Warning for Heavy rain and strong winds and  rough seas issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre valid until 11.30 a.m. 24 May 2024 for the sea areas extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota 

Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into the sea areas extending from Colombo to Pottuvil via Galle and Hambantota, until further notice as the sea areas extending from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota will be very rough at times with very strong gusty winds up to (60-70) kmph. 

The sea areas extending from Mannar to Kalpitiya will be rough at times with strong gusty winds up to 60 kmph. The naval and fishing communities who are engaged in fishing and naval activities in the above sea areas are requested to be vigilant in this regard. Wind speed will be (30-40) kmph and can be increased up to (50-60) kmph at times in the other sea areas around the island.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in these sea areas and heavy showers may occur at some places.

The swell waves (about 2.5 m – 3.0 m) height (This is not for land area) may increase in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota.

There is a possibility that near shore sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Matara via Galle, may experience surges due to swell waves.

Naval and fishing communities are also requested to be attentive to future forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.

RW likely beneficiary

By Shamindra Ferdinando

SLPP MP Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said that group of dissident ruling party MPs was seeking to forge an alliance with the SLFP ahead of the presidential election scheduled between September 17 and Oct 16 this year.

“Together, we have about 30 MPs,” Kurunegala District MP said, adding that of the 14 SLFPers in Parliament, the majority were with them. The former minister said that they would soon announce their stand at the presidential poll.

The former minister said so yesterday (23) when The Island asked him whether the grouping called the New Alliance comprising a group of dissident SLPPers would team up with the Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva-led SLFP faction to back Wickremesinghe. The SLFP is in the midst of still developing major turmoil with Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakse, PC, making a bid to take control of the party with the backing of former President Maithripala Sirisena.

Having rejected the SLPP’s demand that a general election be held before the next presidential poll, President Wickremesinghe Wednesday told his Cabinet presidential election would be held first.

Yapa said that they were keen on a relatively long-term consensus among the MPs involved in the initiative in view of the parliamentary polls scheduled for next year.

Responding to another query, MP Yapa said that though there had been some issues, they essentially agreed on the need for consistency in the economic sphere.

MP Yapa said that the strength of the SLPP parliamentary group had been significantly reduced with several dozens of MPs distancing themselves from the party. The SLPP won 145 seats at the last general election.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said Theravada Buddhism can help face challenges posed by a world rapidly advancing in science and technology. Speaking at the State Vesak Ceremony held at the Dharmaraja Piriven Viharaya in Matale virtually this morning (23). President Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of preserving the essence of Theravada Buddhism and sharing its wisdom with the world.

Although President Wickremesinghe was scheduled to participate in the State Vesak Ceremony in person, adverse weather conditions prevented his attendance. Instead, he joined the State Vesak Ceremony virtually and extended his wishes to all Buddhists for a meaningful Vesak celebration.

The State Vesak Festival this year is being held centring the Matale district, under the theme Attano wa avekkhyeya kathani akatani cha (Let’s Focus on What We Have Done, Not What Others Have Done). The period from May 21st to 27th has been declared Vesak Week. This year’s festival is particularly special as Buddhist monks from 12 countries have arrived to participate in the State Vesak Festival, emphasising the global significance and unity in celebrating this sacred event.

During the ceremony, Pooja Bhumi Scroll Memorandums were presented and gifts were exchanged by foreign delegations. Additionally, several significant actions were undertaken, including the

issuance of a Vesak commemorative stamp, providing grants for temple development, providing grants from the Buddhasasana Fund, providing provision letters for Dhamma schools, symbolic distribution of book sets for lay monks and the distribution of “Budu Puth Maapiya” grant cheques.

A total of Rs. 22 million has been allocated for the development of 22 rural Buddhist temples in the Matale district. Additionally, Rs. 2.6 million has been earmarked for the development of 5 temples where programs are held in conjunction with the State Vesak festival. Another Rs. 0.4 million has been allocated for the reconstruction of 3 temples affected by disasters. Furthermore, Rs. 5 million has been dedicated to the development of 12 Dhamma schools. Under the Buddhasasana Fund, Rs. 32 million has been allotted to provide sanitary facilities for 32 challenging temples.

Simultaneously, development efforts for over 25 temples in the district have commenced with labour contributions from the Armed Forces and the Civil Defence Force.

The State Vesak festival has been orchestrated by the Samastha Lanka Shasanarakshaka Mandalaya, the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, the Department of Buddhist Affairs and the Matale District Secretariat.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe further said;

“I regret being unable to attend the national Vesak festival, which is being held this year in the Matale district, due to adverse weather conditions. It’s important to note that the Matale district holds significance in Theravada Buddhism. The transcription of the Sacred Tripitaka occurred at Alu Viharaya in Matale, which has played a vital role in preserving Buddha’s teachings. Therefore, we should give more consideration to Theravada Buddhism.

Not only did the Maha Sangha originate from the pirivena that existed in the Anuradhapura era, but scholars such as Senarath Paranavithana also believed that the inception of Sri Lanka’s most significant irrigation system was made possible through Piriven education.

Today, the world is progressively moving away from superstition, directing increased focus towards science. The advent of new technologies is fundamentally reshaping our way of life, which has remained relatively unchanged for centuries. Notably, significant advancements have occurred in the medical and technological sectors. However, alongside the development of new knowledge about the cosmos and the rapid progress in artificial intelligence technology, we are confronted with several emerging challenges.

Indeed, for those who adhere to Theravada Buddhism and comprehend its authentic essence, these challenges may not pose insurmountable obstacles. Theravada Buddhism offers a framework through which such issues can be addressed and resolved. Therefore, it is imperative that we concentrate our efforts on safeguarding and perpetuating the genuine spirit of Theravada Buddhism. Wishing everyone a joyous and meaningful Vesak celebration.”