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Lanka, South Africa Urged to Lead Global South at Independence Day Reception

Published

2 months ago

2026/02/15

Air Chief Marshal (Retd.) Udeni Rajapaksa speaking at the event

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Air Chief Marshal (Retd.) Udeni Rajapaksa, has called on Sri Lanka and South Africa to draw on their shared history of struggle and emerge as strong voices of the Global South in a shifting international order.

Addressing a reception hosted by the Sri Lanka High Commission at Sri Lanka House on February 5 to mark Sri Lanka’s 78th Independence Day, Rajapaksa said the two nations are bound by parallel journeys shaped by the pursuit of freedom, equality and unity in diversity.

“Our never-ending pursuit for freedom, equality and unity in diversity, founded on democratic ideals, has propelled both our nations to embody the rules-based world order,” he said. “We fought for freedom for all, not for a few.”

The event — the first Independence Day celebration hosted by the Mission in five years — drew 174 guests, including 84 members of the diplomatic corps, 76 Sri Lankans residing in South Africa and other accredited countries, as well as senior officials from South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Reflecting on Sri Lanka’s post-conflict trajectory, the former Air Force Commander said the country had successfully transitioned its military role from conventional combat to humanitarian-focused peacebuilding after decades of internal conflict.

“We demonstrated to the world that terrorism can be defeated and sustainable peace achieved by empowering and reintegrating those who had strayed, building a more inclusive community,” he said.

Rajapaksa also pointed to the resilience of the Sri Lankan people in the face of economic and political challenges, citing the national response to Cyclone Ditwah as a recent example of the country’s enduring spirit.

Emphasising the need for closer collaboration among developing nations, he said Sri Lanka and South Africa now stand at a pivotal moment where cooperation within the Global South is essential to defend common interests.

“It is inevitable to recognise the role of the Global South in defending the common interest for the greater good of the whole world,” he said, adding that both countries have consistently championed economic integrity and collective security.

The High Commissioner urged renewed economic diplomacy between the two nations, highlighting untapped opportunities in areas such as sports and cultural exchanges.

“These are avenues of vast potential that require little more than dialogue, shared interests and investment in each other’s strengths,” he noted.

The reception showcased Sri Lankan heritage, with traditional cuisine served to guests and symbolic items such as brass oil lamps, silver Sandakada Pahana plates, masks and wood carvings reflecting the island’s cultural identity. The event was organised with the support of the Sri Lankan community in South Africa.

In his address, Rajapaksa also underscored the Government’s vision to “Rebuild Sri Lanka,” reaffirming the country’s commitment to resilience, renewal and strengthened international partnerships.

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

8 hours ago

2026/04/16

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 15 April 2026, valid for 16 April 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, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala 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

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Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 makes port call in Colombo

Published

13 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 15 Apr 2026 and was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.

The vessel’s arrival is a key highlight of the ASEAN Plus Cadet Sail (APCS) – 2026 programme , accompanying a diverse contingent of Navy cadets from 26 different nations alongside their Indonesian counterparts.

The ship is commanded by Commander SUGENG HARIYANTO. Meanwhile, Officer Under-trainees of the Sri Lanka Navy are expected to participate in various programmes aboard the
ship and naval personnel observe its operational functions during its stay in the island.

Furthermore, the ship’s crew is scheduled to take part in programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two navies, as well as visit several tourist attractions in the country.

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PM initiates children into learning at the auspicious time while observing New Year traditional customs and rituals

Published

13 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival, organized by the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, was held on Tuesday (14) in Gampaha under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, with the performance of traditional auspicious customs and rituals.

In accordance with tradition, during the Punya Kalaya (inauspicious time), the Prime Minister visited the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Viharaya in Gampaha and participated in religious observances and received blessings from Venerable Thunmodara Samitha Thero, a member of the Karaka Sangha Sabha of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya and the Chief Incumbent of the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Dharmaduta Piriven Viharaya.

The traditional observances of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival were held at the residence of Darshana Weerasinghe in Gampaha. Marking the auspicious time for commencing work, and upon the invitation of the host family, the Prime Minister planted a sapling within the premises. Concurrently, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, joined the PM.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister joined children in engaging in traditional folk games.

At the auspicious time for engaging work and educational activities, the PM participated with children in reading and writing, guiding them and symbolically marking the commitment to advancing the educational development of the nation’s children.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other distinguished guests observed the traditional customs of exchanging greetings, transactions and gifts with the host family, and joined them to partake in the customary New Year meal.

Extending New Year greetings to all citizens, the Prime Minister expressed her gratitude to all Sri Lankans, both at home and abroad, for their contributions in overcoming and effectively managing the various challenges faced by the country.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi stated that the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival symbolizes renewal and purity, and reflects the energy of the sun. He also conveyed his wishes for a peaceful and prosperous New Year for all.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning and Minister of Labour, Dr. Anil Jayantha; Deputy Minister of Labour, Mahinda Jayasinghe; Member of Parliament for the Gampaha District, Ruwan Mapalagama; along with the Gampaha District Secretary, Mayor, Divisional Secretaries, and a large number of government officials.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)