News
Court of Appeal stays construction of elevated expressway over Talangama Wetlands
The Court of Appeal yesterday stayed the construction of the four-lane elevated expressway through Talangama Wetlands after considering two writ petitions challenging the legality of the gazette notification permitting its construction.
The Court of Appeal Justice Sobhitha Rajakaruna issued notices on the respondents, returnable on 30 March.
The elevated expressway runs through an Environmental Protected Area and it will have a devastating impact on the environment, the petitioners claim. Petitioner R. M. Suwandaratna, a paddy farmer living near the vicinity of the Thalangama Wetlands contended that the Thalangama tank was the main source of water for the paddy fields in the area. 175 families were dependent on paddy farming.
The Petitioner stated that Colombo had eight wetlands, namely, Diyawanna, Diyasaru, Beddagana, Kolonnawa, Heen Ela, Thalawathugoda, Madinnagoda, Mulleriyawa and Talangama. Colombo had been declared as South Asia’s sole wetland city during the 13th Conference of the Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in Dubai in 2018.
The Talangama wetlands support endangered plant species and animals. The area is also of historical significance. The decision to build an elevated four lane expressway across a protected wetland was thus an environmental crime, the petitioners claimed.
Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera, Central Environmental Authority, Road Development Authority, Minister of Highway Johnston Fernando, Director-General of Department of Wildlife Conservation Chandana Sooriyabandara and several others have been cited as respondents.
President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris, M. A. Sumanthiran, Pulasthi Hewamanna and Ermiza Tegal appeared for the petitioners.
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
at 3.30 p.m. on 20 April 2026, valid for 21 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.
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.
Latest News
Advisory for Severe Lightning issued for all provinces of Sri Lanka
Advisory for Severe Lightning
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 12.00 noon 20 April 2026 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 20 April 2026
Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur most places in the island after 1.00 p.m.
There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
News
Indian Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan meets Prime Minister
The Vice President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan, who is currently on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka, held a bilateral discussion with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Sunday (19) morning at Temple Trees.
Upon his arrival at Temple Trees, the Indian Vice President was received by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. The Prime Minister also extended her congratulations to C.P. Radhakrishnan on his appointment as the Vice President of India.
During the meeting, the Vice President noted that this is his first official visit to Sri Lanka and expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him during his stay.
The occasion was attended by the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel; Members of Parliament Dr. K. Laxman and Dr. Medha Vishram Kulkarni; Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri; and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, and representing the Government of Sri Lanka the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath; Minister of Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage; Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj; Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri; Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Harshana Suriyapperuma; Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa; and several other officials.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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