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Bangladesh strengthens commitment to regional climate resilience at 4th RIMES Ministerial Conference

Published

12 months ago

2025/05/12

Md. Mostafizur Rahman, (4th from left), Secretary of the Bangladesh Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, with delegates from RIMES member and collaborating countries, including Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya (10th from left), at the 4th RIMES Ministerial Conference in Colombo

Bangladesh has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in climate resilience and disaster risk reduction during the 4th Ministerial Conference of the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES), held in Colombo, the High Commission of Bangladesh said in a release.

Speaking at the high-level conference, Secretary of the Bangladeshi Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), Md. Mostafizur Rahman, emphasised the importance of partnerships, innovation, and community-centred approaches in building a safer, more climate-resilient future.

“Bangladesh reaffirms its unwavering commitment to working with RIMES and strengthening regional cooperation to build a safer, more climate-resilient future. We believe that through partnerships, innovation, and people-centred approaches, we can translate early warnings into early actions, and not only protect lives but also safeguard the livelihoods of millions.”

Rahman led the Bangladeshi delegation, which included Ahmadul Haque, Additional Secretary and Director of the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP), Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), and Momenul Islam, Director of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

The 4th RIMES Ministerial Conference, hosted by the Government of Sri Lanka, marks a strategic milestone for the institution as it sets the course through the adoption of the RIMES Master Plan 2026–2030. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya inaugurated the Conference and welcomed representatives from 62 RIMES member and collaborating states to Colombo, Sri Lanka. Held under the theme “Actionable Early Warnings and Climate Services for All,” the event convened representatives from 62 RIMES member and collaborating states, along with development partners, to advance regional resilience in the face of escalating climate and disaster risks.

“Back in 2017, our Ministerial Conference led to the creation of our Data Exchange Platform and country-customised decision support systems. This year, we take a bold step forward – aligning our priorities under a shared Master Plan,” declared Arjunapermal Subbiah, Director General of RIMES.

Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia (RIMES) is an international and intergovernmental institution owned and governed by its Member States. It plays a critical role in building capacity for the generation and application of people-centred multi-hazard early warning information.

RIMES has been a key partner of Bangladesh for over two decades in reducing disaster risk, enhancing multi-hazard early warning systems, forecasting and climate services and mainstreaming anticipatory action for shifting the paradigm from reactive to proactive approaches. Through this collaboration, it has supported the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) and the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) in utilising advanced forecasting tools to enhance community resilience. The partnership has significantly contributed to Bangladesh’s transition from reactive disaster response to proactive, anticipatory action.

The robust cooperation between the Government of Bangladesh and RIMES continues to improve the country’s forecasting capabilities, disaster preparedness, and climate service delivery.

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President and Exco of Sri Lanka Cricket step down

Published

7 hours ago

2026/04/29

Priyan

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced today (29) that the President of Sri Lanka Cricket and members of the Executive Committee have tendered their resignations.

The decision has been formaly communicated to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports.

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Kegalle, Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts during the day time

Published

14 hours ago

2026/04/29

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 28 April 2026, valid for 29 April 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 and North-western provinces and in Kegalle,
Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts 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 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.

News

Treasury chief’s citizenship details sought from Australia

Published

15 hours ago

2026/04/29

Sahan Weerasooriya

Nagananda / Harshana

New controversy erupts over missing USD 2.5 mn:

Public interest activist Nagananda Kodituwakku has sought citizenship details of Finance Ministry Secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma from the Department of Home Affairs, Australia.

According to a letter dated 28 April, addressed to the relevant department, Solicitor England and Wales Kodituwakku sought the required information in terms of Section 15 of the Freedom of Information Act No 3 of 1982 of Australia. Suriyapperuma is also the Secretary to the Treasury.

The former Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Suriyapperuma (from November 2024 to June 2025) is embroiled in a deepening controversy over the theft of USD 2.5 mn from the Treasury.

The leader of the Vinivida Foundation said that he intended to move court against Suriyapperuma for entering Parliament through the NPP National List in violation of the country’s Constitution (Article 91(1)(d)(xiiii).

Kodituwakku said: “This is clearly an accountability and integrity issue and violation of the Constitution of Sri Lanka and also this act contravenes the law of a member in the Commonwealth.”

USD 2.5 mn paid to a third party was meant to be an instalment of a loan taken from Australia. Suriyapperuma neither responded to an SMS nor answered his hand phone.

Geetha Kumarasinghe (UPFA/Galle District) and Diana Gamage (SJB National List) lost their seats in 2017 and 2024, respectively, over citizenship issues.

Meanwhile, public interest group ‘Free Lawyers’ that exposed the theft of Treasury funds questioned the failure on the part of Dr. Harsha de Silva, Chairman of Committee on Public Finance (CoPF), to pressure President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to temporarily remove Suriyapperuma to facilitate unhindered investigations.

On behalf of ‘Free Lawyers’, Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon yesterday expressed concern over the way the CoPF, under SJBer de Silva’s leadership, handled the issue at hand. Issuing an open letter, Tennakoon, urged the CoPF chief to explain his stand on a spate of vital issues which needed to be addressed without any further delay.

By Shamindra Ferdinando