (NIPHM), and the Farm Mechanization Research Center (FMRC) of Sri Lanka, alongside the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the Department of Agriculture of Sri Lanka, would further strengthen cooperation in the agricultural sector, fostering mutual growth and facilitating valuable knowledge exchange, and agreed to fully implement the Agriculture Work Plan for the period 2024-2026. Both sides agreed to arrange and facilitate short-term study visits for the professionals in the Agriculture sector.

16. President Disanayaka expressed Sri Lanka’s willingness to assist Viet Nam in the fields of archaeology and the preservation of cultural artifacts. With a rich heritage spanning over two millennia and extensive experience in conserving ancient sites and relics, Sri Lanka stands ready to share its expertise and best practices in support of Viet Nam’s efforts to protect and celebrate its cultural heritage. The Vietnamese side welcomed this offer with appreciation.

17. The Leaders emphasized the cultural and historical bonds between the two countries. They welcomed the joint endeavor of both sides in the project of constructing the outer wall surrounding the sapling of the Sacred Bodhi Tree gifted by Sri Lanka in 2023 at Bai Dinh spiritual complex, which is the combination of authentic Sri Lankan architectural carvings and a uniquely Vietnamese-designed fence, standing as a testament to the strong cultural and spiritual collaboration between the two countries.

18. Both sides expressed their satisfaction at the renewal of the Education Cooperation Agreement, which was signed in 1999, and encouraged both sides’ related agencies to sign a work plan for education cooperation based on the renewed Agreement. The two leaders also highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions in both countries and expressed a mutual interest in facilitating student exchanges across a range of academic disciplines.

19. President Disanayaka highlighted the importance of expanding opportunities for students, particularly through increased scholarships in the fields of science, technology, and agriculture. In response, the Vietnamese side expressed interest in receiving more scholarships in the area of Buddhist studies.

20. Both sides recognized their respective strengths in Artificial Intelligence (AI),
E-commerce, and digital transformation, and shared commitment to harnessing emerging technologies for sustainable development, improved public service delivery, and innovation-led economic growth. They agreed to enhance cooperation through capacity building, knowledge exchange, and technology transfer.

21. The Leaders expressed satisfaction at the close cooperation and support extended at regional and multilateral fora by the two countries and agreed to further deepen cooperation and coordination on issues of vital interest to the Global South.

22. The Leaders reaffirmed the importance of collective action as articulated by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), emphasizing the urgent need for accessible climate financing, particularly for developing nations that remain disproportionately vulnerable due to limited adaptive capacity. They underscored that concerted international efforts, including innovative financing mechanisms and the fulfillment of commitments by developed countries, are essential to effectively mitigate global warming and address sea level rise.

23. Sri Lanka welcomes Viet Nam in hosting the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention against cybercrime in Ha Noi in 2025.

24. Sri Lanka and Viet Nam reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security and freedom of navigation and underscored the significance of respect and adherence to international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) for maintaining a stable and peaceful international maritime order.

25. President Anura Kumara Disanayaka informed that advancing cooperation with Southeast Asia and ASEAN is a principal tenet of Sri Lanka’s foreign policy under his administration. Viet Nam welcomed the policy stance and underlined the need for close coordination and cooperation. In this regard, both Leaders expressed satisfaction at the active role played by Viet Nam and Sri Lanka within the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) as Co-Chairs of the Inter-Sessional Meeting on Disaster Relief for the period of 2023 – 2026. The Viet Nam side also took note of Sri Lanka’s interest in becoming an ASEAN Sectorial Dialogue Partner.

26. The Leaders agreed that the MoUs/Agreements signed during the visit have laid the foundation for stronger collaboration between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka in areas of significant mutual interest and would pave the way to further elevate the multifaceted bilateral partnership.

27. The Leaders expressed satisfaction with the fruitful discussions held in the spirit of mutual understanding, which contributed to further enhancing the excellent relationship between the two countries, enabling it to reach new heights.

28. President Anura Kumara Disanayaka expressed his gratitude to the State, the Government and people of Viet Nam for the warm reception and hospitality accorded during the State Visit to Viet Nam and extended invitations to General Secretary To Lam and President Luong Cuong to visit Sri Lanka at a mutually convenient time. The invitations were accepted with appreciation.

– President Says Delivering Keynote Address at 20th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations

President Anura Kumara Disanayake extended an appeal to the global community to draw upon the illumination of Buddhist philosophy in building a world where the fires of war are extinguished and peace, development and mutual respect prevail among all nations and peoples.

President Disanayake made this statement today (06) while delivering the keynote address at the 20th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations, which commenced in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Vesak celebrations will be held this year under the theme “Solidarity and Tolerance for Human Dignity: Buddhist Wisdom for World Peace and Sustainable Development.” The event, held from May 6 to 8, will bring together over 2,800 participants, including high-level delegates from Buddhist countries such as Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Laos and Cambodia, international delegates from 85 countries and territories.

In his address, President Disanayake highlighted the enduring relevance of Buddhist philosophy in fostering global peace and reconciliation. He emphasised that the teachings of the Buddha offer a path to extinguishing the flames of war and building a world imbued with compassion, tolerance and mutual respect. The President underscored the importance of embracing the Four Brahma Viharas—loving-kindness (metta), compassion (karuna), empathetic joy (mudita) and equanimity (upekkha)—as guiding principles for humanity to overcome suffering and conflict.

President Disanayake expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the celebrations hosted by Vietnam, a nation that has demonstrated remarkable resilience and progress in the aftermath of war. He commended Vietnam’s commitment to peace and its role in promoting Buddhist values on the international stage.

Following is the full speech delivered by President Disanayake;

I am deeply honoured to deliver the keynote address at the United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations, held in a country that is rapidly and admirably rising, driven by tireless effort, extraordinary determination, focused commitment, strategic vision and remarkable outcomes.

Vietnam is a land that, despite centuries of painful experiences and countless struggles, has courageously forged a path forward and stood tall. We hold immense pride in the victories your nation has achieved, having once been subjected to some of the most brutal injustices in history, including the use of devastating chemical weapons. It is with deep respect that I choose to refer to your nation as the ‘Land of Determination’.

In a few days, we will mark the Sambudu Themagula, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Buddha. It is a matter of great pride that Vietnam has been selected as the host of the United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations in conjunction with this sacred event.

In 1999, a proposal was submitted at the United Nations General Assembly to officially recognise Vesak Day as an international observance. This proposal was presented by the late Lakshman Kadirgamar, the former Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka. By the year 2000, the United Nations officially declared Vesak Day an internationally recognised observance. Today, we gratefully remember both the Buddhist and non-Buddhist communities who supported this noble initiative.

In a strong society, power is shared through equality. Without equality, we build not peace, but a world of war. Throughout 2,500 years of Buddhist history, the message of equality preached by Gautama Buddha has been clearly articulated. His teachings on moderation and restraint have now become a practical reality at the global level. Vietnam itself stands as a living testament to this principle of equality. Fittingly, the theme of this year’s United Nations Day of Vesak is also ‘Equality’.

Even as we speak, violations against human dignity are occurring in parts of the world. Thousands of weapons are directed at humanity. Innocent children, who know nothing of war, are caught in its crossfire and suffer in vast numbers. As a result, women lose their husbands, parents lose their children and children lose their parents. Viewed through this lens, it becomes evident that war brings not triumph, but the destruction of human civilisation. What remains for many after war is only sorrow and suffering. As a nation that endured the agony of three decades of war, we too know this pain. Such suffering can only be prevented through peace and restraint. Until that realisation is reached, what humanity inherits will be nothing but sorrow and pain.

The value of acting with peace and restraint during times such as these was insightfully proclaimed by Gautama Buddha over 2,500 years ago. As Sri Lankans, we have deeply embraced these values. Our country has long enjoyed strong bonds among parents and children, relatives and friends, as well as teachers and students. In our culture, offering one’s blood to save another’s life is regarded as a noble act of generosity. I am not aware of any other country where the donation of blood is considered a form of ‘dāna’ (giving) in this way. Moreover, organ donation, including eye donation is also practised by our people.

In this way, our country has closely internalised the Buddhist concept of dāna (giving). For over 2,500 uninterrupted years, the Buddha Dhamma has been rooted in the principle of nonviolence. The message of the Dhamma delivered by the Buddha in the “Dhamsak Pevathum Sutra” Sermon continues to resonate with relevance and expand across the globe today. The Buddha has shown us a path, one that is vastly different from the road that leads to the destruction of human civilisation.

As we walk the path the Buddha taught, we are guided to fight not with weapons, but against the inner enemies of anger, jealousy, hatred, aversion, and delusion. The Dhamma offers powerful means—through the cultivation of loving-kindness (mettā), compassion (karuṇā), sympathetic joy (muditā), and equanimity (upekkhā)—to combat these defilements.
This spiritual arsenal, rooted in mindfulness and compassion, is far stronger than any weapon of mass destruction. The Dhamma taught by the Buddha is aimed at overcoming the enemies within. Choosing the path of war leads only to sorrow, tears and profound suffering. But by choosing the path of peace, one comes to truly understand the Dhamma.

We can also learn how deeply the Dhamma can influence a life by looking at the reign of Emperor Ashoka. His rule became known not for the sound of war drums, but for the reverberation of the Dhamma. Those once enthralled by the thrill of war began to experience the joy of loving-kindness. On one occasion, when a conflict arose between the Sakyans over water from the Rohini River, the Buddha himself travelled to Kapilavatthu to demonstrate the greater value of peace over war. Time and again, the Dhamma has emphasised the supremacy of peace.

In today’s world, which has become a global village, the teachings of the Dhamma on compassion, peacefulness and patience, make a profound contribution to our understanding and way of life. The Buddha, as a great teacher, championed both restraint and freedom of expression, encouraging individuals to question his teachings repeatedly in order to realise the Dhamma with clarity and wisdom.
In the truest sense of the word, the Dhamma is one that must be realised through personal insight. Following this path, Buddhist monks today carry the message of equality across the world. This message contains no seeds of conflict, no incitement to violence, no shedding of blood, nor any form of punishment. It is the path of peace.

Through moral education, the Dhamma teaches us to respect one another and that hatred does not cease by hatred, but only through non-hatred. The Buddha was the first teacher to preach the message of global peace. His instruction was for each individual to place trust in themselves. In this way, Buddhist philosophy offers a deep and profound guide to living.
The Buddha delivered teachings on Buddhist resources and restraint in the Sigālovada Sutta. This Sutta outlines how acquired resources should be utilised, specifying that one part is for consumption, two parts are for strengthening the economy and another portion is set aside for use during unexpected situations.

In addition, the Buddha provided guidance on governance. He instructed rulers to protect human rights by suppressing crime, fostering economic prosperity and leading the country in accordance with moral and spiritual principles. The Buddha’s political philosophy offers a framework for rulers that emphasizes governance based on virtuous policies.

His message was clear: “When the ruler, the first citizen of the country, governs wisely, the people will live in peace and prosperity.” This is a key aspect of the Dhamma taught by the Buddha.

The Buddha’s teachings on governance also include many valuable concepts, particularly within the context of the ten royal virtues (Dasa Rāja Dharmas). These principles guide the ethical and moral conduct of a ruler, encouraging peace and equality. For this reason, I firmly believe that the entirety of the Buddha’s Dhamma conveys a message of peace and equality, central to its core teachings. The Buddha has also taught that all things are impermanent.

One of the well-known verses that summarises the teachings of all the Buddhas is as follows:

“Sabba pāpassa akaraṇaṃ – Kusalassa upasampadā
Sacchitapariyodapanaṃ – Etam Buddhāna Sāsanaṃ”

The simple meaning of this verse is: “Refrain from all evil, cultivate good and purify the mind.” This is the essence of the teachings given by all the Buddhas.

Sri Lanka and Vietnam have maintained close and mutually beneficial relations for centuries. In recent times, these ties have grown even stronger. Just yesterday, I had the privilege of unveiling a unique Bodhi enclosure at the Bai Ding Pagoda in Vietnam. This enclosure houses a sapling of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, which was gifted to Vietnam by Sri Lanka in 2023.

As followers of the Buddha’s Dhamma, we strive for a world free from the fires of war, a world filled with peace, love, and compassion. I call upon all people to embrace the teachings of the Buddha and the Buddhist philosophy, fostering peace, development and mutual respect among all nations and peoples.

Let us commemorate the 139th International Workers’ Day in a year marked by progress and under a government that represents the will of the people, putting an end to a painful chapter in history where the working class endured hardship, sacrifice, and struggle marked by blood and sweat.

Marking a historic turning point, we celebrate the May Day for this year under a people's government that rises against five years of oppression by the ruling class, overthrowing corrupted politics.

Amidst nepotism, and political favoritism that subjected the working force to injustice, year 2024 marks a year of courageous decisions, a determined effort to rebuild a nation that was dragged into an abyss, overturning the entire political culture.

As a people's government, recognizing the true needs of the people, we are making great efforts to guide the distorted economic, political, social, cultural, and moral frameworks of the country back onto a natural path.

Although it is not possible to change the deeply rooted corruption and injustices of this country overnight, the government is systematically restructuring and implementing structural reforms to receive the needs of the people.

A systematic program has been set up to strengthen the economic forces of all working people, including those in the state, private, business, and labor sectors, while also preparing to empower the farming community, who are taking the lead in making the country self-sufficient in food.

This is a time when we must dedicate ourselves and unite to ensuring the security, independence, and rights of the people, while building a more stable and trustworthy future.

Let us work together, with unity and determination, to safeguard hard-won rights and rebuild the nation.

Harini Amarasuriya,
Prime Minister,
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

On May 1st, 1886, during a protest in Haymarket Square, Chicago, workers who demanded an eight-hour workday, was violently confronted with gunfire. To pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in that fight, the Second International, convened in 1889, proclaimed May 1st as International Workers’ Day, which has been observed annually ever since.

This year, the working people of Sri Lanka, together with the general public, commemorate International Workers’ Day at a time when our nation and society are undergoing a profound and progressive transformation under a people-oriented governance bringing an end to a corrupt and elitist political system that has existed for 76 years, upheld by a rotating power structure dominated by a select few influential families across generations. At the recent presidential and parliamentary elections, people from all corners of Sri Lanka, regardless of ethnicity or religion, united to bring about a turning point in our nation’s politics. Responding to the people’s aspirations, we of the National People’s Power currently focused on developing a nation that is experiencing extensive economic, social and political transformation.

We have already succeeded in initiating a stable recovery of an economy that was dragged to the depths by corrupt and elitist system. The evident signs of advancement are now apparent to everyone. In our very first national budget, we made historic moves significantly increasing the minimum basic salary of public servants and extensive benefits for various segments of society, including farmers, fishing community, youth, women, students, producers, small-scale entrepreneurs and professionals alike. We are diligently addressing the persistent issues encountered by plantation workers and striving to guarantee their civil rights.

We recognize the necessity for a new phase in the rights we possess, aligned with the continuously evolving productive forces. Contemporary society demands a new era in human rights that encompasses digital access, environmental rights and other emerging rights that were not anticipated in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These changes, along with evolving political frameworks and the worldwide call for peace, require a revised and comprehensive global declaration of human rights. As we commemorate this International Workers’ Day, we must remain sensitive to these needs and dedicated to addressing them.

In the face of global geopolitical shifts and growing challenges, it is the working people of Sri Lanka who continue to shoulder the burden of rebuilding our economy. As we restore and reform an economy devastated by decades of corrupt politics, I warmly invite our beloved working people to join hands in solidarity, to rise with determination and to strive towards building “a beautiful life and a thriving nation” for everyone. On this occasion, I offer my heartfelt best wishes for a meaningful International Workers’ Day one that reaffirms the rights and dignity of all working people.

The Government has decided to hold the State Vesak Festival 2025 at the Nuwara Eliya International Buddhist Center Temple, under the theme “Bhajetha Miththe Kalyane, Bhajetha Purisuththame” (Let’s associate with noble friends of good qualities). In line with this celebration, the period from May 10 to 16, 2025, has been officially declared as Vesak Week, said Cabinet spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa.

He further said that, “Based on the guidance of the Most Ven. Mahanayaka Thera and the Old Island Shasanarakshaka Mandalaya, it has been deemed appropriate to host the State Vesak Festival for 2025 at the Nuwara Eliya International Buddhist Center in collaboration with the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs; the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government and the Department of Buddhist Affairs.”

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved a joint proposal submitted by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government and the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs to hold the State Vesak Festival 2025 centered at the Nuwara Eliya International Buddhist Center Temple, declare May 10 to 16 as Vesak Week in 2025, and organise and implement various Buddhist programmes during that period.

The annual “Asidisi Media Scholarship Programme” aimed at improving the professionalism of the Sri Lankan journalists has been organized this year too by the Ministry of Health and Mass Media.

Accordingly, applications have been called for “Asidisi Media Scholarship Programme 2025” and the deadline is 23^rd May 2025.

The journalist between the age of 18-55 who are employed in recognized Media institutions having completed three years of service on permanent or part time basis, freelance journalists, provincial journalists, web Journalists and media technicians are eligible for applying to this Scholarship programme. Moreover, the intended course should directly be related to the field of mass media and the applicants should possess the media identity issued for the Journalists by the Department of Information for the year 2025.

The journalists can be benefited by this scheme of scholarships twice. After the first Scholarship is awarded, they can once again apply for the second opportunity in five years after successful completion of the course.

Under this Scholarship Programme, two hundred thousand rupees (Rs.200,000.00) would be offered for a graduate or postgraduate programme and one hundred thousand rupees (Rs.100,000.00) would be offered for a long term or short term certificate course conduced by recognized institutions. The journalists who are eligible for this Scholarship Programme will receive 50% of the total course fee at the beginning of the course as the 1^st installment, next 25% as the 2^nd installment and the balance when submitting the certificate after successful completion of the course.

The beneficiaries will be selected after an interview conducted by a committee nominated by the Secretary, Ministry of Health and Mass Media.

All applications for this purpose must be submitted on or before 23^rd May 2025 to the Director (Media), Ministry of Health and Media, No. 163, "Asidisi Medira," Kirulapone Mawatha, Polhengoda, Colombo 05. Applications may be sent either via registered post or submitted online by scanning the QR code available on the official website of the ministry: www.media.gov.lk

Further details of "Asidisi Media Scholarship Programme 2025" can be obtained by contacting 0112513645 / 0112514632 and the application can be downloaded by visiting the website (http://www.media.gov.lk)

The “Siri Dalada Wandanawa”, the special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which allows the public to venerate and pay their respects to the Sacred Tooth Relic, commenced today (18) after 16 years, with the participation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

Marking the inauguration ceremony, the President placed first floral tribute to the Sacred Tooth Relic and with the President paying homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic, the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa” officially commenced, allowing the devoted public to pay their respects to the Sacred Tooth Relic.

At the request of the President, the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa” will be held under the guidance of the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters, and under the direction of the Diyawadana Nilame of the historic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. The event will continue for 10 days, from today until April 27.

A large number of devotees from all over the country arrived at the Temple of the Tooth Relic today (18) to pay their homage. Today, the public will have the opportunity to venerate the Sacred Tooth Relic until 5:00 p.m. From tomorrow (19) onwards, the public will be allowed to worship daily from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m.

The event was also graced by Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi along with other Ministers and Ambassadors and High Commissioners representing Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, the Netherlands, India, Myanmar, Palestine, France, New Zealand, Cuba, Egypt, Japan, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Canada and South Korea, Public officials, Members of the security forces and a large number of local and foreign devotees were also present.

All arrangements are in place for the Special Exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy begins tomorrow. The Exposition, the first in 16 years, will be held till April 27.

The Exposition will be open to the public on Friday, April 18 (a public holiday) from 3 pm. to 5.30 pm., and from April 19 to 27, daily from 12 pm. to 5.30 p.m. The public will be admitted from three queues, two from around the Nuwara Wewa and one from D. S. Senanayake Veediya.

Asgiri Deputy Registrar Ven. Narampanawe Ananda Nayaka Thera and Malwathu Deputy Registrar Ven. Mahawela Rathanapala Nayaka Thera requested Buddhists to make use of this rare opportunity.

They said food would be provided to the people in the queues at night. Parallel to the event, the public will be educated on the history of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the traditional Poojas associated with it.

Monks would be allocated a special gate to enter the Sri Dalada Maligawa premises, adding that all of them would be provided with alms if they come before noon.

Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Dr.Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said a large crowd is expected at the sacred veneration of the Tooth Relic of the Buddha that has been organised on a request of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Kandy Additional District Secretary E.R.L.B.Etampawala said 31 public institutions will provide their services for the event, including the Presidential Secretariat and Tri-Forces personnel.

“Clean drinking water, toilet facilities, waste disposal bins, phone charging facilities, first-aid, special lighting and vehicle parking facilities have been arranged in the area for the convenience of the devotees. Special public transport services will be provided to and from Kandy and within the Kandy city limits, and if those with special needs require staying for the night, they can go to either Keppetipola or Vivekananda Colleges in Kandy,” he said.

The public is requested to avoid unnecessary baggage and switch off their mobile phones at the point of the final security check. Three counters have been arranged for the public to keep their bags and footwear.

Kandy Municipal Council Commissioner Indika Kumari Abeysinghe said that all dansals and street vendors in the area are being registered. The street vendors are issued an identity card with a QR code and any unregistered street vendor will be removed by the Police.

Police Superintendent D.C.D.Ilangakoon said a special traffic plan and security arrangements would be in place throughout the event. He urged those travelling to Kandy for other purposes during this period to be aware of the traffic plans and restrictions, which will be published in all newspapers and over TV channels.

Let us step into the New Year with renewed hope and a vision, as we continue to work together toward “a prosperous country and a beautiful life.”

I extend my heartfelt wishes to the Sinhala and Tamil people of Sri Lanka, who celebrate the New Year in unity and generosity.

This New Year dawns at a moment when a new change is essential in every aspect of our lives. This traditional festivity reminds us to bring about positive change that is deep rooted in our culture and values, and move forward together in unity.

In recent years, the economic crisis made even the thought of celebrating the New Year a painful experience for many. However, the courageous efforts of the people to break free from a cycle of corruption and fraud, has led the path for the emergence of a new beginning.

Thus, the 2025 New Year marks a significant turning point. It is a year where communities from the North, South, East, and West unite and continue to work together under democratic principles to build a better future. In the upcoming month of May, the people’s aspirations will once again bear fruit.

At this moment when a new chapter begins with the New Year, I urge every citizen to act with respect, peace, and compassion in community. Let us commit ourselves to move forward with dedication, trust, and resilience to achieve success and progress in the coming year.

To all Sri Lankans celebrating Sinhala and Tamil New Year, I wish the nation is blessed with the strength, unity, and new energy needed for meaningful transformation and a prosperous tomorrow.
Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
14th April 2025