News

A daunting challenge: GL explains efforts to re-open schools

Published

5 years ago

2020/12/15

Sahan Weerasooriya

… about 50% of 10,000 schools re-opened a few weeks ago

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Education Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris yesterday (14) said that in spite of severe difficulties, the government had no other option but to explore ways and means of re-opening schools, gradually next year in line with Covid-19 health guidelines.

Minister Peiris, who is also the Chairman of the ruling SLPP, emphasized that indefinite closure of schools could be as bad as the catastrophic Covid-19.

Fielding questions at the weekly SLPP briefing at its Nelum Mawatha Office in Battaramulla Prof. Peiris said that every effort would be made to re-open schools though they realized the risks involved.

Prof. Peiris explained measures taken by the government to improve various sectors, including education as the world battled the rampaging epidemic. He appreciated the support provided by the international community while referring to an assurance received from the WHO Representative here to supply a significant number of temperature testing equipment for the benefit of the student population.

At the onset of the briefing, the Education Minister said that the countrywide percentage of attendance of students and teachers was 51 % and 77%, respectively though turnout in some Education Zones was really impressive. The minister provided figures in respect of provinces to back his assertion. According to Prof. Peiris, the percentages referred to in yesterday’s briefing dealt with 5,100 schools out of 10,165 countrywide and that too in respect of grades 6 to 11.

Responding to questions, Minister Peiris explained current efforts to resume primary sections of those schools that were opened a couple of weeks ago, in addition to tuition classes as well as pre-schools.

The minister expressed confidence that ongoing efforts spearheaded by the health sector and earnestly backed by the armed forces and police would ultimately succeed in bringing the situation under control.

Pressed for an assurance of a corona-free environment for students, the Minister said that decisions in that regard would be taken in consultation with health authorities.

The minister noted that the government went ahead with Year 5 Scholarship and GCE AL examination regardless of repeated attempts to discourage them. Had the government succumbed to politically motivated pressure, both examinations would have been put off, the minister said.

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

Published

4 hours ago

2026/04/21

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
at 3.30 p.m. on 20 April 2026, valid for 21 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.

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Advisory for Severe Lightning issued for all provinces of Sri Lanka

Published

10 hours ago

2026/04/20

Priyan

Advisory for Severe Lightning
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 12.00 noon 20 April 2026 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 20 April 2026

Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur most places in the island after 1.00 p.m.

There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

ACTION REQUIRED:

The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:

 Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.

 Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.

 Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.

 Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.

 Beware of fallen trees and power lines.

 For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.

News

Indian Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan meets Prime Minister

Published

10 hours ago

2026/04/20

Priyan

The Vice President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan, who is currently on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka, held a bilateral discussion with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Sunday (19) morning at Temple Trees.

Upon his arrival at Temple Trees, the Indian Vice President was received by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. The Prime Minister also extended her congratulations to C.P. Radhakrishnan on his appointment as the Vice President of India.

During the meeting, the Vice President noted that this is his first official visit to Sri Lanka and expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him during his stay.

The occasion was attended by the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel; Members of Parliament Dr. K. Laxman and Dr. Medha Vishram Kulkarni; Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri; and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, and representing the Government of Sri Lanka the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath; Minister of Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage; Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj; Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri; Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Harshana Suriyapperuma; Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa; and several other officials.