News
Zoological Gardens DG locks horns with Minister, Ministry Secy
By Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon
National Zoological Gardens Director General Sharmila Rajapaksa alleges that officials and politicians with vested interests continue to harass her and sabotage the work in the department with the intention of ousting her.
“There is a terror campaign in the department unleashed by this gang of officials with the blessings of politicians. Their grouse against me is my battle against corruption. It is so sad to say that I was appointed by the President of the country but I am forced to suffer the ill-treatment and sabotage by the SLPP union itself. It is the SLPP union that continues to sabotage work in the zoological gardens,” she said.
The DG said that when she visited Ridiyagama Safari Park, the saboteurs attacked a veterinarian. “In a more recent incident during an official function attended by the Secretary to the Ministry and other senior officials, the Minister said that I was getting media publicity because of my complexion. It is a regrettable statement and I am ashamed all women who had voted for that Minister,” she said.
“Today, the zoo does not function properly because the SLPP union members sabotage its operations. All this opposition is aimed at forcing me to resign because I put an end to many corrupt deals within the department. Some of these saboteurs are encouraged by the arbitrary actions of the Ministry Secretary. I do not allow anyone to misappropriate public property. That is why some officials are against me,” Rajapaksa said.
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (13th) are Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon.
The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) TAIMUR and ASLAT arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 12 Apr 26.
The visiting ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in
compliance with naval traditions.
The duo of ships is commanded by Captain NIAMAT SAEED KHAN (PNS TAIMUR) and Captain NADIR MATEEN AFRIDI (PNS ASLAT).
Meanwhile, the ships are expected to conduct a Bilateral Naval Exercise LION STAR V with the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo seas.
Latest News
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 3.30 p.m. on 11 April 2026, valid for 12 April 2026
The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and 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.
Sun directly overhead Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
Sanju Samson and Jamie Overton deliver first points for Chennai Super Kings
Arya, Prabhsimran and Shreyas help Punjab Kings ace another 200-plus chase
Beauty of Sri Lanka in focus: Global showcase blends art, diplomacy and conservation
Showers expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, North-western and Uva provinces and in Ampara, Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa districts after 1.00 p.m.
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