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Annual Kelani Duruthu Perahera today
The Annual Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara will be held today (16).
A press release issued by the Kelani Rajamaha Viharastha Sanwardhana Sabha said that the historic Kelaniya Duruthu Maha Perahera had its origins in the year 1927, due largely to the efforts of that great Philanthropist Don Walter Wijewardene, son of Helana Wijewardene Lamathani of Sedawatte.
The release signed by Chief Basnayake Nilame of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya said: “This Religious Cultural pageant has evolved over the years to become the country’s most elaborate and grandest low country pageant in its category. Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya is the most sacred temple in the Western Province of Sri Lanka since the Buddha’s sojourn here during his third historic visit to Sri Lanka. It celebrates this event annually in the ‘Duruthu Poya’ during January by conducting a historic, traditional and cultural pageant, the ‘Kelani Perahera’. Whilst the Kelani Perahera commemorates the religious significance of the Buddha’s visit.
“Due to the prevailing Covid Pandemic situation this years Perahera is restricted to Udamaluwa of the Kelaniya Temple.
“The Perahera is organized under the guidance of Chief Priest of Kelaniya Rajamaha Vihara Venerable Professor Mahinda Sangarakkitta Nayaka Thero and President of Dayaka Sabha Dr Saman Weerasinghe.
“The Perahera will commence with Chancellor of Kelaniya University Agra Maha Panditha Ven Professor Kollupitiya Mahinda Sangharakkita Nayake Thero handing over the Sacred Relic Casket to Chief Basnayake Nilame Dhammika Attygalle.
“The Perahera will commence at 7.00 pm.”
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Heat index, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 29 April 2025, valid for 30 April 2025
The general 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 Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota 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.
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The MoD statement: “The Sri Lankan delegation is led by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha accompanied by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, and Additional Secretary (Defence) of the Ministry of Defence Jayantha Edirisinghe. The Pakistani delegation is headed by Lieutenant General (retd.) Muhammad Ali, Secretary Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
In conjunction with the on-going defence dialogue, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha held a side-line meeting yesterday (April 29) with Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif.
These high-level engagements aim to enhance bilateral cooperation, foster mutual understanding on regional security dynamics and explore opportunities for defence collaboration. Both nations share a longstanding relationship rooted in mutual respect and strategic cooperation. The dialogue reflects the growing importance of partnerships in maintaining stability and promoting peace in the South Asian region.
The three-day dialogue, which concludes today (April 30), is expected to reinforce bilateral defence ties and contribute to broader regional security objectives.
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