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Int’l humanitarian assistance, including medicine, for cash-strapped Lanka
The ICRC has indicated its readiness to provide humanitarian assistance, based on Sri Lanka’s requirements. The Foreign Ministry, in a communique, said yesterday that the offer of assistance had been made when head of the ICRC Delegation in Sri Lanka Loukas Petridis paid a farewell call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris, on 25 April, 2022, at the Ministry.
Foreign Minister Prof. Peiris appreciated the contribution made by the ICRC here over the years. He recalled the important role played in the past during the conflict situation and its current role in assisting with post-conflict rehabilitation and reconciliation as well as the training on International Humanitarian Law being provided to the Armed Forces, the Police and other Government Institutions.
In response to the briefing by Minister Peiris on current economic challenges, Head of the ICRC Petridis informed that the ICRC will donate medical supplies to Sri Lanka through the Sri Lanka Red Cross and further indicated that they are ready to provide humanitarian assistance based on the requirements of the Government.
Foreign Minister Peiris conveyed his best wishes to outgoing Head of the ICRC Petridis on his new assignment and assured that he will continue to work closely with his successor to further strengthen cooperation with the ICRC.
The State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasooriya and Ministry officials were also present.
The Indian Navy Ship (INS) NIREEKSHAK arrived in Sri Lanka for Operational Turnaround (OTR) and a training visit on 21 Apr 26.
The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ship at the port of Colombo in accordance with time-honoured naval traditions.
Commanded by, Commander Sailesh Kumar Tyagi, this Diving Support Vessel is set to conduct a training programme with the diving professionals of the Sri Lanka Navy.
The crew is also scheduled to participate in several activities organized by the Sri Lanka Navy and visit some tourist attractions within the country.
Latest News
Advisory for Severe Lightning issued to the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, North-central, Southern, Uva provinces, and Mannar, Vavuniya, Ampara, Batticaloa districts
Advisory for Severe Lightning
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 12.00 noon 21 April 2026 valid for the period until 11.30 p.m. 21 April 2026
Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, Northcentral, Southern, Uva provinces, and in Mannar, Vavuniya, Ampara, Batticaloa districts 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
Two High Commissioners, three Ambassadors and an Apostolic Nuncio-designate of the Holy See presented their credentials to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (20).
The ceremony, held at 10.00 a.m., followed the formal order of precedence, with the envoys representing Papua New Guinea, Somalia, Luxembourg, the Holy See, Pakistan and Kuwait.
Accordingly, diplomats who presented their credentials were:
01. Vincent Sumale, High Commissioner-designate of Papua New Guinea (Based in New Delhi)
02. Abdullahi Mohammed Odowa, Ambassador-designate of Somalia (Based in New Delhi)
03. Christian Biever, Ambassador-designate of Luxembourg (Based in New Delhi)
04. Monsignor Andrzej Józwowicz, Apostolic Nuncio-designate of the Holy See
05. Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer, High Commissioner-designate of Pakistan
06. Saleh Mubarak Al-Sarawi, Ambassador-designate of Kuwait
Following the presentation of credentials, the President engaged in a cordial discussion with them. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, and the Secretary to the President, Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, were also in attendance.
INS NIREEKSHAK makes port call in Colombo
Advisory for Severe Lightning issued to the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, North-central, Southern, Uva provinces, and Mannar, Vavuniya, Ampara, Batticaloa districts
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Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 pm
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