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Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE gifts autographed books to the WNPS
Dr. Jane Goodall, recently gifted several signed copies of her “The Book of Hope” to the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS) for their library and to Sri Lankan youth as a means of spreading the word and inspiring them to remain hopeful of their future,.
An ethologist and environmentalist, Dr. Goodall is Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and a UN Messenger of Peace and is known for her ground-breaking research into the lives of wild chimpanzees in Gombe, western Tanzania. Dr. Goodall was interested to learn of the work being done by WNPS to protect Sri Lankan nature and its different species, including the Toque Macaques, who were under threat of export in the recent past ( www.wnpssl.org ).
Dr. Goodall’s powerful message to protect all living creatures is complemented by her campaign to spread optimism and hope for future generations as evidenced by Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots programme. Founded in 1991, Roots & Shoots empowers young people of all ages to become involved in hands-on projects of their choosing to benefit people, animals (including domestic animals) and the environment and is now active in more than 65 countries.
At the invitation of the WNPS, she addressed and inspired Sri Lankan audiences through the Nations Trust WNPS public lecture series two years ago, (see Monthly Lectures – The Wildlife & Nature Protection Society, Sri Lanka (wnpssl.org) ) and continues to engage with the team when possible. Among many elements touched on during her message for International Biodiversity Day this year she spoke of the importance of Ecosystems, Rewilding, and Green Forest Corridors as critical elements for species protection and was happy to hear about the efforts of WNPS PLANT to build more forest corridors in Sri Lanka (www.plantsl.org).
“She encouraged us all to keep working on these tough challenges and urged us to seek to find a better balance with our wildlife. Dr. Goodall also pointed out the similarities in the work being done by the WNPS Youth Wing and her global humanitarian and environmental programme Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots (www.rootsandshoots.global) and encouraged WNPS to explore opportunities to partner further,” the release said.
Accepting the books and thanking her on behalf of the WNPS team, Past President Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne extended the WNPS appreciation to her for her inspiration and support for the work being done by the teams and partners, and for shining a bright light for so many to follow.
“The WNPS, as the third oldest conservation organization in the world, wishes her all success and good health, as she continues her tireless dedication towards building hope for the natural world, and for humanity. The WNPS hopes that she might be able to find time amidst her busy schedule to visit Sri Lanka at some future date to address local audiences in person,” the release concluded.
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Kegalle, Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 28 April 2026, valid for 29 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 and North-western provinces and in Kegalle,
Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts 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.
New controversy erupts over missing USD 2.5 mn:
Public interest activist Nagananda Kodituwakku has sought citizenship details of Finance Ministry Secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma from the Department of Home Affairs, Australia.
According to a letter dated 28 April, addressed to the relevant department, Solicitor England and Wales Kodituwakku sought the required information in terms of Section 15 of the Freedom of Information Act No 3 of 1982 of Australia. Suriyapperuma is also the Secretary to the Treasury.
The former Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Suriyapperuma (from November 2024 to June 2025) is embroiled in a deepening controversy over the theft of USD 2.5 mn from the Treasury.
The leader of the Vinivida Foundation said that he intended to move court against Suriyapperuma for entering Parliament through the NPP National List in violation of the country’s Constitution (Article 91(1)(d)(xiiii).
Kodituwakku said: “This is clearly an accountability and integrity issue and violation of the Constitution of Sri Lanka and also this act contravenes the law of a member in the Commonwealth.”
USD 2.5 mn paid to a third party was meant to be an instalment of a loan taken from Australia. Suriyapperuma neither responded to an SMS nor answered his hand phone.
Geetha Kumarasinghe (UPFA/Galle District) and Diana Gamage (SJB National List) lost their seats in 2017 and 2024, respectively, over citizenship issues.
Meanwhile, public interest group ‘Free Lawyers’ that exposed the theft of Treasury funds questioned the failure on the part of Dr. Harsha de Silva, Chairman of Committee on Public Finance (CoPF), to pressure President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to temporarily remove Suriyapperuma to facilitate unhindered investigations.
On behalf of ‘Free Lawyers’, Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon yesterday expressed concern over the way the CoPF, under SJBer de Silva’s leadership, handled the issue at hand. Issuing an open letter, Tennakoon, urged the CoPF chief to explain his stand on a spate of vital issues which needed to be addressed without any further delay.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
News
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake handing over a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura to Ven Bhikku Pannakara
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake handing over a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura to Ven Bhikku Pannakara (Sue Tue Nhan) at the conclusion of the 161 km ‘International Peace Walk’ in Colombo yesterday. The Bo-sapling will be taken to the US by the spiritual leader. Pic by Sujata Jayaratne
Dulani and Samarawickrama set up Sri Lanka’s victory in T20I series opener
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Kegalle, Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts during the day time
Showers or thundershowers will occur in most parts of the island after 1.00 pm
Treasury chief’s citizenship details sought from Australia
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake handing over a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura to Ven Bhikku Pannakara
USD 625,000 meant for US Postal Service goes missing
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