News
WNPS partners with HFS on scientific research for habitat conservation of SL’s Knuckles World Heritage Site
The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Herpetological Foundation of Sri Lanka (HFS) on a project to help habitat conservation of Sri Lanka’s Knuckles World Heritage Site, a WNPS news release said.
Mr L. J. Mendis Wickramasinghe is an ecologist, herpetologist and well-known wildlife photographer. He formed the Herpetological Foundation of Sri Lanka (HFS) in 2007, to pursue independent research on Sri Lanka’s herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians of a particular region, habitat, or geological period) and also provide a platform for young herpetologists to initiate research. He is credited with the discovery of no less than 34 novel species.
This new project will comprise three main components specifically Research, Education and Advocating Policy Planning, aligning well with WNP’s goal of biodiversity conservation through education, research and policy.
The Knuckles Conservation Forest is part of Sri Lanka’s central highlands and part of the region considered to be a super biodiversity hotspot, comprising the Peak Wilderness Protected Area, the Horton Plains National Park and the Knuckles Conservation Forest.
These montane forests, where the mountains rise to 2,500 metres above sea-level, are home to an extraordinary range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species. The Knuckles landscape is home to 29 endemic species of fauna and flora, of which 23 are herpetofauna. Research indicates that there is a vast number of new species yet to be discovered!
Most of the habitats of these species are under severe anthropogenic pressures. Some may even be hyperendemic, any adverse effect which might change or destroy their habitats and even result in complete extinction. Hence, these species are classified as threatened, according to IUCN Red List criteria. Therefore, there is a great urgency to publish these species to sustainably manage our ecosystems and conserve their habitats and biodiversity.
The Society is funding the Herpetological Foundation of Sri Lanka (HFS) to help conduct the research which spans several months, with the project results to be published in peer reviewed international scientific journals as well as WNPS’s Loris Magazine. The rights of the intellectual property arising from the MOU will be shared equally amongst both organizations.
News
Heat index at ‘Caution level’ in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, Western provinces and Monaragala district today [09]
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology has issued a Warm Weather Advisory for 09 April 2025
The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, and Western 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 below 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.
Prof. Jayasumana raises possibility of Lanka ending up with “Quad’
Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa has said it is the responsibility of the NPP government to submit the MoUs/agreements that were recently signed with India to the respective Sectoral Oversight Committees (SOCs).
Premadasa said so when The Island raised the issue with him. He said that during his meeting with Premier Modi his focus had been on opening the Indian market for Sri Lankan garment exports.
The seven MoUs/agreements signed on 05 April included defence cooperation, energy, Eastern Province development and digitalisation.
Meanwhile, the Vice President of Sarvajana Balaya and former lawmaker Prof. Channa Jayasumana said that the government owed an explanation whether the recently signed MoU on defence cooperation directly or indirectly attached Sri Lanka to the Quad security alliance, consisting of the US, Australia, Japan and India.
The former SLPPer raised the issue at a meeting held at Boralesgamuwa on Monday (07) in support of Sarvajana Balaya candidates contesting the May 6 LG polls.
Prof. Jayasumana urged that the MoU on Defence Cooperation be placed before Parliament, and the people, without further delay. The academic who served as State Health Minister during President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s tenure said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s foreign policy direction should be dealt with.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The government would not extend the suspension of ‘parate executions’ that was now effective, Deputy Minister of Finance Harshana Suriyapperuma told Parliament yesterday.
Suriyapperuma said so in response to a question raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, who asked about the government’s plans regarding a relief package to assist small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) struggling to repay loans.
Pointing out that about 263,000 SMEs had closed down, Premadasa asked what action the government would take to address the grievances of these SMEs.
He said that from 01 Jan., 2019, to 01 Dec., 31, 2023, licensed banks had collected Rs. 113.7 billion through 2,263 parate executions. As of 31 Dec., 2024, Rs. 1,380 billion had been recovered from Stage III defaulters.
The government has introduced loan schemes to assist SMEs impacted by the economic crisis. They included capital loans of up to Rs. 10 million, with a six-month grace period and a three-year repayment term at 8% interest, Suriyapperuma said. Additionally, another loan scheme under the consolidated fund aimed to help SMEs that werecurrently paying their loans. That scheme offered loans of up to Rs. 15 million, which must be repaid over ten years with a one-year grace period and a 7% interest rate. For SMEs that had defaulted on their loans, a loan of up to Rs. 5 million is available at 8% interest, with a six-month grace period and a five-year repayment term, Suriyapperuma said.
By Saman Indrajith
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Heat index at ‘Caution level’ in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, Western provinces and Monaragala district today [09]
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