Let us resolve ourselves to fill our lives with compassion – President

Poson Poya Day, which falls today recalls historical reminiscences that enrich the Sinhala culture and its moral values through the influence of Buddhist culture that was introduced with the establishment of Buddha Sasana with the arrival of Arahath Mahinda, said President Maithripala Sirisena in his Poson Day message. 

Nonviolence, tranquility, humanity, equality, frugal lifestyle, and national pride became a part of our proud cultural features as a result of the arrival of Arahath Mahinda, the President further stated. 
Full text of the message: 
Poson Poya Day, which falls today recalls historical reminiscences that enrich the Sinhala culture and its moral values through the influence of Buddhist culture that was introduced with the establishment of Buddha Sasana with the arrival of Arahath Mahinda. Intellectuals rank this historical instance, which occurred 2,323 years ago as the most significant milestone of the Sinhala culture. We received an extraordinary spiritual stimulant and cultural pride through Buddhism and Buddhist philosophy. 

Nonviolence, tranquility, humanity, equality, frugal lifestyle, and national pride became a part of our proud cultural features as a result of the arrival of Arahath Mahinda. 

The field of the visual arts, including the Sinhala literature nourished in a comprehensive, vibrant and unprecedented manner as a result of that cultural revitalization. The Anuradhapura Samadhi Statue, Moon-stone carvings and Aukana Buddha statue symbolize our rich aesthetic cultural heritage to the world. 

We should recall on this important Poson Poya Day that none of the external forces that invaded our country from time to time could succeed in vandalizing our rich and unique culture. As persons who grew up with that pure philosophy and culture there is no obstacle for us to see the world with an open and compassionate mind. Let us resolve ourselves to fill our lives with compassion and contentment on this Poson Poya Day.

SL authorities assign officers to identify immigrants on Indonesian shores

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Sri Lanka High Commission to Indonesia has assigned an officer to to identify as to whether the illegal immigrants who landed on the Achae shores of Indonesia, are in fact Sri Lankan.

Spokesperson, Maheshini Colonne stated that it has yet to to be confirmed that the illegal immigrants are of Sri Lankan nationality. Indonesian authorities have granted permission for the illegal migrants to step ashore.

Women and children are among the 44 illegal immigrants. The boat which was heading for Australia, arrived on the Ache coast on the 11th of June following technical difficulties that were experienced during the journey.

Although the boat was in close proximity to land, migrants were restricted by officers of Ache County, from stepping ashore. However, following requests made by several international human rights organisations, these individuals were permitted to step ashore.