Srilanka

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a proposal to conduct a feasibility study and survey to adopt Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) power generation in Sri Lanka to diversify energy mix. The government through the External Resources Department (ERD) has requested ADB last March to support Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) urgently in exploring LNG as a fuel for power generation. The Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy (MPRE) also sees a greater role for LNG in its goal of reducing the use of oil and coal in the country, particularly for power generation.

Showers will occur at times in Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts. Several spells of showers will occur in Hambanthota district. Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Mullaitivu district after 2.00p.m. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

After the successful and pioneering training for Sri Lankabamboo craftsmen early this year, the second phase of the program was launched in Colombo last week. The project, pioneered early this year by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) introduced international bamboo craft expertise for local craftsmen for the first time. Launched by the United Nations industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), it is also guided by URAVU (Indigenous Science and Technology Study Centre) of India.

&Poson Poya which falls on today marks the introduction of Buddhism in Sri Lanka with the arrival of Arahath Mahinda 2,326 years ago. This day we celebrate in grandeur manner with much devotion and honour as it symbolises the initial foot print of Buddhism in this country together with a civilization founded on Buddhism for generations to come,& President Maithripala Sirisena states in his Poson Message.&The ancient people who lived on this land with numerous beliefs, rituals and homages got accustomed to an organised way of life and a greater civilization consequent to the introduction of the teachings of the Buddha based on the noble principle of ahimsa. That was indeed the most important historical turning point that gave a new pragmatic meaning to our way of life and religious beliefs. With the arrival of Arahath Mahinda, together with the Thripitika Dhmma, unmatched art and craft to creating magnificent Buddhist Statues and pagodas are the gifts that this nation proudly inherited in significance to this remarkable point in our history.&Buddhism soon found its ground firmly on this land as it is a religion based on realities of the lives of the people accustomed to an independent way of life, promoting a benevolent society based on agriculture. An education system centered on Buddhist monks were also established by the Arahath Mahinda and accordingly &Ata Seta Len& or the 68 cave centres of learning. These turned out to be the first education centres in this country and the caves where Buddhist monks lived gradually evolved into monasteries and temples.