News
Harsha sheds light on growing poverty crisis
‘Of 07mn living in poverty, 04mn victims of GR’s policies’
Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Harsha de Silva says the government has to adopt measures to arrest the increase in the number of people living in poverty.Responding to The Island query in this regard, the economist said that he addressed this issue in Parliament last Friday (09)
In his address to Parliament, MP de Silva shed light on the alarming state of poverty in Sri Lanka. Referring to the latest findings by LirneAsia, the MP pointed out that a staggering 07 million Sri Lankans currently live in poverty. Of them approximately 04 million individuals, accounting for around 17% of the population, had fallen into poverty since 2019 thanks to misguided policies of ousted President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s government.
MP Harsha highlighted the profound impact of this dire situation on the daily lives of families. The lawmaker recounted the poignant words of a distressed mother who shared her struggle, saying, “I used to buy all the food her four-year-old baby needed, but now I couldn’t even buy half of what I used to. Even a bun….She used to eat baby rusks, which used to cost Rs. 30.00, but now it’s around Rs. 140.”
The MP said that about 47% of households have been compelled to reduce their food consumption in order to make ends meet.
Declaring that the consequences of poverty extended far beyond hunger, MP Harsha de Silva emphasised that in 27% of households, parents had been forced to sacrifice their own meals to ensure that their children were fed. Equally troubling was the fact that 6% of households with children aged 5-18 had been unable to send their kids to school. Quoting a survey participant, the MP said, “About half the boys in the nearby estate have dropped out of school. They take on odd jobs in the area and can earn about Rs. 200 if someone calls them.
These distressing statistics underscore the urgent need to address poverty in Sri Lanka.”
MP Harsha de Silva called for a united effort among Members of Parliament to raise awareness and support initiatives aimed at alleviating this crisis. He emphasized that no child should go hungry or be deprived of an education. It is imperative that policymakers work diligently to make a meaningful difference in the lives of fellow citizens.
Three Sri Lankan leopard cubs that were born at the Singapore Zoo on Jan 1 have now made their public debut at the facility.
The two males and one female, born to mother Yala and father Asanka, are the first of their species yo be born at the Singapore Zoo. The last successful birth in Singapore was recorded at the Night Safari three decades ago.
The triplets, which are the pair’s first litter, are among around 80 Sri Lankan leopards in zoos worldwide.
The species is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with fewer than 800 individuals estimated to remain in the wild.
Visitors can now see the triplets at the Wild Africa exhibit, said the Mandai Wildlife Group in a statement on April 16.
The cubs can be found in the exhibit with their mother daily until mid-May and, subsequently, every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Yala with her cubs in their nest box, a month after their birth on Jan 1. (Straits Times)
A leopard cub investigating a piece of meat suspended from a tree – one of the several enrichment items in the Wild Africa exhibit designed to keep the cats mentally and physically stimulated. (Straits Times)
Mandai Wildlife Group curator Anand Kumar said it took nearly three years and close collaboration across continents to bring together a compatible pair of Sri Lankan leopards.
(Straits Times)
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-zoos-first-sri-lankan-leopard-cubs-make-their-public-debut?ref=top-stories
The Sri Lanka Navy has seized a local multi- day fishing trawler, it’s four man crew together with a consignment suspected to be narcotics off the Southern Coast of the island.
The vessel is presently being escorted to the Dikowita fisheries harbour for further investigations and legal proceedings.
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 15 April 2026, valid for 16 April 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.
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 above table 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
Singapore Zoo’s first Sri Lankan leopard cubs make their public debut
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