Srilanka

The Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith issuing a statement expressed dismay over certain suggestions that he should be entrusted political responsibilities due to the current situation in the country in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday suicide attacks. &I am a Catholic Priest and as the Archbishop my sole intention is to dedicate myself to religious and spiritual service.

Defence Secretary, General (Rtd) Shantha Kottegoda urged the public to approach the security authorities immediately on any information related to a security threat without sharing it on social media. &Whether the information is false or correct we will investigate them. But if the public share such information on social media or by any other means it would only cause panic and unrest& Kottegoda told the media after calling on the Mahanayaka Theraof the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters in Kandy yesterday.

The government and the Security Forces and Police will extend unqualified support to the people to celebrate Vesak by giving pride of place to amisa pooja as decided by the Mahanayake Theras (Chief Prelates) of three Nikayas, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said. &There is no need to postpone or cancel Vesak celebrations for any reason. Even the Portuguese couldn&t restrict Vesak celebrations,& said the Premier.

Sri Lanka Tourism will soon formulate a US $ 100 million insurance fund to pay compensation to any tourist who suffers injury or death while visiting Sri Lanka, said Minister of Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs, John Amaratunga. The Minister said that they will offer this tourism insurance scheme with Sri Lanka Insurance.