News
Environment Ministry vows to stick to Red List in undertaking future development projects
By Ifham Nizam
No development projects would be implemented in violation of the recently published Red Data List, a senior Environment Ministry official said yesterday. He said Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera and Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe had given the fullest assurance in that regard.
South Korean Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Santhush Woonjin Jeong appreciated the preparation of the Red Data List as one of the steps to prioritise environmental safety in the implementation of development projects.
Minister Amaraweera said that the Ministry of Environment had initiated the preparation of Red Data Lists covering all environmental sectors as a measure to conserve the flora and fauna of Sri Lanka.
A meeting between South Korean Ambassador to Sri Lanka Santhush Woonjin Jeong and Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera was held at the Ministry of Environment last Friday.
The meeting was held to discuss the 4th Asia Pacific Environment Ministerial and Environmental Institutions Meeting of the United Nations Environment Programme in Suwon City, Republic of South Korea, on October 6th and 7th, which will be attended by Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera and Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe.
The Minister also said that after finalising the lists, the entire Red Data Book would be published in the first quarter of next year.
Speaking on the occasion, the Ambassador said that he appreciated the preparation of the Red Data List as one of the steps taken to prioritise environmental safety in the implementation of development projects.
The Ambassador said that human beings today had been affected by the neglect of the environment in the implementation of development projects and it was gratifying that the Government of Sri Lanka had made it mandatory to obtain environmental assessment reports in development activities.
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
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.
Latest News
Sun directly overhead Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon
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.
Latest News
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) TAIMUR and ASLAT arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 12 Apr 26.
The visiting ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in
compliance with naval traditions.
The duo of ships is commanded by Captain NIAMAT SAEED KHAN (PNS TAIMUR) and Captain NADIR MATEEN AFRIDI (PNS ASLAT).
Meanwhile, the ships are expected to conduct a Bilateral Naval Exercise LION STAR V with the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo seas.
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