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Effigies burnt to hamper organic fertiliser drive – prelate
Prof Peiris says regardless of differences constituents should abide by govt. decision
Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris says in spite of difference in opinion as regards contentious matters constituents of the government should abide by decisions taken collectively.
Prof. Peiris said so after having met the Chief prelates of the Asgiriya and Malwatte Chapters, Most Ven. Warakagoda Sri Gnanaratne thero and Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala thero, respectively, on Saturday (6).
SLPP National List lawmaker who is also the Chairman of the ruling SLPP was referring to a simmering crisis caused by several constituent parties over cabinet decision to finalize agreement with New Fortress Energy. Several political parties, including the SLFP, the second largest group in the government, have demanded that it be rescinded. The same group took a stand contrary to that of the SLPP on several issues, including the Indian and Japanese investment in the East Container Terminal (ECT).
Prof. Peiris emphasized the responsibility on the part of the government to take a common stand regardless of problems and disputes. Referring to his recent visit to the UK, Minister Peiris said that Sri Lanka could attract significant investments from there.
A statement issued by the Foreign Minister’s Office quoted Most Ven. Madagama Dhammananada thero, Registrar of Asgiriya Chapter as having told Prof Peiris that the farmers weren’t used to set fire to effigies of people. The monk was referring to continuing protests in various parts of the country demanding that farmers be given agrochemicals required for the Maha season. Ven. Medagama Thero said that the protests where effigies were set on fire seemed to be part of an overall campaign to undermine the government’s efforts to encourage farmers to use carbonic fertiliser.
The Minister’s Office also quoted, Most Ven. Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana as having appreciated the government’s decision to do away with agro chemicals.
Deputy Registrar of the Asgiriya Chapter Ven. Narampanawe Ananda Thero has underscored the need and the responsibility on the part of the government to rectify shortcomings. The Thero has said that the same mistakes, shortcomings and failures shouldn’t happen in the remaining three years of the SLPP-led government’s parliamentary term. The monk has alleged that some political parties exploited the decision to do away with agrochemicals to enhance their influence. The thero also criticised those who acted as if the global epidemic Covid-19 was not an issue that affected Sri Lanka as well. (SF)
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Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala, Hambantota, Jaffna, Mullaittivu, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya and Kurunegala districts
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 26 April 2025, valid for 27 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 Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala, Hambantota, Jaffna, Mullaittivu, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya and Kurunegala 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.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath represented Sri Lanka at the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday [26]
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe will appear before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption (CIABOC) tomorrow (28) over the statement he had made on MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, his lawyers have informed the Commission.
Accordingly, the former President will appear before the commission at 9.30am on Monday.
Wickremesinghe was initially summoned by the Commission to CIABOC on April 17 in relation to a statement he had made about the corruption case filed against NDF (gas cylinder) MP Dassanayake.
In response to the previous summons, Wickremesinghe had indicated that he is prepared to appear before the commission but requested a different date citing that his lawyers will not be available in Colombo during the New Year holiday period.
Accordingly, a new was provided and Wickremesinghe requested to appear before the commission at 09.30 a.m. on Thursday (April 25).On April 7, Wickremesinghe had said that MP Dassanayake withdrew the fixed deposits belonging to the Uva Provincial Council, over which he is now facing corruption charges, in accordance with a circular issued during Wickremesingher’s tenure as Prime Minister.
The former President questioned whether the MP’s arrest over the matter was in response to Dassanayake’s vocal criticism of the government in parliament.
The sitting MP is currently in remand custody for allegedly misappropriating a sum of Rs. 1 million of the Uva Provincial Council in 2016.
He was taken into custody on March 27, over three separate corruption-related cases.
The Colombo Magistrate’s Court previously granted bail in the cases filed against him but he remains in remand custody due to an order issued by the Badulla Magistrate’s Court.
According to the CIABOC, Dassanayake had solicited funds from three state banks, claiming they were intended to provide bags for preschool children in the province.
Two banks complied, granting him Rs. 1 million and Rs. 2.5 million, which were later transferred to his foundation account.
However, when a third bank refused to provide funds, Dassanayake reportedly retaliated by withdrawing the Uva Provincial Council’s fixed deposits from that institution.The CIABOC filed a case against the MP, citing the government incurred a financial loss of Rs. 17.3 million due to his actions.
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