News
Field Marshal warns govt members of his physical prowess
By Saman Indrajith
SJB Gampaha District MP Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka says that he has enough strength to take on all government members in the front row numbering 25 together single handedly in case they try to surround the Opposition MPs.
Participating in a debate at the time of adjournment of the House on the progress report of the Election Commission on Wednesday (23), Field Marshal Fonseka said so referring to a statement made on Tuesday by Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage that the government had a two-thirds majority in the House and the government MPs could outnumber their Opposition counterparts three to one.
Field Marshal Fonseka said: “His figures are wrong. To have that ratio you need a three-fourths of majority not two-third. This shows that there are MPs who could not receive education beyond the Grade Eight. I would like to tell the government members not to dare think of surrounding us just because you have more numbers. I single handedly can take all of those in your front row. To take on your second row, we’ll send someone of the calibre of our fellow MP Chaminda Wijesiri. We know that there are some among you who have the experience of tasting the power of his blows. For your second row, which has Dayasiri Jayasekera, who knows Karate, we can send someone such as MP Diana Gamage, because she is a black-belt holder in Karate. So do not speak of taking us on that easily. Remember we are not afraid of threats just because you have a two-thirds majority.”
MP Fonseka said that the 19th Amendment to the Constitution had progressive provisions and the attempt to undo them by the incumbent government was a threat to democracy. “I have very little experience in politics but even before entering politics the election culture in this country was not something we could be proud of. The elections after 1994 were marred by thuggery, attacks on counting centres, vote rigging, intimidation and undue influence on voters in mega scales. The Election Department was helpless. But after 2015, the Elections Commission came into being and that independent commission was given powers under the 19th Amendment to the constitution. We hope that the government rank members understand the need to safeguard those democratic mechanisms. If they are going to vote blindly and pass the 20th Amendment as it is, then they should remember they are playing the role of king Sirisangabo, who offered his head. The 20th Amendment has a provision enabling the Elections Commission to issue regulations on private media. That is not democratic. Media should be free from such regulations.”
The front row on each side of the Well in the Chamber has seats for 25 MPs.
High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April
Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.
Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.
The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.
Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 01 May 2026, valid for 02 May 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, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.
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 the 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.
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
Showers will occur at several places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and Eastern provinces and in Polonnaruwa, Galle and Matara districts after 1.00 pm
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