News
JVP says Ranil will cling to presidency till last possible day without holding polls
Calls on people not to fall prey to fib about early election
By Saman Indrajith
JVP-led NPP has called on people not to fall prey to fib being peddled by the Ranil- Rajapaksa administration that there will be a presidential election soon.
JVP-NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressing a rally held in Pelmadulla on Tuesday said that Wickremsinghe ascending to presidency had been fortuitous and would never dare test the public opinion as long as he can cling on to power.
“They are floating a rumour that there will be a presidential election. We call on people not to be gullible to believe in this because there would be no such election. Wickremesinghe has time till October 17, 2023 to hold the presidential polls for which the nominations are to be called by July end next year. He will remain in the presidency till the last possible day,” Dissanayake said, adding that in the meantime a lie was being propagated that the economic situation was improving.
“Wickremesinghe says that the country’s economy is now better. The truth is otherwise according to facts and figures. Our growth rate in the first quarter of 2022 was – 0.5 percent. The corresponding figure this year shows a minus 11.5 percent. No other Asian country has suffered such an economic setback. This country can never achieve progress as long as a bunch of fraudsters take turns to rule it. They protect each other. Has any ruler gone to jails in Sri Lanka for stealing the public funds? It is because those in power always protect their predecessors.
In Pakistan, former President Nawaz Sharif was sentenced to a 10-year prison term for corruption. In the Maldives, former President Abdullah Yameen was sent to jail for 11 years for corruption. In Malaysia, former Prime Minister Najib Razak was jailed for 12 years for corruption. Khaleda Zia of Bangladesh was sentenced to 17 years for graft. In Tamil Nadu former chief minister Jayalalithaa was given a prison sentence for corruption. Would such a thing ever happen in this country though people know that they had been defrauded by their rulers? It is because the successors always would protect their predecessors as per the deals between them,” Dissanayake said.
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Sun directly overhead Pandatharippu, Thellippalai, Varuthaleivilan, Vasavilan, and Manatkaadu about 12:10 noon today (15)
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from the 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (15th) are Pandatharippu, Thellippalai, Varuthaleivilan, Vasavilan, and Manatkaadu about 12:10 noon.
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Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, 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 14 April 2026, valid for 15 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, 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.
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“I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!” – President
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, issuing a New Year message, extend his heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which symbolises the aspiration for renewal both physically and spiritually, is the foremost cultural festival of the people of this country.
During the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, traditional customs are upheld, with priority accorded to rituals and religious observances, and activities undertaken collectively at a common auspicious time. This shared cultural practice vividly reflects our nation’s identity before the world, as well as the strong socio-cultural bonds that exist among our communities.
We firmly believe that the future path of national development can only be shaped in harmony with this invaluable culture and our distinguished historical heritage. Accordingly, it must be recalled that all our future development plans have been formulated upon the firm foundation of these precious traditions and cultural values.
Moreover, the common aspiration embodied in the customs and rituals associated with the solar transition is the nurturing of a compassionate individual who values togetherness, respects others, and lives in harmony with nature. I believe that the virtues and values of unity reflected in these New Year traditions should not be confined to these few days alone, but should instead be demonstrated throughout the year in our daily conduct.
In the face of the most significant recent natural disaster challenge encountered in the past year, we demonstrated to the world our resilience and capacity to withstand internal shocks. At the same time, in responding to the external challenges arising from the conflict in the Middle East, the Government has already set in motion a well-planned and effectively managed programme to overcome these difficulties.
As a nation, in overcoming these challenges together, I call upon all of you to further dedicate yourselves to enriching your lives through the values of togetherness, sharing, and solidarity exemplified during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season.
As we strengthen the achievements we have secured and move forward with unwavering resolve in the face of emerging challenges, I invite everyone to join hands in unity to realise the vision of “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life” for all.
I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!
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