Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 23 April 2026, valid for 24 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, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern 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 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.

Measles, eliminated from the country several years ago, has re-emerged, Dr. Athula Liyanapathirana attached to the Health Ministry’s Epidemiology Unit says.

According to Dr. Liyanapathirana, two cases involving children have been identified in the Colombo District, raising concerns about a possible resurgence.

Sri Lanka was declared measles-free by the World Health Organization in 2019. However, health officials note that sporadic outbreaks have been reported in certain areas since 2023.

Dr. Liyanapathirana said that while no cases had been reported since January 2025, the recent detection of two infections is a cause for concern.

He emphasised the need for immediate preventive measures to avoid the situation escalating into an outbreak. Laboratory analysis of one of the cases, conducted in India, confirmed that the virus had been imported.

Dr. Liyanapathirana warned that measles could have long-term health consequences. Recent research indicates that the disease may weaken immunity, reducing a person’s ability to fight other infections.

The Sri Lanka Coast Guard, in an operation, conducted in the Yodakandiya area in Tissamaharama, in coordination with Kirinda Police, took into custody two persons with a live hand grenade, over 3 grams of crystal methamphetamine (ice), and 4 kg 650 g of copper wires on 22 April 2026.

In another operation conducted on the same day in the Thoduwawa area of Chilaw, in coordination with the Sri Lanka Navy, the Coast Guard seized 2,000 litres of goda, along with 19 barrels and related accessories.

The suspects, along with the seized items, were handed over to the Tissamaharama and Chilaw Police, respectively, for further investigation and legal action.