Srilanka

The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha&i of Sri Lanka in message yesterday congratulated the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on his election victory and expressed confidence that the new president will pave the way to constructive change with great resilience and a passion for progress.

The eraincomparable meritorious deed & the unveiling of the Golden Pinnacle and the Crest Gem of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya will be held at the auspicious time of 10 am on Monday (26).Ruwanweli Chethiyaramadhipathi Ven. Pallegama HemarathanaNayaka Thera told the Daily News that according to their estimates around 600,000 devotees are expected to visit the Anuradhapura Maha SeyaPinnacle unveiling ceremony. The Thera also said any philanthropist who wishes to provide meals for devotees is welcome.

President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin in a statement has congratulated President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on winning the recent elections. Commenting on the Presidentvictory, President Putin in a translated statement said that &it definitely meets the fundamental interests of our people and is in line with strengthening the regional stability and security.&President Putin also said that the Russian-Sri Lankan relations are of traditionally friendly nature. &I hope that your activities as Head of State will foster further development of the bilateral dialogue and constructive cooperation in various aspects.& He also wished President Gotabaya success, good health and prosperity.

The remains of former Prime Minister D.M.Jayaratne was brought to the Parliamentary complex.Picture shows President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and First Lady Ioma Rajapaksa paying their respects to the veteran politician who left an indelible imprint in the political platform. Parliamentarian Anuradha Jayaratne is also in the picture.a