News
SJB requests govt. to ensure 40 percent youth participation in governance
By Saman Indrajith
The SJB yesterday requested the government to ensure through constitutional means at least 40 percent of youth participation in the national legislature as well as at other tiers of governmemt.
Addressing the media at the Opposition Leader’s office in Colombo, SJB MP Bakeer Markar said that the government and other political parties should try to increase the participation of the youth in political institutions besides seeking their votes. “Prime Minister of Finland is a 35-year-old woman. Malaysia’s Youth Affairs Minister is 26 years old. Recently, a female mayor of 21 years of age was elected in a city in Kerala. We must take into consideration such world trends. Soon most of the world leaders would be from the younger generation. Therefore, we urge the government to bring about laws to ensure through constitutional provisions the youth participation in parliament and other administrative bodies.”
He said that he had entered national politics through student politics and youth political forums. “We accepted the recommendations of the Special Commission of Inquiry into Youth Unrest and Rebellion 1989 appointed by President R. Premadasa. However, there was no internal democracy in the party during recent times so we formed the SJB, whose constitution ensures that there could be opportunity for change of leadership of the party every year. I plan to submit a Private Member’s Motion requesting that laws be brought in to ensure youth participation in governance. As it may take some time to permit the moving of the motion I have decided to submit a motion to be taken for debate at the time of adjournment of the House on the same topic. It is estimated that one fourth of the world population is between the ages of 15 and to 29. In Sri Lanka, those below the age of 35 are considered young and more than 25 percent of our population are in that category. Therefore we urge the political parties and civil organisations to support us in our campaign to ensure youth participation in governance.
UNP youth wing leader Attorney-at-Law Eranda Weliange said that the youth accounted for over four million of the country’s population, and the SJB’s campaign should be supported by all political leaders concerned about the future of national interests. “We have a young Youth Affairs Minister. We hope Minister Namal Rajapaksa would look at this issue without being swayed by party agendas and extend his support to this campaign.”
SJB Kandy District MP Mayantha Dissanayake also addressed the meeting.
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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