News
Closing ceremony of the Oxonian Heart Foundation (OHF) Sri Lanka
The Oxonian Heart Foundation, Sri Lanka was recently closed, a noble endeavour that was spearheaded by renowned cardio-thoracic surgeon Dr. Ravi Pillai. The objective of setting up the not-for-profit Oxonian Heart Foundation was to help men, women, and children suffering from heart-related diseases in the Northern, North Central, and the Eastern provinces.
With the remaining funds in OHF Sri Lanka, a few of the Trustees, namely, Dr. Naomali Amarasena, Mr. Ananda Atukorala, and Mrs. Jeeva Perumapillai together with Mrs. Shanthi Jayawardena Pillai handed over a cheque to the Trustees of the Heart To Heart Trust Fund, Dr. Rajitha Y De Silva, Dr. Aruna Kapuruge, Dr. Kumudini Ranatunga and the Chairman of Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital, Dr. Nihal Jayathilaka at the Chairman’s office, Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital. The hospital’s Director, Dr. Ratnasiri Hewage, Deputy Director, Dr. Chandraguptha Ranasinghe, and Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Catharine Sudarshan from the UK and Shanti Fernando, Executive Coordinator were also at the function.
The OHF – UK will remain and will assist cardiothoracic surgeons planning to go on training to the UK.
Dr. Ravi Pillai was a great friend of the cardiac surgical community of Sri Lanka. He was instrumental in training several of Sri Lanka’s current pool of consultant cardiothoracic surgeons, giving them refuge under his wings, in Oxford, UK. As Dr. Rajitha De Silva prepared to launch the Heart To Heart Trust Fund, Dr. Pillai became his guide, graciously sharing his experiences of setting up OHF – Sri Lanka, and sharing the fundamentals of setting up a trust fund as envisaged by the young cardio surgeon. As he looks back, Dr. De Silva is grateful to Dr. Pillai, who had stood by him like a father figure in those early days of the burgeoning Trust Fund. As a founder trustee of the Heart To Heart Trust Fund, Dr. Pillai will always be remembered with gratitude as an immense pillar of strength.
Dr. Pillai passed away on December 09, 2018. He was a great man who will be fondly remembered for his enormous service to Sri Lanka. In remembering Dr. Pillai on his birth anniversary in April, the Heart To Heart Trust Fund will continue to conduct a free heart surgery in Jaffna.
The Heart To Heart Trust Fund organized an alms-giving on Dec 09 at the Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital Nursing Training School.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala 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 table below 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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