News
House discusses nuclear power plant here
Sri Lanka’s first nuclear power plant could be built by 2032, the Atomic Energy Board has stated at the Sectoral Oversight Committee
The Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board stated in the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Energy and Transport that if all activities go as planned, the first nuclear power plant can be built in Sri Lanka by 2032 with Russian technical support.
This fact came to light when the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Energy and Transport met in Parliament recently to discuss the current status and future activities of the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board. The committee was chaired by the Member of Parliament. Nalaka Bandara Kottegoda.
There was a lengthy discussion at the committee meeting on the production of skilled professionals in the field of welding and related technology in Sri Lanka. The members of the committee pointed out that there was a great demand for experts in this field in industrialized countries including Korea and the need for a formal mechanism to produce skilled workers with formal certificates in the said field.
Officials mentioned that the training and certification programme for those who already had professional experience in this sector and those who are new entrants in the field were conducted at the training center run by the board. However, since there was no proper awareness among the people about this training, the committee advised to prepare a plan and take steps to make awareness and involve more young people.
It was also mentioned that Saudi Arabia hoped to get preserved coconut coir from Sri Lanka for a project to plant 10 billion trees in Saudi Arabia. Chairman of the Committee MP Nalaka Bandara Kottegoda mentioned that the country can get a large amount of foreign exchange by providing facilities for the said process of sterilization. Accordingly, the Committee advised the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board to take steps to prepare the sterilization facility.
The members of Parliament, Dayasiri Jayasekara, Nalin Bandara Jayamaha, Yadamini Gunawardena, Isuru Dodangoda, Udayakanta Gunathilake, M. Udayakumar, Kumarasiri Ratnayake and Akila Ellawala participated in the meeting.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the table below and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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