News
Young Lankan prodigy Nureshi Ruwithma Hettiarachchi clinches World Rank No. 1 at SEAMO-X 2025
In a moment of immense pride for Sri Lanka, 7-year-old Nureshi Ruwithma Hettiarachchi, a student of Lyceum International School, Kurunegala, has achieved a historic milestone by securing World Rank No. 1 and winning a Gold Medal at the South-East Asian Mathematical Olympiad (SEAMO-X 2025) Global Round. The competition, held on January 18, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, saw participation from over 24 countries, with Nureshi emerging as a standout talent in the Paper-K category.
Nureshi’s remarkable achievement is a testament to her exceptional mathematical prowess and dedication. Among the four Sri Lankan students who won Gold Medals at the prestigious event, Nureshi’s top global ranking has brought immense honor to her school, family, and the nation. Her success serves as an inspiration to young learners worldwide, showcasing the potential of Sri Lanka’s youth on the international stage.
A brilliant all-rounder, Nureshi has consistently excelled in her academics and extracurricular activities. She has also made her mark in inter-school literary festivals in 2023 and 2024, further cementing her reputation as a multifaceted talent.
Nureshi’s parents, Dr. Kushan M. Hettiarachchi, a medical professional at Polgahawela Hospital, and Sugandini Udattawa, a lawyer based in Kurunegala, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported their daughter’s journey. They extended special thanks to her dedicated teachers, the SEAMO Sri Lanka platform, and all those who contributed to nurturing her talent.
The Indian Navy Ship (INS) NIREEKSHAK arrived in Sri Lanka for Operational Turnaround (OTR) and a training visit on 21 Apr 26.
The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ship at the port of Colombo in accordance with time-honoured naval traditions.
Commanded by, Commander Sailesh Kumar Tyagi, this Diving Support Vessel is set to conduct a training programme with the diving professionals of the Sri Lanka Navy.
The crew is also scheduled to participate in several activities organized by the Sri Lanka Navy and visit some tourist attractions within the country.
Latest News
Advisory for Severe Lightning issued to the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, North-central, Southern, Uva provinces, and Mannar, Vavuniya, Ampara, Batticaloa districts
Advisory for Severe Lightning
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 12.00 noon 21 April 2026 valid for the period until 11.30 p.m. 21 April 2026
Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, Northcentral, Southern, Uva provinces, and in Mannar, Vavuniya, Ampara, Batticaloa districts 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
Two High Commissioners, three Ambassadors and an Apostolic Nuncio-designate of the Holy See presented their credentials to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (20).
The ceremony, held at 10.00 a.m., followed the formal order of precedence, with the envoys representing Papua New Guinea, Somalia, Luxembourg, the Holy See, Pakistan and Kuwait.
Accordingly, diplomats who presented their credentials were:
01. Vincent Sumale, High Commissioner-designate of Papua New Guinea (Based in New Delhi)
02. Abdullahi Mohammed Odowa, Ambassador-designate of Somalia (Based in New Delhi)
03. Christian Biever, Ambassador-designate of Luxembourg (Based in New Delhi)
04. Monsignor Andrzej Józwowicz, Apostolic Nuncio-designate of the Holy See
05. Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer, High Commissioner-designate of Pakistan
06. Saleh Mubarak Al-Sarawi, Ambassador-designate of Kuwait
Following the presentation of credentials, the President engaged in a cordial discussion with them. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, and the Secretary to the President, Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, were also in attendance.
INS NIREEKSHAK makes port call in Colombo
Advisory for Severe Lightning issued to the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, North-central, Southern, Uva provinces, and Mannar, Vavuniya, Ampara, Batticaloa districts
US, Iran exchange threats as fragile ceasefire set to expire
Six Foreign Envoys Present Credentials to President Dissanayake
Tilak ends Mumbai Indian’s losing streak with 45-ball century
Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 pm
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