News
APC on 13A: SLPP rebels reject President’s latest endeavour, ask govt. to speak with one voice
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Rebel SLPP MP Prof. Charitha Herath yesterday (24) urged President Ranil Wickremesinghe to reach a consensus with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, and the ruling SLPP, regarding the post-war reconciliation process and devolution proposals before convening another All-Party Conference (APC).
Herath said so addressing the media at their Nawala office. He stressed that the Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa government should speak with one voice on this matter.
He said the APC summoned for 26 July at the Presidential Secretariat would be an exercise in futility. The President called the APC following his latest consultations with the Indian leadership.
President Wickremesinghe is on record as having said that he will consult all political parties represented in Parliament regarding the full implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.
Alleging that the proposed APC was meant to woo Tamil votes, Prof. Herath said that no useful purpose would be served by such acts of political expediency. The MP said that the President’s latest endeavor should be boycotted. Prof. Herath said that President Wickremesinghe, Premier Dinesh Gunawardena and SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam repeatedly gave contradictory views on the 13th Amendment.
Prof. Herath said that President Wickremesinghe, whose UNP with just one seat backed full implementation of the 13th Amendment whereas Premier Gunawardena’s party, MEP with three seats, didn’t like it. The SLPP with about 90 MPs, too, didn’t accept the full implementation of the controversial Amendment, Prof. Herath said, pointing out that the SLPP General Secretary had clearly stated their stand on this matter.
Herath pointing out the contradictions said that Wckremesinghe during his tenure as the yahapalana Premier crippled Provincial Councils. Having done so, Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as the President, wanted to devolve powers to the PCs, he said.
Emphasizing that Wickremesinghe elected to complete the remainder of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s five –year term won at the last presidential poll conducted in Nov 2019 had no right to enter into far reaching agreements with India or any other country, MP Herath urged the Opposition not to be deceived by the Wickremesinghe political strategy.
High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April
Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.
Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.
The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.
Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 01 May 2026, valid for 02 May 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, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.
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 the 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.
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
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