News
SL study shows Chinese jab can help hold Indian variant at bay

By Rathindra Kuruwita
A study conducted in Sri Lanka had revealed the Sinopharm vaccine significantly improved immunity against the Indian or the Delta variant of COVID-19, State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals, Prof. Channa Jayasumana said yesterday.
Prof. Jayasumana that the relevant study would be released in a few days.
“We are happy that those who received the Sinopharm vaccine have significant immunity against the Delta variant. We received two million jabs yesterday also. 200,000 out of the two million Sinopharm vaccine doses will be for the Colombo District, 500,000 for Gampaha and 300,000 for Kalutara to vaccinate all persons over the age of 30 in the Western Province before 30 July.”
About 100,000 vaccine doses each had been allocated for Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Anuradhapura, Nuwara-Eliya, Ratnapura, Badulla and Matale Districts and 200,000 doses for the Kurunegala District, the State Minister said.
Latest News
Heat index, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 29 April 2025, valid for 30 April 2025
The general 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, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts
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.
News
AKD’s fourth state visit

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake a four-day state visit to Vietnam on 03 May, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. Since the presidential election, President Dissanayake has so far visited India, China and the UAE.
News
Sri Lanka-Pakistan bilateral defence dialogue strengthens strategic ties – MoD

The 5th annual Sri Lanka-Pakistan Bilateral Defence Dialogue commenced on Monday (April 28) in Islamabad, Pakistan, marking a continued commitment to strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.
The MoD statement: “The Sri Lankan delegation is led by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha accompanied by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, and Additional Secretary (Defence) of the Ministry of Defence Jayantha Edirisinghe. The Pakistani delegation is headed by Lieutenant General (retd.) Muhammad Ali, Secretary Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
In conjunction with the on-going defence dialogue, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha held a side-line meeting yesterday (April 29) with Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif.
These high-level engagements aim to enhance bilateral cooperation, foster mutual understanding on regional security dynamics and explore opportunities for defence collaboration. Both nations share a longstanding relationship rooted in mutual respect and strategic cooperation. The dialogue reflects the growing importance of partnerships in maintaining stability and promoting peace in the South Asian region.
The three-day dialogue, which concludes today (April 30), is expected to reinforce bilateral defence ties and contribute to broader regional security objectives.
-
Business3 days ago
Pick My Pet wins Best Pet Boarding and Grooming Facilitator award
-
News3 days ago
New Lankan HC to Australia assumes duties
-
Features3 days ago
King Donald and the executive presidency
-
News3 days ago
Lankan ‘snow-white’ monkeys become a magnet for tourists
-
Business3 days ago
ACHE Honoured as best institute for American-standard education
-
Features5 days ago
The Truth will set us free – I
-
Business1 day ago
National Savings Bank appoints Ajith Akmeemana,Chief Financial Officer
-
News1 day ago
Japan-funded anti-corruption project launched again