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Initiative launched to train 6,500 green entrepreneurs for mangrove conservation
An initiative has been launched to prepare 6,500 young green entrepreneurs across 64 DS Divisions with maritime boundaries in the country, focusing on the sustainable exploitation of by-products from mangroves and other ecosystem services, according to a press release.
Titled the Green Entrepreneurs for Mangroves in Sri Lanka (GEMS) programme, the initiative is collaboratively driven by iLEAD International Academy, Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE), and the Centre for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF). It operates under the guidance of the Senior Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka on Climate Change and is supported by various divisions of the Ministry of Environment and other relevant ministries and government authorities.
The responsibilities of green entrepreneurs will include preserving, protecting, and restoring mangrove quality in their respective areas. The programme plans to invest USD 3.5 million, aiming to generate an annual local income of USD 26 million in the underprivileged coastal regions of the country.
The release highlighted that Ruwan Wijewardene, Senior Advisor to the President on Climate Change, underscored the vital need to harmonize economic development with environmental conservation. Ravi Pratap Singh, Managing Director of iLEAD International Academy, has pledged to identify, mobilize, and train 6,500 youth in Sri Lanka’s coastal areas. Thushira Raddella, Chairman of COYLE, committed to mentoring emerging green entrepreneurs through their new Entrepreneurship Development Centre. Dr. Rupesh Bhomia of CIFOR-ICRAF has pledged ongoing technical support for the initiative.
Earlier this month, stakeholders gathered at an event called The Big Lunch, inspired by similar events organized by the Eden Projects in the UK to promote mangrove restoration. The event brought together a diverse group, including government representatives, UN agencies, business chambers, international and national NGOs, environmentalists, academic and research institutions, community practitioners, and youth. More than 70 participants generated over 30 actionable ideas to ensure real impact from this program on the ground.
The GEMS programme is scheduled to commence on-ground activities in September 2024. It aims to directly support over 32,000 people and reach roughly half of the country’s population (around 10 million). This initiative is anticipated to generate an annual revenue of Rs 7,860 million (USD 26 million), significantly boosting the income of families in underdeveloped coastal regions.
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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