News

Curfew in WP extended as virulent corona strain hits province hardest

Published

5 years ago

2020/11/2

The quarantine curfew in the Western Province that was to be lifted this morning has been extended till 5 am on November 09.

Army Commander Shavendra Silva, making a special statement, yesterday said the curfew would also be clamped on Eheliyagoda and Kuliyapitiya police areas as well as the Kurunegala city limits.

The Army Commander said: “We have identified that the highest number of COVID19 cases has been reported from Western Province. That’s why we imposed the quarantine curfew from midnight 29 October to 5am on November 02. But looking at the reported cases during the last few days, we have decided to extend this curfew.”

Lt. Gen. Silva said that clusters were seen forming around the Eheliyagoda and Kuliyapitiya police areas as well as in Kurunegala Municipal Council limits.

“We urge the people to stay home. And people must reduce travel even those who live in areas where there is no curfew. Don’t cross district borders. We will arrange home deliveries and monetary grants for the needy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Sanjeewa Munasinghe said that the current strain of COVID19 was extremely contagious.

“The old and the young are vulnerable alike. Those with chronic disease like diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney diseases, cancer etc. are more vulnerable.”

Munasinghe said that if a person had mild symptoms they would be sent to level two hospitals, asymptomatic patients will be sent to intermediate care centres and those with serious symptoms and those who have underlying conditions will be sent to level one hospitals with ICU facilities.

“If you feel you have symptoms, call 0117 966 366 and we will send a team to help you,” he said.

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Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.

Published

5 hours ago

2026/04/13

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 12 April 2026, valid for 13 April 2026.

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 and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee 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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Sun directly overhead Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon

Published

6 hours ago

2026/04/13

Priyan

On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 05th to 15th of April in this year.

The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (13th) are Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon.