News
Dutch and Australian envoys meet the Foreign Minister
The Ambassador of the Netherlands to Sri Lanka Tanja Gonggrijp and High Commissioner of Australia David Holly called on Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris on Wednesday (25) .
During discussions with Ambassador Gonggrijp, Foreign Minister Peiris highlighted the long and fruitful relationship between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands which has influenced the legal system, architecture, cuisine, culture and lifestyle, as well as various facets of the socio-political system in Sri Lanka. The Minister Peiris in this regard made specific reference to the legacy of Roman Dutch law which has contributed to the evolution of the Sri Lankan legal system.
With regard to contemporary relations, the Foreign Minister Peiris reiterated the strong resolve of the Government of Sri Lanka to reinforce areas of cooperation with the Netherlands in the political, economic and cultural spheres, enhance connectivity and people-to-people interactions, as well as to further strengthen collaboration in multilateral fora.
Ambassador Gonggrijp spoke on the many areas of synergy and cooperation existing between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands which are harnessed for mutual benefit. In this regard, the Ambassador Gonggrijp referred to Dutch technical expertise in the fields of agriculture, dairy industry, culture, heritage management and restoration, which are being utilised in programmes of ongoing collaboration with Sri Lanka.
The Ambassador Gonggrijp also referred to value-added production and exports in the agriculture sector, capacity building in the dairy sector, and use of organic fertiliser and sustainable agriculture in Sri Lanka, as areas where there can be further collaboration with the Netherlands. There was agreement to further explore areas of synergy for mutual benefit.
During the meeting with High Commissioner, Holly, the Foreign Minister Peiris spoke of Sri Lanka’s commitment and interest to enhance cooperation in countering irregular migration by sea, combatting COVID-19, education, technical and vocational training, economic and investment sectors, which was reciprocated by Australia.
High Commissioner Holly extended sincere felicitations on the appointment of the Foreign Minister and reiterated that Australia was ready to assist Sri Lanka in the socio-economic development process.
Being Indian Ocean neighbours, the two sides identified the importance of close collaboration in the maritime field, including in the prevention of future maritime disasters and cooperation in international & regional forums on issues of shared interest.
Foreign Minister Peiris and the Australian High Commissioner Holly also agreed to jointly celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Australia in 2022.
Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage and senior officials of the Ministry participated in the meeting.
Three Sri Lankan leopard cubs that were born at the Singapore Zoo on Jan 1 have now made their public debut at the facility.
The two males and one female, born to mother Yala and father Asanka, are the first of their species yo be born at the Singapore Zoo. The last successful birth in Singapore was recorded at the Night Safari three decades ago.
The triplets, which are the pair’s first litter, are among around 80 Sri Lankan leopards in zoos worldwide.
The species is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with fewer than 800 individuals estimated to remain in the wild.
Visitors can now see the triplets at the Wild Africa exhibit, said the Mandai Wildlife Group in a statement on April 16.
The cubs can be found in the exhibit with their mother daily until mid-May and, subsequently, every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Yala with her cubs in their nest box, a month after their birth on Jan 1. (Straits Times)
A leopard cub investigating a piece of meat suspended from a tree – one of the several enrichment items in the Wild Africa exhibit designed to keep the cats mentally and physically stimulated. (Straits Times)
Mandai Wildlife Group curator Anand Kumar said it took nearly three years and close collaboration across continents to bring together a compatible pair of Sri Lankan leopards.
(Straits Times)
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-zoos-first-sri-lankan-leopard-cubs-make-their-public-debut?ref=top-stories
The Sri Lanka Navy has seized a local multi- day fishing trawler, it’s four man crew together with a consignment suspected to be narcotics off the Southern Coast of the island.
The vessel is presently being escorted to the Dikowita fisheries harbour for further investigations and legal proceedings.
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
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
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