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Campaigning ends without serious incidents
Political campaigns ended at midnight Wednesday (18) without a single serious incident being reported since the Election Commission (EC) accepted nominations on August 15 for the 9th Presidential Election.
According to a statement issued by polls monitor PAFFREL that dealt with election-related incidents from July 26 to Sept. 17, there hadn’t been any abductions, attacks using explosives, shootings, threats and intimidation using firearms. PAFFREL statement collaborated with the ‘situation reports’ issued by the EC.

SJB leader Sajith Premadasa arrives at a public rally at Kegalle on Sept 17 (Pic courtesy SJB)
According to PAFFREL, there had been 63 confirmed cases of violence, 84 cases of abuse of state power, resources and public servants, and 787 cases of violation of election laws. However, there had been several cases of assault reported from various parts of the country.
EC has declared a 72-hour ban on campaign activity prior to the commencement of polling at 7 am on Saturday (Sept 21)

NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake arriving at the public rally at Ridigama on Sept 17 (Courtesy JVP)
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, is in the fray as an independent candidate seeking to win a five-year term. Among the major candidates are Opposition and SJB leader Sajith Premadasa and JJB leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
SLPP’s Namal Rajapaksa also conducted a high profile campaign. Altogether 38 candidates are in the fray. Among them are former ministers Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka and ousted Minister of Sports Roshan Ranasinghe who dared to speak out against corruption and general shenanigans at the Cricket Board tolerated by those holding the whip.

SLPP candidate Namal Rajapaksa at the Ratnapura public rally on Sept. 17 (Courtesy SLPP)
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Sun directly overhead Pandatharippu, Thellippalai, Varuthaleivilan, Vasavilan, and Manatkaadu about 12:10 noon today (15)
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from the 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (15th) are Pandatharippu, Thellippalai, Varuthaleivilan, Vasavilan, and Manatkaadu about 12:10 noon.
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Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 14 April 2026, valid for 15 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, North-western, Western, Eastern and Southern
provinces and in 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.
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“I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!” – President
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, issuing a New Year message, extend his heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which symbolises the aspiration for renewal both physically and spiritually, is the foremost cultural festival of the people of this country.
During the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, traditional customs are upheld, with priority accorded to rituals and religious observances, and activities undertaken collectively at a common auspicious time. This shared cultural practice vividly reflects our nation’s identity before the world, as well as the strong socio-cultural bonds that exist among our communities.
We firmly believe that the future path of national development can only be shaped in harmony with this invaluable culture and our distinguished historical heritage. Accordingly, it must be recalled that all our future development plans have been formulated upon the firm foundation of these precious traditions and cultural values.
Moreover, the common aspiration embodied in the customs and rituals associated with the solar transition is the nurturing of a compassionate individual who values togetherness, respects others, and lives in harmony with nature. I believe that the virtues and values of unity reflected in these New Year traditions should not be confined to these few days alone, but should instead be demonstrated throughout the year in our daily conduct.
In the face of the most significant recent natural disaster challenge encountered in the past year, we demonstrated to the world our resilience and capacity to withstand internal shocks. At the same time, in responding to the external challenges arising from the conflict in the Middle East, the Government has already set in motion a well-planned and effectively managed programme to overcome these difficulties.
As a nation, in overcoming these challenges together, I call upon all of you to further dedicate yourselves to enriching your lives through the values of togetherness, sharing, and solidarity exemplified during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season.
As we strengthen the achievements we have secured and move forward with unwavering resolve in the face of emerging challenges, I invite everyone to join hands in unity to realise the vision of “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life” for all.
I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!
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