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Lanka’s first Cabinet rank High Commissioner in India, Milinda Moragoda, assumes duties

Published

5 years ago

2021/08/31

High Commissioner-designate of Sri Lanka to India, Milinda Moragoda, appointed with the Cabinet rank, assumed duties at a simple ceremony held at the High Commission of Sri Lanka in New Delhi yesterday (30) after an unusual delay. His appointment to the post was announced about a year ago.

The staff of the High Commission received High Commissioner-designate Moragoda and Mrs. Jennifer Moragoda, presenting the traditional sheaf of betel leaves. Mr. Moragoda assumed duties amidst chanting of Seth Pirith by the Venerable Maha Sangha including Most Ven. Dr. Niyangoda Vijithasiri Anu Nayaka Thera, Most Ven. Prof. Kollupitiye Mahindasangharakkhitha Anu Nayaka Thera, Most Ven. Thirikunamale Ananda Maha Nayaka Thera, Most Ven. Prof. Kotapitiye Rahula Anu Nayaka Thera and the General Secretary of the Mahabodhi Society of India Most Ven. Pelawatte Seewali Nayaka Thera via zoom platform.

Following the assumption of duties, the High Commissioner-designate addressed the staff of the High Commission and stressed the importance of working as one team to advance the interests of Sri Lanka, and to take India-Lanka relations to new heights.

At the staff meeting, High Commissioner-designate Moragoda officially announced his policy framework “Integrated Country Strategy for the Sri Lanka Diplomatic Missions in India 2021/2023”, which is expected to provide an indicative framework for the work of the Sri Lanka Diplomatic Missions in India for the next two years.

This policy framework is based on satara sampadha or the four accomplishments, referred to in the Vyagghapajja Sutta of the Pali Canon, which comprises saddh?, s?la, c?ga, and paññ?, which in the modern context of international relations, could be interpreted as trust, virtuous behaviour, sacrifice and thorough understanding, respectively. The document can be accessed via https://www.slhcindia.org/images/stories/N_images/PDF/ics%20english%20final300821.pdf

High Commissioner-designate Milinda Moragoda’s career has spanned business, government, politics, diplomacy, media and academia. He is the twenty 26th High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India.

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

Published

13 mins ago

2026/04/24

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 23 April 2026, valid for 24 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 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 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

Measles rearing its head again in SL

Published

13 mins ago

2026/04/24

Thilina Walpola

Measles, eliminated from the country several years ago, has re-emerged, Dr. Athula Liyanapathirana attached to the Health Ministry’s Epidemiology Unit says.

According to Dr. Liyanapathirana, two cases involving children have been identified in the Colombo District, raising concerns about a possible resurgence.

Sri Lanka was declared measles-free by the World Health Organization in 2019. However, health officials note that sporadic outbreaks have been reported in certain areas since 2023.

Dr. Liyanapathirana said that while no cases had been reported since January 2025, the recent detection of two infections is a cause for concern.

He emphasised the need for immediate preventive measures to avoid the situation escalating into an outbreak. Laboratory analysis of one of the cases, conducted in India, confirmed that the virus had been imported.

Dr. Liyanapathirana warned that measles could have long-term health consequences. Recent research indicates that the disease may weaken immunity, reducing a person’s ability to fight other infections.

News

CG arrests two persons with ‘ice’and lethal items

Published

13 mins ago

2026/04/24

Thilina Walpola

The Sri Lanka Coast Guard, in an operation, conducted in the Yodakandiya area in Tissamaharama, in coordination with Kirinda Police, took into custody two persons with a live hand grenade, over 3 grams of crystal methamphetamine (ice), and 4 kg 650 g of copper wires on 22 April 2026.

In another operation conducted on the same day in the Thoduwawa area of Chilaw, in coordination with the Sri Lanka Navy, the Coast Guard seized 2,000 litres of goda, along with 19 barrels and related accessories.

The suspects, along with the seized items, were handed over to the Tissamaharama and Chilaw Police, respectively, for further investigation and legal action.