High Commission of Sri Lanka in India

President Mahinda Rajapaksa  inaugurated the historic 'Karadiyawara Mangallaya', the water filling of the Hambantota harbour basin (15 Aug).

This is the first time in history that a harbour basin, built inland, is filled with water through a breakwater. This completes the first phase of the Hambantota Port project allowing entry to international shipping.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a message marking the occasion expressed confidence that the Port will contribute much to the national economy benefiting not only the Southern people but also the entire country including the North and East.

The Hambantota Port is the most significant of ports built in the country as a part of realizing the goals in Mahinda Chintana, to make Sri Lanka a centre of marine, aviation, commerce, energy and knowledge. It is also a part of the massive development projects currently underway in Hambantota such as the establishment of the Hambantota Airport, the International Cricket Stadium, the International Assembly Hall and the extension of the railway from Hambantota to Kataragama.

Visitors were allowed to the port premises from4am today without hindrance. Hundreds of people flocked to the location to have a glimpse of the water filling.

People were allowed to wade in the water when a small quantity of water was allowed into the harbour basin. This is an opportunity afforded once in a lifetime. Gradually, the basin will be filled to the required water level.

The Port of Hambantota, once completed, will provide a gamut of services to function as an international shipping centre.

As with every month of the year, the full moon day that falls on the month of August commemorates occurrences of Buddhist significance. This day named Esala Poya, signifies many events including the preaching of the Buddha's first sermon. (However according to the lunar calendar of this year Esala Poya falls a month ahead, in July). All over the island festivities are conducted in accordance and amongst them all the most revered and famous is the Kandy Esala Perahera - a rich and vibrant cultural celebration. Its origins date back to the 18th century during the time of the last reigning king of Sri Lanka, King Rajasinha of Kandy.

With months of preparation leading up to the public spectacle of colours, lights, dances and reverence the pageant extends through a period of 15 days. The procession is closely linked with the sacred Temple of the Tooth or "Dalada Maligawa" in Kandy. The Perahera brings together the honed skills of 1500 performers from all walks of life to form a tandem procession that draws throngs of crowds to witness the many facets of the celebration. Apart from the traditional dances of Sri Lanka, the pageant features whip crackers, fire eaters, fireball acrobats, flag bearers, musicians and drummers and up to 100 elephants and tuskers.

World famous Bollywood actor Salman Khan has agreed to sponsor 500 cataract operations for needy Sri Lankan patients using his private funds, a Health Ministry spokesman said.

According to the spokesman, Khan has held discussions with Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena in this regard.

Five medical professionals will arrive within the next few days with medical equipment and lenses to perform these cataract operations.

The 500 needy patients had been selected from the North and Eastern Provinces including IDPs. Khan will also provide lenses to patients who cannot afford them.

There is a large number of needy eye patients in Sri Lanka who had been recommended for cataract surgeries. Mosts are unable to buy required lenses due to financial difficulties.

Courtesy: Daily News

 Commander Western Naval Area Rear Admiral Damayantha Dharmasiriwardena, the officials of the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka including its Defence Attache Captain Pradeep Singh and other senior Naval officers were also present at the airport to receive the Indian Navy Chief and his entourage.

Indian Navy Commander pays a courtesy call on President Rajapaksa

Indian Navy Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees on 28 June. Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe and Indian High Commissioner Ashok Kantha were also present.