The Department of Meteorology yesterday said that the sun would be positioned directly overhead across parts of the country from yesterday until 15 April.

According to the Department, the sun will be directly above areas, including Dodanduwa, Rathgama, Yakkalamulla, Akuressa, Mulgirigala, Ranna, Kalametiya and Ussangoda today.

The Department also warned that the heat index — the temperature felt on the human body — is expected to reach a caution level in several parts of the country, including the Western Province, Sabaragamuwa Province, Southern Province, Eastern Province, North Western Province, North Central Province, and Northern Province, as well as the Monaragala District.

Thunderstorms are likely after 2.00 p.m. in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Uva and Eastern provinces.

Meanwhile, fairly heavy rainfall, exceeding 50 mm, is expected in parts of the Central Province, Sabaragamuwa Province, and Uva Province, as well as in the Polonnaruwa District.

The Department advised the public to take necessary precautions to minimise possible risks arising from heat and adverse weather conditions.

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Dhaka successfully facilitated the safe repatriation of six Sri Lankan fishermen who were released by the authorities of Bangladesh as a gesture of humanitarian goodwill and in the spirit of the long-standing cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

The High Commission said: The fishermen, who were on board the Sri Lankan fishing vessel IMUL-A-0138-PTM (SLFV Sudu Duwa-4), had been apprehended by the Bangladesh authorities in July 2025.

The six repatriated fishermen arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, at 5:10 a.m. on Thursday, 02 April, 2026, on FitsAir Flight No. 8D912.

The release and repatriation were made possible through coordinated efforts, via diplomatic channels, involving the Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of Sri Lanka, and the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Dhaka.

The High Commission expresses its sincere appreciation to the relevant authorities of Bangladesh for their cooperation and valuable assistance in facilitating the process of release and repatriation.

The Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council, in collaboration with the Urban Development Authority and the Road Development Authority, has launched a programme to beautify the hill capital ahead of the upcoming tourist season and the annual Vasantha Senakeliya (Spring Festival).

Authorities have begun planting flower saplings and improving facilities at popular attractions, including Victoria Park and Gregory Lake, in preparation for the influx of visitors expected during the festive period.

Municipal Commissioner Pradeep Pushpakumara said that arrangements were being finalised to provide maximum facilities and security for both local and foreign tourists visiting the city during the season.

Deputy Mayor Jothi Yogarajah said the Council was proceeding with the annual festivities, despite prevailing economic challenges. “These activities are organised every year for the enjoyment of local and foreign tourists who flock to Nuwara Eliya. We are continuing the arrangements in the belief that the country’s situation will improve,” he said.

Yogarajah added that a series of scaled-down events had been planned in keeping with the current circumstances, while adhering to government guidelines.

The Spring Festival, held annually to coincide with the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, draws thousands of visitors to the cool climes of Nuwara Eliya each April. This year’s programme will include floral exhibitions, carnivals, motor racing and several cultural and sporting events, organised under the supervision of the Mayor and the Municipal Council.

Authorities have also invited both Sri Lankans and foreign visitors to travel to Nuwara Eliya to celebrate the New Year festivities in the hill country.

by SK Samaranayake