News
Academics join GL to oppose controversial education reforms
Dissident SLPP MP Prof. G. L. Peiris yesterday (06) warned of catastrophic consequences if the Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa government was allowed to go ahead with sweeping education reforms.
The former External Affairs Minister alleged that the Wickremesinghe-led government, that was on its way out, seemed hell-bent on doing away with free education enjoyed by Sri Lankans for over eight decades.
Prof. Peiris said so at a special media briefing held at the Opposition Leader’s Office yesterday. Among the participants were Dr. Mahim Mendis (OUSL), Dr. Athulasiri Samarakoon (OUSL), Prof. Upul Dissanayake (Peradeniya Uni), Prof. Upul Aberathna (Peradeniya), Prof. Nawarathna Banda (Kelaniya), Dr. Neavis Morais (OUSL), Prof. Anura Uthumange (Japura), Prof. Shantha Gamlath (Japura), Prof. Gamini Rathnasiri (Japura), Prof. Geethani Bulankulams (Rajarata), Prof. Dunesh Gunatillaka (Japura), Dr. Ajih Senevirathna (Nagananda Buddhist university) and Thushara Silva (Lawyer).
Referring to the contentious government proposals, the one-time VC of the Colombo University asserted that the overall aim of the government was to discontinue its involvement in the higher education sector. According to Prof. Peiris, the government intended to abolish the University Grants Commission (UGC), thereby terminating the State’s regulatory mechanism for once and for all.
Pointing out that there were significant differences in the Sinhala and English texts of the proposals, Prof. Peiris said that an attempt was being made to deceive the public with regard to proposed education reforms.
The academic also questioned the government’s bid to attract foreign students by assuring them employment here once they completed academic studies, regardless of the government inability to create suitable opportunities for Sri Lankan students.
Prof. Peiris urged political parties and the public to sink their differences whatever over other issues to safeguard free education enjoyed by the people, regardless of their social standing (SF)
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 12 April 2026, valid for 13 April 2026.
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 and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee 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.
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (13th) are Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon.
The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) TAIMUR and ASLAT arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 12 Apr 26.
The visiting ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in
compliance with naval traditions.
The duo of ships is commanded by Captain NIAMAT SAEED KHAN (PNS TAIMUR) and Captain NADIR MATEEN AFRIDI (PNS ASLAT).
Meanwhile, the ships are expected to conduct a Bilateral Naval Exercise LION STAR V with the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo seas.
Salt and Patidar power RCB past Mumbai Indians
Prasidh, Buttler set up comfortable win for Gujarat Titans
Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces.
Sun directly overhead Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
News6 days agoLankan-origin actress Subashini found dead in India
-
News1 day agoCEB orders temporary shutdown of large rooftop solar systems
-
News4 days agoAG: Coal procurement full of irregularities
-
Business3 days agoIsraeli attack on Lebanon triggers local stock market volatility
-
Business4 days agoHayleys Mobility introduces Premium OMODA C9 PHEV
-
Business3 days agoHNB Assurance marks 25 years with strategic transformation to ‘HNB Life’
-
News6 days agoUN Regional Director launches SL’s first Country Gender Equality Profile during official visit
-
News6 days agoDialog Launches ‘GanuDenu QR’, Making Cashless Transfers Free for All with eZ Cash and Dialog Finance