News
Two state ministers explore employment opportunities in Qatar post-World Cup
A Sri Lankan delegation headed by State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasooriya and State Minister of Foreign Employment Promotion and Market Diversification Priyankara Jayarathna recently visited the State of Qatar to explore employment opportunities there for Lankans.
The following is the text of a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry: “The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Doha organised a series of meetings for the Sri Lankan delegation headed by two State Ministers. The delegation met with the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs of Qatar Yousuf Mohamed Al Othman Fakhroo. During the meeting, the parties discussed the potential employment opportunities after 2022 FIFA World Cup and beyond that.
The Sri Lankan delegation had a meeting with Director of the International Co-operation Department and the Chairman of National Anti-Terrorism Committee Maj. General Abdulaziz A. Alansari, and Director General of the Department of Passport and Expatriates Affairs of the Ministry of Interior Brigadier Mohamed Ahamed Al-Ateeq. The discussion focused on reviving the operations of the Qatar Visa Centre (QVC) located in Colombo and the pragmatic approaches to enhance the service provided by QVC. During the discussions, the MoI outlined the scheduled official visit of the delegation consisting officials from the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs of the State of Qatar (MADLSA) and the Ministry of Interior to Colombo in order to evaluate the QVC operational module with a view to enhance the same.
The Lankan delegation also had a fruitful discussion with Director of LULU Group in Qatar Dr. Mohamed Althaf Musliam Veetil. During the discussions, the necessity to boost long-standing trade relations between Lulu Group and Sri Lanka was highlighted.
The Embassy arranged productive meetings with a number of major recruitment agencies in the State of Qatar and the Sri Lankan Bank representatives based in Doha. During the meeting with the Sri Lankan Bank representatives, it was discussed the methodologies to overcome the current challenges encountered with the unauthorised remittance transactions being channeled through informal means.
SriLanka’s Ambassador in Quatar, M. Mafaz Mohideen took part in the meetings with the delegation headed by State Minister Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasooriya and State Minister of Foreign Employment Promotion and Market Diversification Priyankara Jayarathna. Director General of the State Ministry of Regional Cooperation Savitri Panabokke, Assistant Director of the State Ministry of Regional Cooperation W.W.C.S. Perera, Chairman of Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) Mahinda Hathurusinghe, Deputy General Manager of SLBFE Priyantha Senanayake, and Directors of the Board of the SLBFE Buddhi Pradeep Niyadandupola, Hematha Sapumohotti, and Mohamed Arshad formed the rest of the delegation.”
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala 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 table below 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.
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