News
ADB grants Lanka USD 110 Mn for Health Systems Enhancement Project
The Government has decided to borrow a loan amounting to USD 110 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and a grant of USD 03 million, provided by ADB-managed Japanese Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR), to implement the “Additional Financing of Health Systems Enhancement Project”, the Finance Ministry said.
In early 2020, with the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, USD 15 million from the ongoing HSEP, was reallocated for the emergency activities related to scaling up of the capacity of molecular biology laboratory, increasing the accessibility to emergency medical equipment at hospitals, expanding high dependency and intensive care units, expanding oxygen accessibility, and increasing the availability of consumables, like surgical masks, personal protection equipment and reagents and other consumables for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and screening of COVID-19.
The additional financing will be used to scale up of the outputs of a well performing ongoing project, addressing the government’s urgent financing requirements to support and manage the third wave of COVID-19 pandemic, and the replenishment of above reallocated funds to complete the originally planned activities mainly related to primary healthcare (PHC) development.
The aggregate impact of the original and the additionally financed projects continue to be aligned with the original project impact which is building a healthier nation ensured with a more comprehensive PHC system and to support the COVID-19 pandemic management. The total project cost is estimated as USD 123 million including the Government contribution of USD 10 million. The project is scheduled to be completed by 30th November, 2025.
The relevant Loan Agreement and Grant Agreement for the Additional Financing of Health Systems Enhancement Project, amounting to USD 110 million and USD 3 million respectively, were signed by S R Attygalle, Secretary, Ministry of Finance, on behalf the Government of Sri Lanka and Chen Chen, Country Director, ADB Resident Mission on behalf of ADB.
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
at 3.30 p.m. on 20 April 2026, valid for 21 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.
Latest News
Advisory for Severe Lightning issued for all provinces of Sri Lanka
Advisory for Severe Lightning
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 12.00 noon 20 April 2026 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 20 April 2026
Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur most places in the island after 1.00 p.m.
There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
News
Indian Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan meets Prime Minister
The Vice President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan, who is currently on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka, held a bilateral discussion with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Sunday (19) morning at Temple Trees.
Upon his arrival at Temple Trees, the Indian Vice President was received by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. The Prime Minister also extended her congratulations to C.P. Radhakrishnan on his appointment as the Vice President of India.
During the meeting, the Vice President noted that this is his first official visit to Sri Lanka and expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him during his stay.
The occasion was attended by the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel; Members of Parliament Dr. K. Laxman and Dr. Medha Vishram Kulkarni; Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri; and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, and representing the Government of Sri Lanka the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath; Minister of Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage; Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj; Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri; Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Harshana Suriyapperuma; Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa; and several other officials.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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