PHOTO STORY
Presidents unveils plans to develop Mannar as he joins Madhu Church Feast
During his presence at the annual festival of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu in Mannar today (15), President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced plans to transform Mannar into an energy hub. He also revealed that an inter-city express train service between Thalaimannar and Colombo will commence on September 15th aiming at enhancing connectivity and facilitate smoother travel between the two cities.
It is also noteworthy that President Ranil Wickremesinghe participated in the morning service of the feast this year.
Subsequent to the main ceremony, a revered statue of Lady Madhu was respectfully carried in procession throughout the church grounds to pay homage to the devoted attendees.
A significant number of devotees from various parts of the island gathered for the annual feast. The year 2024 marks the completion of 100 years since the enshrinement of the revered statue of Lady Madhu. The church management board has decided to hold services throughout the year to commemorate this occasion.
Rev. Dr. Brian Udaigwe, the The Vatican Apostolic Nuncio of Sri Lanka, who attended the main service, commended President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s statement in Parliament regarding National Peace and Reconciliation. He mentioned that this statement has received the blessings of the Vatican and the Catholic Church.
Rev. Dr. Brian Udaigwe emphasized that religious leaders have a crucial role in maintaining peace and harmony in the country. He also stressed that whether a religious figure divides or unites the country is determined by their own actions.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe further commented:
It must be acknowledged that the annual feasts of the National Shrine of Lady Madhu are an integral part of our local culture. Therefore, considering this festival as a national event, the government bears the responsibility of safeguarding and supporting its continuation.
Furthermore, on this occasion, I extend the government’s gratitude to all the clergy who dedicate themselves to organizing the annual Madhu feast.
Numerous devotees come here to seek solace through prayers to Lady Madhu. During last year’s economic crisis, a substantial number of devotees gathered here to pray for Lady Madhu’s assistance and protection. It can be said that Lady Madhu’s blessings provided us with strength during that challenging time.
The Mannar region, where the National Shrine of Lady Madhu is located, possesses abundant renewable energy resources. With access to solar, wind, and green energies, the Mannar district can be developed into an energy hub.
We have also formulated plans to transform Punarin into an energy city. It is important to note that all these development initiatives are designed to preserve this sacred land and its forests. I have instructed officials to seek advice and guidance from the clergy here during these development efforts.
An inter-city express train service from Thalaimannar to Colombo is scheduled to commence on the 15th of September. This service is being launched in response to the request of MP Charles Nirmalanathan. Additionally, steps have been taken to establish a sugar factory in Vavuniya, as requested by MP Selvam Adekkalanathan. Cabinet approval has been obtained for this project. These measures aim to facilitate rapid development in these regions. Through these endeavors, we aspire to build a developed Sri Lanka by 2048. I count on your support in achieving this goal.
The event was attended by bishops led by Bishop of Mannar Dr. Emmanuel Fernando, clergy including President of the Christian Development Foundation of Sri Lanka Dr. Chandru Fernando, Minister of Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickramanayake, Minister Naleen Fernando, State Minister Arundika Fernando, Kader Mastan, Member of Parliament Kavinda Jayawardene, Selvam Adekkalanathan, Charles Nirmalanathan, President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and President’s Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayake, and a large number of devotees.
(President’s Media Division)
NEWS
MR enters the ground again (Pics)
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa shows his sporting spirit at the annual Mahinda Rajapaksa Challenge Trophy Championship cricket tournament held at the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Stadium under his chairmanship, with the participation of Members of Parliament.
The team of parliamentarians managed to win that championship by defeating the team of state ministers.
PHOTO STORY
Japanese ambulances handed over to Moolai Cooperative Hospital
Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka – Mr. Mizukoshi Hideaki today (10) attended the handover ceremony of the two second-hand ambulances to the Moolai Cooperative Hospital Society in Valikamam West DS division in Jaffna district, under the Japanese Government’s Grassroots Human Security Grant Aid with a view to improve the medical environment of the conflict affected area.
In this project, the Japanese government provided two second hand ambulances and a total of US$ 36,759 to import them.
Approximately 1,500 patients use the hospital services per week.
A media release by the embassy further states :
The project enables the hospital to provide timely health care, including mobile consultation services for those residing in remote areas, through better access to ambulances in a good condition. It also enables emergency care and emergency transportation of patients to neighboring hospitals in Jaffna.
Importantly, this improves the health of people in the Northern province by enabling access to the quality of critical health care services.
Ambassador Mizukoshi expressed Japan’s commitment to supporting continuously for the conflict-affected area and stated, “An important objective of the Japanese Grant Assistance is to remedy damages caused by conflicts and bring about peace and stability. I do wish that this grant will contribute to improving the medical conditions of this region and filling the gap of standards of living in the North and South.
NEWS
Chinese scholarships granted to 34 Lankan students (Pics)
A ceremony to grant Chinese Government Scholarships to Sri Lankan students for the year 2023/2024, was held at the Chinese embassy in Colombo today (August 03).
The event was graced by Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka – Mr. Qi Zhenhong, Sri Lankan minister of Education – Dr. Susil Premajayantha as well as officials from the Ministry and embassy cultural section.
According to the Chinese embassy, a total of 34 students from Sri Lanka have been admitted by more than 30 famous universities in 16 provinces or cities in China this year, for Doctoral Degrees, Master’s Degrees and Bachelor’s Degrees with majors covering liberal arts, science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, education, management, economics, law, philosophy, sociology, etc.
Speaking at the event, the Chinese ambassador told the students that they are the future and hope of Sri Lanka and studying in China would be an amazing and unique opportunity in their lives. He also thanked the strong support of the Education ministry and the minister for the strong support in the Education cooperation between the two countries.
Addressing the gathering, Education Minister – Dr. Premajayantha reminded of the long running relations and cooperation between the two countries thanked the Chinese Ministry for granting scholarships to Sri Lanka.
Since 1975, the Chinese government has provided scholarships to Sri Lankan students through the Ministry of Education of Sri Lanka. All students are awarded full scholarships, including tuition fees (research fees), insurance fees, basic textbook fees, accommodation fees, living expenses, one-time resettlement subsidies and one-time inter-city transportation fees.
