Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Sapling in Australia Officially Named to National Trust Register of Significant Trees
VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA – A sapling from the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, which was formally planted two years ago at the Bodhi Dhamma Vihara in Bendigo, Victoria, has been officially included in the National Trust Register of Significant Trees in Australia. This historic event was celebrated at a grand ceremony held recently, marking a profound moment of cultural and religious significance for the Sri Lankan community in Australia and beyond. The sapling, meticulously cultivated and brought from Sri Lanka, holds immense spiritual value as a descendant of the original Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The inclusion of this sacred tree in the National Trust Register underscores its national and heritage significance within the Australian landscape. The register recognizes trees of outstanding natural and cultural value, and the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi sapling’s placement is a testament to its unique history, religious importance, and the deep connection it represents between Sri Lanka and Australia. The ceremony was attended by a distinguished gathering, including religious leaders, government officials, and representatives from the Sri Lankan community. Notable attendees included the Chief Prelate of the Bodhi Dhamma Vihara, members of the Maha Sangha, the Victorian Opposition Leader, the Speaker of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, the Chairperson of the National Trust Heritage Committee, the Mayor of Bendigo, and other prominent figures. The successful inclusion of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi sapling in the National Trust Register of Significant Trees is a significant achievement that celebrates the rich cultural heritage and religious traditions shared between Sri Lanka and Australia. This sacred tree will now be protected and preserved for future generations, serving as a symbol of peace, spirituality, and enduring cultural ties.
Gem Businessman Goes Missing in Kahawatta; Motorbike and Mobile Found on Roadside
KAHAWATTA, SRI LANKA — The Kahawatta Police have launched a wide-scale investigation following the mysterious disappearance of a prominent gem businessman. The individual, identified as W.A. Anura (also known as “Dippanayaka”), a 61-year-old father of three, has been missing since March 28, 2026. Discovery of Belongings According to police reports, the businessman’s motorcycle was discovered abandoned on Nilagama Road within the Kahawatta Police division. In a concerning turn of events, investigators also recovered his mobile phone near the vehicle. Family members who arrived at the scene confirmed the identity of the motorcycle. Notably, while the ignition key was still in the bike, the businessman’s helmet was missing from the site, raising further questions about the nature of his disappearance. Timeline of Events The disappearance was reported to the Kahawatta Police by the victim’s wife after he failed to return home. Police Investigation Underway The Kahawatta Police, led by OIC Jayaratne and a dedicated team of officers, are currently conducting field search operations. Preliminary forensic checks on the mobile phone and motorcycle are being carried out to determine if any foul play was involved. Authorities have urged the public to provide any information regarding the whereabouts of W.A. Anura. As of now, no suspects have been detained, and the search continues in the surrounding areas of Nilagama.
Don’t Do This in Sri Lanka! (2026 Cultural & Legal Guide)
Exploring the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” is a dream for many, but Sri Lanka is a land where ancient traditions and modern life walk hand-in-hand. To ensure your journey is as smooth as a Ceylon tea infusion, it’s vital to navigate the local “unwritten rules.” Whether you’re wandering through the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura or surfing the breaks in Arugam Bay, here is the definitive guide on what not to do in Sri Lanka. 1. Don’t Turn Your Back on Buddha In Sri Lanka, the Buddha is not a decorative element or a photo prop; he is a sacred figure. One of the most serious cultural faux pas you can commit is turning your back on a Buddha statue for a photo. 2. Don’t Disregard the Temple Dress Code Sri Lankan temples (Buddhist and Hindu) are active places of worship. Showing too much skin is considered deeply disrespectful and may result in you being denied entry. 3. Don’t Use Your Left Hand for Food or Greetings In traditional Sri Lankan culture, the left hand is reserved for personal hygiene and is considered “unclean.” 4. Don’t Be Casual About Buddhist Tattoos This is more than just a social taboo—it can be a legal issue. Sri Lanka has deported tourists in the past for having visible tattoos of the Buddha. 5. Don’t Photograph Government or Military Buildings While the civil war ended years ago, security remains a priority. High-Security Zones (HSZs) are scattered throughout the country, especially in Colombo and the North. 6. Don’t Underestimate the “Poya” Rules Every full moon is a public holiday in Sri Lanka known as Poya. It is a day of religious observance. 7. Don’t Forget to Haggle (But Keep It Friendly) If you’re jumping into a Tuk-Tuk without a meter or buying a souvenir at a local market, the first price quoted is rarely the final price. Quick “Don’ts” Checklist for 2026: Category What to Avoid Wildlife Don’t feed wild elephants on the roadside (it’s dangerous and alters their behavior). PDA Don’t engage in heavy public displays of affection; Sri Lanka remains conservative. Water Don’t drink tap water. Always opt for filtered or “Lion” brand bottled water. Clothing Don’t wear swimwear anywhere except the beach or the pool. Final Thought Sri Lankans are among the most hospitable people in the world. If you make a mistake, a genuine smile and a “Samavenna” (sorry) go a long way. Respect the culture, and the island will open its heart to you.
Iran Affirms Readiness to Support Sri Lanka with Oil and Essential Goods
COLOMBO – The Iranian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Dr. Alireza Delkhosh, has reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka during any crisis, stating that Iran is prepared to provide oil and other essential commodities upon request. Addressing a media briefing today (March 23), the Ambassador emphasized the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. He noted that if Sri Lanka faces shortages of fuel or other vital supplies, Iran stands ready to facilitate these requirements to ensure the island’s stability. Strategic Cooperation and Regional Security Ambassador Delkhosh addressed concerns regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane. He clarified that while regional tensions exist, Iran has not closed the passage to its friendly partners. ”Sri Lanka is a highly respected and friendly nation to us. We have no desire to see Sri Lanka fall into difficulty, and the Strait of Hormuz remains open for our friends,” the Ambassador stated. Gratitude for Maritime Assistance The Ambassador also took the opportunity to express formal gratitude for Sri Lanka’s humanitarian intervention following the incident involving the Iranian vessel ‘IRIS Dena’. He highlighted that the Sri Lankan authorities acted swiftly to rescue and assist the personnel on board even before a formal request was made by the Iranian government. This proactive gesture, he noted, is a testament to the strong bilateral ties and mutual respect shared by the two countries. Source: Daily Mirror / NewsWire (March 23, 2026)
Sri Lanka Reaffirms Neutrality, Denies Landing for US Warplanes Carrying Anti-Ship Missiles
In a significant move to maintain its non-aligned foreign policy, Sri Lanka has denied a request from the United States to land two combat aircraft at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA). Addressing Parliament, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake confirmed that the request was made on February 26, just two days before the escalation of military tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran. The US had sought permission to land two warplanes, reportedly carrying eight anti-ship missiles from a base in Djibouti, between March 4 and 8. Balancing Global Pressures President Dissanayake noted that the government faced considerable pressure but remained firm in its stance. He revealed that on the same day the US made its request, Iran had also requested permission for three naval vessels to conduct a “goodwill visit” to Sri Lanka. To ensure the country did not appear to take sides in the intensifying Middle Eastern conflict, the Sri Lankan government denied both requests. ”With two requests before us, the decision was clear,” the President told lawmakers. “Had we said ‘yes’ to Iran, we would have had to say ‘yes’ to the US as well. We turned down the requests to maintain Sri Lanka’s neutrality.” Context of Regional Tensions The decision comes at a time of high geopolitical volatility. Recently, the Sri Lankan Navy played a crucial role in humanitarian efforts, rescuing 32 Iranian crew members from the IRIS Dena after it was reportedly struck by a US submarine off the coast of Sri Lanka. Shortly after, the Navy also assisted in the evacuation of over 200 crew members from a second Iranian vessel, the IRIS Bushehr. As global powers like Switzerland also move to halt arms exports to avoid entanglement in the conflict, Sri Lanka’s refusal to host foreign warplanes underscores its commitment to remaining a neutral zone in the Indian Ocean. The President’s statement was met with widespread approval in Parliament, signaling a unified domestic front on the nation’s “Friendship to all, enmity to none” foreign policy. Source: Al Jazeera
Job Opportunity: Technical Officer (Civil) at LECO
Lanka Electricity Company (Private) Limited (LECO) is currently seeking a qualified Technical Officer (Civil) to join their team. This is a great opportunity to work with a prominent distribution utility in Sri Lanka that serves over 650,000 consumers across the coastal belt from Negombo to Galle. Requirements & Qualifications To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria: Compensation & Benefits LECO offers an attractive salary package along with a wide range of fringe benefits for the selected candidate. How to Apply If you meet the requirements, please prepare a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) and include: Submission Instructions: Address for Applications: Additional General Manager Human Resources & Administration Lanka Electricity Company (Private) Limited 1st Floor, E.H. Cooray Building, 411, Galle Road, Colombo 03.
Job Article: Legal Officer (Grade III) – National Police Commission
Job Article: Legal Officer (Grade III) – National Police Commission Employer: National Police Commission Location: Block No. 09, BMICH Premises, Colombo 07 Position: Legal Officer (Grade III of the Executive Service Category) Job Overview The National Police Commission (NPC) is inviting applications from qualified Sri Lankan citizens for one (01) vacancy for the post of Legal Officer (Grade III). This is a permanent and pensionable position, subject to a three-year probationary period. Required Qualifications Salary Scale How to Apply
Why Sri Lanka Is The Best Country To Travel To During March 2026
Sri Lanka ranked top five destinations for 2026. The U.S News and World Report has ranked Sri Lanka in the Top five Best places to visit in Asia this year They ranked Sri Lanka according to several criteria, with the vast, diverse offerings that country has to offer to travellers this year. Mainly, they look into the countries This report has highlighted Sri Lanka’s amazing sandy beaches, wildlife experiences and UNESCO heritage sites. It also highlighted Sri Lanka as a standalone destination instead of being a secondary choice for many travellers. Meanwhile, they mentioned Sri Lakas visa free policy for 40countries also plays a major part in this hype this year. Why Sri Lanka Is the Best Travel Destination for 2026 In this highly digitalised world, travellers search for authentic experiences and diverse landscapes when they select a destination for their next travel destination. So now Sri Lanka has become their first selection because of its accessibility, affordability and unforgettable safe experience. Let’s look into some of the reasons behind this Sri Lanka is Welcoming and Tourist-Friendly The hospitality of locals is well known, and they are friendly towards tourists. The country is a multicultural country with zero racism. Not only is their tourism industry well established, but most of the major destination tourist policies are in place. With the country’s fast economic growth, travellers can experience many digital and transport services like other countries. Sri Lanka is for every type of traveller You don’t have to be a billionaire to travel to Sri Lanka. The island welcomes all kinds of travellers, from backpackers to those who like to visit with their private jets. Adventure seekers and luxury seekers both have all the opportunities they search for in one place. Families, group travellers and honeymoon seekers will have the best stays at the best resorts in the country. Natural Diversity within an Island Sri Lanka offers a diverse travel experience to suit every taste. You can enjoy surf beaches like Arugam Bay, calm waters like Mirissa, upscale coastal areas like Bentota, and quiet, beautiful natural beaches like Tangalle. Highland areas like Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Haputale, and Knuckles Mountain Range boast cool weather and stunning scenery. Visitors can enjoy both beaches and misty mountains in a single trip. Sri Lanka also boasts a rich culture and history spanning over 2,500 years, with eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient cities like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, and Buddhist holy sites like the Sri Dalada Maligawa. So don’t wait, book your next flight to Sri Lanka
Post of Works Engineer
SHOCKING: Is Dialog Playing Games with Sri Lankan Cricket Fans? The T20 World Cup Coverage Scandal Exposed!
As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off, a massive controversy is brewing behind the scenes that should have every Sri Lankan cricket fan fuming. While our Lions fought hard to secure a 20-run victory against Ireland on February 8th, many fans across the island were left in the dark—literally. The reason? A calculated, “financial-first” gamble by Dialog Axiata PLC that has left nationwide free-to-air (FTA) coverage in shambles. The “Supreme” Failure: Too Little, Too Late In a move that reeks of corporate greed over public service, Dialog—the exclusive rights holder for 2026–2028 handpicked TV Supreme as its FTA partner. The problem? Supreme TV reportedly lacks the infrastructure to reach every corner of Sri Lanka. Even more shocking, despite the tournament being currently underway, leaked documents reveal that TV Supreme only formally moved to expand transmission by renting airtime on Vasantham TV on February 8th—the very day Sri Lanka played its first match! The “Vasantham” Bailout: Supreme Rents Airtime to Save Face The most damning revelation is the desperate move by TV Supreme to “acquire airtime” on Vasantham TV. Why? Because they simply cannot deliver the “nationwide coverage” Dialog promised the ICC. Despite boasting about “unprecedented scale” in January, TV Supreme has been forced to rent space on Vasantham TV’s frequencies just to keep the signal alive in critical areas. The Admission of Failure:Dialog explicitly admitted there is a “direct coverage impact” because of “existing CSN transmission limitations”. They knew the coverage was broken, yet this fix was only finalized as the World Cup was already happening. The Reality Check:Why was this “acquisition of airtime” by TV Supreme only formally set out on February 8th, after the tournament had already started? The “Limited” Solution:This isn’t a gift to fans. The arrangement is “strictly limited” to specific stations—Kokavil, Colombo, Madolsima, and Jaffna—and expires the moment the cup is over on March 9th. They aren’t investing in Sri Lankan fans; they are just doing the bare minimum to avoid an ICC penalty. Clock is Ticking: Two Days to the Next Match Sri Lanka’s next clash is against Oman on February 12th in Kandy. We are just two days away, and the “nationwide” coverage is still being patched together like a leaking roof in a monsoon. Crucial Match Missed:How many fans in rural areas missed the thrilling performances of Hasaranga and Theekshana against Ireland because of these “transmission limitations”? Upcoming High-Stakes Games:With a massive clash against Australia looming on February 16th, can we trust this last-minute scramble? Where is the Accountability? One has to ask: What is Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) doing? As a co-host of this World Cup, SLC has a moral obligation to ensure every citizen can watch the national team for free. Did the ICC know that Dialog was sub-licensing to an operator that couldn’t actually reach the fans? While Dialog hides behind “contractual obligations” and “reach assumptions,” the fans are being squeezed. If you can’t get the shaky FTA signal, Dialog is happy to sell you a subscription on their apps or website—proving that for them, this World Cup isn’t about “Powering the Passion of the Nation,” it’s about powering their bottom line. Even on their apps and website, streaming viewers are forced to pay. The Verdict:This is a slap in the face to the Sri Lankan cricket fan. To wait until the tournament starts to fix a known coverage crisis is not just a “mistake”—it’s a betrayal of the rights of the viewers.