May 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka today joins the rest of the world in commemorating Mother’s Day, a heartfelt occasion dedicated to acknowledging the immeasurable role of mothers and maternal figures in shaping families and communities.

Observed annually on the second Sunday of May in many countries, this day serves as a moment of reflection, gratitude and affection for the women who nurture and guide with unwavering devotion.

The modern iteration of Mother’s Day traces its origins to the United States in the early 20th century. It was brought into public consciousness by Anna Jarvis, a social activist who organised the first official observance in 1908 in Grafton, West Virginia.

Her initiative aimed to honour her late mother and to create a formal space to appreciate the daily sacrifices made by mothers across society.

The growing popularity of the celebration led to a significant milestone in 1914, when then-President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday of May as a national holiday in the United States.

Since then, the tradition has transcended national boundaries, finding resonance in cultures worldwide.

In Sri Lanka, families commonly mark the day with personal tributes, small gatherings, gifts, and heartfelt gestures that highlight the value of a mother’s care and presence.

While commercial elements like flowers, cards, and special meals have become common, many Sri Lankans also observe the day with religious merit-making or spiritual offerings in temples to bless both living mothers and those who have passed away.

Beyond celebration, Mother’s Day offers a poignant opportunity to reflect on broader issues affecting women, such as maternal health, unpaid domestic labour, and the continuing challenges many face in balancing economic responsibilities with family life.

Advocacy groups and community organisations often use the day to raise awareness around policies that support working mothers, parental leave, and gender equity.

Despite its increasingly global character, Mother’s Day maintains a deeply personal tone in each home. Whether through words, actions, or quiet reflection, the day remains a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between mother and child—a connection that continues to shape lives across generations and cultures.

May 11, Colombo (LNW): In a rare gesture of compassion aligned with the spirit of Vesak, Sri Lanka’s Department of Prisons has announced that inmates across the country will be permitted to receive open visits from family members on the 12th and 13th of May.

The initiative, described by officials as an effort to honour the values of kindness and reconciliation associated with the life and teachings of the Buddha, offers prisoners a temporary reconnection with loved ones during one of the most significant days in the Buddhist calendar.

The arrangement will apply uniformly to all correctional facilities island-wide and is intended to create an atmosphere of reflection, healing, and moral upliftment among those incarcerated. Relatives visiting during these two days will be allowed to bring with them specially prepared food parcels, packets of traditional sweets, and basic hygiene essentials to be handed over to the inmates.

The Prison Department has assured that adequate checks and supervision will be in place to maintain order, while still ensuring a warm and meaningful visitation experience.

This year’s Vesak commemoration, which marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha, takes on added importance within the prison system, where religious observances are often seen as a pathway for spiritual rehabilitation and behavioural reform.

Senior officials noted that creating opportunities for inmates to engage with family members during sacred periods can play a vital role in reintegrating them into society and reducing reoffending rates.

The Department has further indicated that health and safety protocols will remain in place to ensure the well-being of both inmates and visitors. These include hand hygiene practices, limited physical contact, and scheduled time slots to manage the flow of visitors efficiently.

Over the years, Sri Lanka’s prison authorities have increasingly sought to integrate spiritual and rehabilitative elements into prison life, often in collaboration with religious leaders and civil society organisations.

Vesak, which is marked by almsgivings, lantern displays, and acts of merit-making across the country, is seen as a timely occasion for encouraging inmates to engage in introspection and self-improvement.

May 11, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, Southern and Northern provinces and in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 1.00 p.m., the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (11). 

Fairly heavy falls above 50mm are likely at some places in the Uva province and in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts, with a few showers being expected to occur in the Western province and in the Puttalam, Galle, Matara and Ratnapura districts in the morning. 

The general public has been requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in the Central and Uva provinces during the morning, according to the Department.

In view of the upcoming state Vesak Festival, the Ministry of Public Administration has announced that all slaughterhouses, meat shops, and meat sections in supermarkets across Sri Lanka will be temporarily closed from May 12 to May 14, 2025.

This directive also extends to entertainment venues such as casinos, race bookies, and clubs, which must remain closed during the same period.

The move, outlined in a circular issued on April 29, is intended to honour the spiritual and cultural significance of Vesak, which marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. Authorities and businesses have been instructed to ensure strict compliance.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially suspended the TATA IPL 2025 for one week due to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, with immediate effect. The announcement, made through a media advisory, comes after security concerns prompted franchisees, broadcasters, and sponsors to express concern for the safety of players and staff.

“The decision was taken in the collective interest of all stakeholders, despite the BCCI’s full faith in the strength of our armed forces,” the advisory noted.

Current Situation and Immediate Impact

• The IPL Governing Council made the call after consultations with franchise representatives, most of whom raised concerns from players and international boards.
• The season is temporarily suspended — the Board has not yet confirmed whether or how the remainder of the tournament will resume.
• Players are being repatriated:
  • Royal Challengers Bengaluru, currently in Lucknow, will be flown back via charter to Bengaluru.
  • Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders are leaving from Ahmedabad and Hyderabad, respectively.
  • Australian players have been advised to return home by Saturday, with coordinated support from teams and authorities.

Security Escalation

The suspension follows a series of cross-border hostilities:

• On May 9, the Indian Army reported multiple drone and munition attacks from Pakistan, which were “effectively repulsed.”
• Pakistan also engaged in ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.
• These were reportedly retaliatory actions after India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK in response to the April 22 terror attack in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians.

Tournament Status

• 58 matches of the IPL 2025 had been completed, including one abandoned fixture in Dharamsala due to a “significant technical failure.”
• 12 group-stage matches remain, originally scheduled across Lucknow, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Jaipur.
• Playoffs were to be held in Hyderabad and Kolkata.

The BCCI has said it will reassess the situation with relevant stakeholders and provide updates on resumption, venues, and revised schedule in due course.

Yantai City, China, hosted the Symposium and Exchange Meeting on International Zero-Carbon Island Construction on May 8 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, marking a significant step in advancing global collaboration on climate-friendly island development.

The event brought together around 50 delegates from government bodies, universities, and enterprises in Sri Lanka and China, including key Sri Lankan officials such as:

• Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya, Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board
• Prabhath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary, Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure
• K.R. Uduwawala, Secretary, Ministry of Environment

Representing China were Zheng Deyan, Mayor of Yantai and Deputy Secretary of the CPC Yantai Municipal Committee, and Zhu Yanwei, Minister-Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka.

Yantai’s Vision for Zero-Carbon Islands

Mayor Zheng highlighted Yantai’s ongoing international efforts to promote zero-carbon initiatives. He noted that at the COP29 Conference in 2024, Yantai launched the International Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Initiative in partnership with 32 global organizations, and proposed the formation of the International Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Organization—a non-governmental platform focused on sustainable island development and climate change mitigation.

During the Colombo symposium, Chinese companies including Dongfang Electronics, Tayho Advanced Materials, and LONGi Green Energy showcased cutting-edge technologies and solutions for clean energy and green infrastructure suitable for island environments.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Yantai and Sri Lanka continue to enjoy strong bilateral relations, with trade volume reaching RMB 250 million in 2024, up 28.9% year-on-year. Recent cooperation agreements signed during the visit focus on green materials and renewable energy, reinforcing long-term collaboration in sustainable development.

Mayor Zheng invited Sri Lankan institutions, universities, and businesses to join the Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Organization, emphasizing the shared vision of climate resilience, sustainable growth, and mutual prosperity.

The event lays a robust foundation for Sri Lanka’s green transition, aligning with broader efforts to improve climate governance and livelihoods through international cooperation.