News
Hambantota Int. Port Donates USD 50,000 for human-elephant ‘Peace Project’
With the high incidence of human-elephant conflicts in the Hambantota District, a landmark MoU was signed between the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) and the District Secretariat Office of Hambantota. HIPG donated fifty thousand US Dollars with the signing of the MoU.
Issuing a press release, the HIPG said it has identified that the ‘Human – Elephant Conflict,’ which has become a major environmental and social issue in the island, is very much in line with their long-term commitment to ensure that the community can coexist with nature whilst ensuring the livelihood of all communities.
As per the MoU signed with HIPG, the donated funds will be held by the Hambantota District Secretariat Office, who would drive the project, while the Department of Wildlife Conservation will be the implementing party.
In the initial phase of the plan, the Wildlife Department hopes to install electric fences in the identified high-risk areas, as well as conduct awareness programs for the general public on the ‘Human-Elephant Conflict.’ Promoting awareness among business institutions will also be carried out to ensure that they are mindful of the situation in terms of taking precautions when doing ongoing developments, and follow through with placing information boards and signboards at identified locations; clearing sides of the road; digging trenches; placing lights for more visibility etc. to give prior warning. Under the guidance of the District Secretariat, the Wildlife Department also plans to deploy tree cultivation programmes in forest areas so that elephants would be able to feed, without infiltrating village areas in search of food.
This is the second initiative supported by the Hambantota International Port Group to bring about a resolution to the human elephant conflict. The port operator has donated over US $ 100,000 for the cause.
“HIPG will support this program financially, and we believe the District Secretariat will empower the Wildlife Department to carry out their program of mitigation on the short term, while looking for more long-term solutions. It is our hope that in the future the word ‘conflict’ will be replaced with the word ‘peace’, between man and elephant,” says Johnson Liu, CEO of the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG).
H.P. Sumanasekara, District Secretary of Hambantota says, “True development can take place in Hambantota only when man can live in harmony with nature. This project will minimise human activity within elephant habitats, which will reduce the conflict. It is vital that each has their own area to live in and this donation will help us to come up with viable solutions to this very pressing issue.”
The District Secretariat intends to have discussions with villagers who are impacted by the conflict, with a view to discovering deeper issues faced by them, and finding solutions jointly.
The MoU signing event took place at the Hambantota Maritime Centre and was attended by officials from the District Secretariat and HIP.
High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April
Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.
Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.
The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.
Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 01 May 2026, valid for 02 May 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, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district 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 the 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.
US said to be withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany over Iran war spat
Bangladesh eye rare double-series win over New Zealand in rainy Dhaka
Rahul, Nissanka fifties lead 226 chase as Delhi Capitals return to winning ways
Pakistan High Commissioner pays courtsey call on PM
Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka pays farewll call on PM
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
News3 days agoTreasury chief’s citizenship details sought from Australia
-
News5 days agoBIA drug bust: 25 monks including three masterminds arrested
-
Business7 days agoNestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership
-
News6 days agoHackers steal $3.2 Mn from Finance Ministry
-
News5 days agoBanks alert customers to phishing attacks
-
News2 days agoRooftop Solar at Crossroads as Sri Lanka Shifts to Distributed Energy Future
-
News4 days agoGovt. assures UN of readiness to introduce ‘vetting process’ for troops on overseas missions
-
Business4 days agoADB-backed grid upgrade tender signals next phase of Sri Lanka’s energy transition