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Cabinet_Decision_on_25.05.2026_English.pdf

Deputy Minister of Mass Media, Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne, stated in Parliament recently (20th) that certain civil society and media organizations cannot survive without an oppressive and violent state. She noted that while these entities seemingly desire such a violent, rogue, and malicious state, no such environment will be created under the National People's Power (NPP) government.

The Deputy Minister highlighted that a free and peaceful environment has been established in the country today. She further pointed out that despite being fully aware of the government’s positive interventions regarding the media community and the Right to Information (RTI) Commission, certain organizations are deliberately attempting to propagate misconceptions within society.

Deputy Minister Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne made these remarks while addressing the House during the parliamentary debate held on the 20th.

Further expressing her views, the Deputy Minister stated that a certain media organization had issued a press release distorting a statement she had previously made. She emphasized that this distortion was by no means accidental.

The final discussion regarding the Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone was held yesterday (20th) at Temple Trees, chaired by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Pradeep Saputanthri.

The discussion primarily focused on the organizational activities of the Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone and energy consumption during the period the Vesak zone is held.

Key Highlights of the Discussion:

• Relaxation of Energy Restrictions: Attendees were briefed on the relaxation of government-imposed regulations on fuel and electricity usage specifically for the Vesak festival.

• Committee Coordination: Information was gathered from officials of the committees appointed to successfully organize and coordinate the activities of the Vesak zone.

• Focus on Spiritual Devotion (Prathipaththi Pooja): The Chief Incumbent of the Colombo Gangaramaya Temple, Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, stated that due to the ongoing crisis, a decision was made to use fuel and electricity sparingly compared to previous years. Accordingly, arrangements have been made within the Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone to illuminate the festive spirit while prioritizing Prathipaththi Pooja (spiritual devotion) with minimal fuel and electricity costs, comforting the minds of devotees through Aamisa Pooja (material offerings).

• Operating Hours: The Thero further mentioned that this year's Vesak zone is scheduled to be held from 7:00 PM to 12:30 AM (midnight

A discussion was held yesterday (18th) afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat between the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayaka, and representatives of the Bauddhaloka Vesak Committee.

Organized for the 25th consecutive year in view of this year's Vesak festival, the Bauddhaloka Vesak Zone is scheduled to be held from May 30th to June 1st, centered around Bauddhaloka Mawatha.

Under the instructions of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and through the intervention of the Presidential Secretariat, arrangements have been made to hold this event on a grand scale with the contribution of all public and private sector institutions. The preliminary preparations and the provision of facilities for the public were discussed at length during the meeting.

The Mayor of Colombo, Vraie Balthazaar, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, President of the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress Chandra Nimal Wakishta, Vice President Roshan Maddumage, Treasurer Wasantha de Silva, along with officials from government institutions, senior officers of the security forces, and representatives of sponsoring companies were among those present at the occasion.

The State Vesak Festival for the Buddhist Era (B.E.) 2570, falling in the year 2026, will commence on May 27 at the Midellawela Purana Viharaya in Tihagoda, Matara, under the patronage of the President. This was stated by the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi.

The Minister made these remarks today (18) during a press conference held at the Department of Government Information to brief the media regarding the State Vesak Festival

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Cabinet_Decision_on_18.05.2026_English.pdf

The 79th World Health Assembly commenced on the 16th in Geneva and will continue until the 22nd.

Minister of Health and Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, is scheduled to participate in several sessions held concurrently with the assembly and is also set to address the main assembly today (18).

During this assembly period, Minister of Health and Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa will also engage in bilateral discussions with Health Ministers from several participating countries, including Bhutan, Thailand, and Bangladesh, as well as with various organizations, including the Nippon Foundation.

In October 2025, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health and Media, was appointed as the Chairperson of the 78th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South and South-East Asian countries.

Accordingly, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa represents the 79th World Health Assembly this time, both as the country's Minister of Health and as the Chairperson of the regional committee comprising South and South-East Asian nations.

A ceremony to issue two new postage stamps, specifically designed to streamline the postal requirements of Honorable Members of Parliament, was held recently at the Parliament Library premises.

The event was presided over by the Honorable Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, with the participation of several Ministers, Members of Parliament, and high-ranking government officials.

Key Details:

• Stamp Values: Rs. 20.00 and Rs. 70.00

• Issuing Authority: The Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Post, Sri Lanka.

• Primary Objective: To facilitate the efficient and expeditious handling of the diverse postal needs of Parliamentarians.

The introduction of these new stamps is expected to further formalize and enhance the official correspondence processes of the people's representatives, ensuring a more organized communication network between the legislature and the public.

The State Vesak Festival of the Buddha Era 2570 will be held on ^27th May 2026 at the Midellawala Purana Viharaya in Thihagoda, Matara. A special discussion on the preliminary organisational arrangements for the festival was held this last 11^th at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunnethth and Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

The “Dakshina Prabha” National Vesak Festival will be held under the theme “Abhiththaretha Kalyane” from 27 May to 01 June 2026 in the areas around the city of Matara and the Midellawala Temple in Thihagoda.

Matara, regarded as one of the foremost centres of the Sri Lankan Buddhist revival, is a sacred city that produced many eminent Buddhist monks who helped illuminate and preserve the Buddha Sasana. The spiritual message and cultural heritage that Matara bestowed upon the nation through poetry and Buddhist scholarship continue to remain vibrant to this day.

Accordingly, the selection of Matara as the venue for this year’s National Vesak Festival is of special significance, as it seeks to showcase to the world the unparalleled pride of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage while rekindling within the nation the profound spiritual message handed down through generations.

The “Dakshina Prabha” National Vesak Festival will consist of two main zones: the Prathipaththi Pooja Zone and the Amisa Pooja Zone. The Prathipaththi Pooja Zone will be centred in the historic Matara Fort area, while the Amisa Pooja Zone will be organised in and around the Matara town and Beach Park.

The Prathipaththi Pooja Zone will feature an exposition of Sacred Relics brought from the Nelligala International Buddhist Centre, Dhamma sermons and discussions conducted by renowned members of the Maha Sangha, as well as Kavi Bana, Dorakada Asna, almsgiving, Sil observances and meditation programmes.

The Amisa Pooja Zone will include a large Vesak pandal erected at the Fort area and city centre, a creative Vesak lantern competition at the Matara Beach Park, devotional music performances presented by the Tri-Forces and Police near Pigeon Island, as well as puppet shows and cultural performances highlighting the traditional arts of the Southern Province.

The festival will also feature several unique attractions, including modern technological displays showcasing Buddhist symbols and patterns in the night sky, Jataka story presentations through traditional Southern puppet theatre and digital screenings of Jataka stories and films across the city through LED display systems.

The Vesak lantern competition will be conducted under open and school categories, while the devotional song competitions will be held under state sector and school categories. Winners will be selected by a distinguished panel of judges based on creativity and quality.

The State Vesak Festival will commence on 27 May, while religious programmes including almsgiving, sil observances and meditation programmes will be held on Vesak Poya Day, which falls on 30 May. The State Vesak Festival will conclude on 01 June.

Extensive discussions were held regarding the organisational arrangements for the festival, including obtaining the support of Divisional Secretariats and voluntary organisations.

The Secretary to the President further highlighted the importance of ensuring the success of the Vesak Festival through the collective contribution of the public sector, private sector, Tri-Forces, Police and all relevant stakeholders.

Members of the Maha Sangha of the Matara District Sasanarakshak Balamandalaya, Deputy Minister of Power Arkam Ilyas, Media Adviser to the President Chandana Sooriyabandara, Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs ,R.M.G. Senarathna, officials of the Matara District, members of the business community and sponsors were also present at the occasion.

The 21st Asian Media Summit commenced yesterday (12th) in Malé, Maldives, with the participation of Sri Lanka’s Minister of Health and Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

Organized under the theme “Maldives 2.0: From Tradition to Tech,” the summit focused extensively on maintaining professionalism and integrity amidst rapidly evolving global media trends.

National Media Policy and Digital Evolution

Addressing the summit, Minister Jayatissa briefed the international delegation on the formulation and current progress of Sri Lanka’s new National Media Policy. He emphasized that traditional and digital media should not be viewed as competitors, noting that both sectors are vital in delivering accurate and responsible news to the public.

The Minister highlighted that the proposed policy is built upon three pillars:

• Ensuring Media Freedom: Protecting the rights of journalists and outlets.

• Privacy and Dignity: Safeguarding individual rights in the digital age.

• Professionalism: Establishing a chartered institute for journalists to enhance vocational standards.

Embracing AI and Self-Regulation

Commenting on the rise of modern technological tools, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Minister Jayatissa stated that these innovations should not be viewed with fear. Instead, he described them as a natural step in human evolution that should be embraced responsibly.

Furthermore, the Minister expressed his belief that self-regulation by journalists and social media activists is far more effective than rigid government-imposed regulations.

"Our ultimate goal is to maximize the benefits of technological advancement for the well-being of humanity, while strictly respecting human rights and the legal framework," the Minister remarked.

Regional Cooperation

The summit also featured addresses by:

• Mr. Mohammad Ali Arafat – Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Bangladesh.

• Mr. Expedito Lemos Lait Magno – Secretary of State for Social Communication, Timor-Leste.

• Mr. Ibrahim Ishaam – Minister of Information and Arts, Maldives.

High-ranking regional diplomats, including Mr. Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary-General of BIMSTEC, and Mr. Md. Golam Sarwar, Secretary-General of SAARC, were also in attendance.

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Cabinet_Decision_on_11.05.2026_English.pdf

A preliminary discussion regarding the establishment of the "Youth Journalists Network" was held on the 11th at the Ministry of Youth Affairs. The initiative aims to elevate the media space available to the Sri Lankan youth to a more professional and high-quality standard.

This special joint program, implemented by the Ministry of Mass Media in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, was discussed at length with the participation of Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, Mr. Dinindu Hennayake, Director General of Government Information, Mr. Harsha Bandara, and the Chairman of the National Youth Services Council, Mr. Supun Wijerathne.

Key Objectives of the Program:

• Networking: Connecting talented young journalists and media enthusiasts from across the island through a single, unified professional network.

• Professional Development: Developing the media landscape for the youth to meet professional standards and international benchmarks.

• Training and Mentorship: Providing specialized training on modern media practices and ethics under the guidance and mentorship of industry veterans.

The fundamental framework required for the official launch of the Youth Journalists Network is currently being finalized. This initiative is expected to provide a formal platform for young creators to align with contemporary global media trends while maintaining journalistic integrity.