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Dinesh: MEP expects all those who were committed to people’s mandate to give priority to the same

Published

4 years ago

2022/01/2

MEP leader Education Minister Dinesh Gunawardena says that it would be a challenge for the government to solve the post-Covid economic problems practically, going beyond the textbook theories.

Addressing the MEP Seethavaka ‘Balamandalaya’, party leader and Minister of Education Dinesh Gunawardena last week said that the challenge for the government would be to solve the post-Covid economic problems practically, going beyond the textbook theories.

The leader of the MEP said that the opinion of the party is that a guarantee should be provided to the low-income groups in the country regarding the provision of essential food items and that a letter in that regard had been submitted to the government authorities. He stated that an operation consisting of good management principles was essential to solve the problems faced by other communities.

Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said the MEP expected the process of drafting a new constitution to begin in 2022 and that the MEP was committed to protecting the mandate given to the government by the people. He said that the MEP expected all those who were committed to the people’s mandate to give priority to the same.

“We should not forget how the President, without rejecting any foreign country, acted to save the lives of people during the Covid crisis”. He also said that all efforts should be channeled to practically implement the vision presented by the Minister of Finance through the Budget.

Minister Gunawardena said that directing the unemployed school leavers to practical vocational careers would be an additional challenge in 2022 and that practical measures should be adopted moving away from traditional theories. He stressed that all efforts should be made to empower these youth as they are the future of the country and that the Pradeshiya Sabhas should also be utilized for this purpose. Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said that in order to build the post covid-economy, meet the rural demand and increase production from the local level upwards there is a need to work pragmatically without getting lost in textbook theories.

Deputy Secretary of the MEP, MP Yadamini Gunawardena, Chairman of the Seethavaka MEP Balamandalaya and Chairman of the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha, Jayantha Rohana were also present at the meeting at the Hanwella Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha, function hall.

Former Provincial Councilor Lionel Kariyawasam, Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha members Samantha Gamage, Secretary of the MEP ‘Balamandalaya’, Nanda Kumara, Chinthaka Devendra, S.A. Premaratne as well as Seethawaka Municipal Councillor Sisira Jayasinghe, former Members of the Pradeshiya Sabha Gamini Welikala and Ranjani Iddagoda were also present at the meeting.

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

12 hours ago

2026/04/16

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 15 April 2026, valid for 16 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

Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 makes port call in Colombo

Published

16 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 15 Apr 2026 and was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.

The vessel’s arrival is a key highlight of the ASEAN Plus Cadet Sail (APCS) – 2026 programme , accompanying a diverse contingent of Navy cadets from 26 different nations alongside their Indonesian counterparts.

The ship is commanded by Commander SUGENG HARIYANTO. Meanwhile, Officer Under-trainees of the Sri Lanka Navy are expected to participate in various programmes aboard the
ship and naval personnel observe its operational functions during its stay in the island.

Furthermore, the ship’s crew is scheduled to take part in programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two navies, as well as visit several tourist attractions in the country.

News

PM initiates children into learning at the auspicious time while observing New Year traditional customs and rituals

Published

17 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival, organized by the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, was held on Tuesday (14) in Gampaha under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, with the performance of traditional auspicious customs and rituals.

In accordance with tradition, during the Punya Kalaya (inauspicious time), the Prime Minister visited the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Viharaya in Gampaha and participated in religious observances and received blessings from Venerable Thunmodara Samitha Thero, a member of the Karaka Sangha Sabha of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya and the Chief Incumbent of the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Dharmaduta Piriven Viharaya.

The traditional observances of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival were held at the residence of Darshana Weerasinghe in Gampaha. Marking the auspicious time for commencing work, and upon the invitation of the host family, the Prime Minister planted a sapling within the premises. Concurrently, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, joined the PM.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister joined children in engaging in traditional folk games.

At the auspicious time for engaging work and educational activities, the PM participated with children in reading and writing, guiding them and symbolically marking the commitment to advancing the educational development of the nation’s children.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other distinguished guests observed the traditional customs of exchanging greetings, transactions and gifts with the host family, and joined them to partake in the customary New Year meal.

Extending New Year greetings to all citizens, the Prime Minister expressed her gratitude to all Sri Lankans, both at home and abroad, for their contributions in overcoming and effectively managing the various challenges faced by the country.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi stated that the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival symbolizes renewal and purity, and reflects the energy of the sun. He also conveyed his wishes for a peaceful and prosperous New Year for all.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning and Minister of Labour, Dr. Anil Jayantha; Deputy Minister of Labour, Mahinda Jayasinghe; Member of Parliament for the Gampaha District, Ruwan Mapalagama; along with the Gampaha District Secretary, Mayor, Divisional Secretaries, and a large number of government officials.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)