A mahout and his assistant have died after being attacked by an elephant brought for the 78th Poson procession at the Sri Ubhayatilakārāma Temple in Rakwana, it was reported.

The Police said two elephants had been tied near the temple following the procession yesterday. 

On Monday morning, the mahout’s assistant led one of the elephants to the Rakwana River to provide water, when the animal suddenly turned aggressive and fatally attacked him.

Hearing the cries, the mahout rushed to the scene but was also attacked by the elephant and died on the spot.

After the incident, the elephant is reported to have run into a nearby paddy field. 

It is reported that Wildlife officers have since arrived at the location and are taking steps to tranquilize and capture the animal. (Newswire)

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Four distinguished Sri Lankan Buddhist monks undertook a visit to Yangon, Myanmar on Tuesday (Jan 16) as part of the Temple-to-Temple Diplomacy Programme launched by the State Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Yangon, this visionary initiative was set in motion by State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya, with the cooperation of the President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka. 

Under the guidance of the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Myanmar Janaka Bandara, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Yangon coordinated with the temples in Myanmar to arrange the visit.

The visiting monks were warmly welcomed by the Pa Thein Monastery in Yangon.  During their stay, the Sri Lankan monks will explore temples in Myanmar including the most sacred Swedagon pagoda in Yangon which is said to enshrine relics of the four previous Buddhas.

The temple-to-temple diplomacy programme stands as a unique approach to international relations, highlighting the profound cultural and religious ties between nations. This program serves as a bridge towards greater understanding, cooperation, and cultural exchange, fostering regional peace and stability.  It is poised to pave the way for enhanced economic collaboration, tourism, and cultural exchanges.

The Sri Lankan Embassy added that it is actively collaborating with temples across various states of  Myanmar to expand this diplomatic outreach. (NewsWire)

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Reconstruction of the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kotte commenced under the patronage of the Kotte Raja Maha Viharadhipati Ven. Aluthnuwara Anuruddha Thera, the Prime Minister’s Office reported.

According to the PM’s Office, the Temple of the Tooth –Relic which was built near the Palace of King Parakramabahu VI in the kingdom of Kotte had been ruined due to foreign invasions and the relocation of the relics brought it under the administration of Kandy.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena visited the Kotte Rajamaha Vihara today (02) to observe the restoration plans for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

MP Yadamini Gunawardena, former Chief Minister of Western Province Isura Devapriya, former municipal council members Upali Kodikara and Salochana Gamage, and a large gathering including Urban Council members were present on this occasion. (NewsWire)

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