News
Indian HC visits Southern Province
High Commissioner of India, Santosh Jha, became the first Indian High Commissioner, in recent times, to undertake a standalone visit to the Southern Province, as he held diverse engagements in the districts of Galle, Matara and Hambantota on 6-7 March 2024.
The High Commissioner met the Governor of the Province, Willie Gamage, on 6 March and highlighted several projects undertaken by the Government of India (GOI) in the region. The High Commissioner also expressed willingness to carry out more projects for the benefit of the people in the Province through grant assistance as, well as investments. The Governor thanked the High Commissioner for the GOI’s diverse initiatives.
The High Commissioner paid floral tributes at the bust of Rabindranath Tagore, installed in the auditorium, named after Gurudev Tagore, in the University of Ruhuna. With a seating capacity of 1500 people, this is the largest auditorium in any Sri Lankan University. It may be recalled that this facility, built through the GOI grant assistance, was inaugurated in 2018. During an interactive session with the Vice Chancellor and faculty heads of the University, the High Commissioner expressed interest in closer educational collaborations and conveyed willingness to further support the University in multiple ways.
The GOI is currently implementing two dedicated housing projects, covering around 50 villages in the Galle, Matara and Hambantota Districts. The GOI has committed to build 1200 housing units for the homeless, landless and low-income people under these two projects. The High Commissioner visited two villages in the Hambantota District to take stock of progress of these two project sites.
The High Commissioner’s visit to the Southern Province underscored the enduring cultural linkages between India and Sri Lanka. The High Commissioner sought the blessings of Lord Buddha at the sacred Dondra, Kataragama and Tissamaharama Temples and prayed for further strengthening of ties between the people of India and Sri Lanka.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
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 table below 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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