News
Prof. Dunusinghe warns Lanka at serious risk due to ME war
Prof. Priyanga Dunusinghe has warned that Sri Lanka could face a catastrophic situation due to a rapid and sharp drop in revenue caused by the escalating Gulf war.
Appearing on Derana ‘Big Focus’ yesterday, the Professor in Economics in the Department of Economics, and Head – Department of Information Technology, University of Colombo, Dunusinghe said that that drop in remittances from the Middle East, as well as exports, should be examined against the backdrop of runaway oil prices.
Dunusinghe said so responding to interviewer Pasan de Silva who sought expert opinion on the crisis. Referring to continuing Iranian retaliatory attacks on Gulf countries hosting US military bases, the academic pointed out that approximately one million Sri Lankans were employed in the region.
Global oil prices rose to over $100 per barrel on 08 March, for the first time since the Russia-Ukraine war erupted in February 2022. By noon prices were around USD 115 per barrel.
If a consensus couldn’t be reached soon, the consequences for Sri Lanka would be devastating, Dunusinghe said, suggesting that the government should seriously consider, what he called, a relatively small but immediate fuel hike to cushion the impact of future fuel price hikes.
Dunusinghe explained that in addition to the drop in remittances from the Middle East, Sri Lanka could lose employment opportunities in the war devastated region. Responding to the interviewer, the Prof said that if the situation further deteriorated the government would have to face the daunting challenge of evacuating Sri Lankans from the Middle East.
Referring to the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah, Dunusinghe pointed out that in terms of the agreement with the IMF, finalised in 2023, the debt repayment would have to be recommenced in 2028. The new Middle East war has placed the country in an extremely difficult situation, Dunusinghe said, while emphasising the responsibility on the part of the government to address the issues at hand immediately.
The rapidly changing oil markets indicated that regardless of optimism expressed by the US and Israel of swift victory, the ground realities were quite different, the academic said.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
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.
Pakistan High Commissioner pays courtsey call on PM
Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka pays farewll call on PM
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
Showers will occur at several places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and Eastern provinces and in Polonnaruwa, Galle and Matara districts after 1.00 pm
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