News
Indonesia expresses interest in conducting collaborative research with Palmyrah Research Institute here
During a recent visit to Jaffna, the Indonesian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Dewi Gustina Tobing, held a meeting with the Manager of the Palmyrah Research Institute (PRI), Sri Vijenindran.
During an extensive discussion between the Indonesian Ambassador and the Manager of PRI, they explored the possible collaboration in research, product development, and sharing of expertise between PRI and the Palma Research Centre of the Ministry of Agriculture of Indonesia and other Indonesian stakeholders, such as smallholder associations, university research centres, and other government institutions.
Similar to Sri Lanka, Indonesia’s palmyrah tree is also a species of Borassus flabellifer, also known as Lontar or Siwalan. Palmyrah grows widely in Indonesia, especially in the eastern region of Indonesia where it grows well naturally in dry areas. The palmyrah trees have also become a symbol of the region in Jeneponto and East Nusa Tenggara. A number of uses of palmyrah can be seen in the daily life of the community in the two areas. Several studies on palmyrah as a potential raw material for bioethanol have been conducted, making palmyrah’s economic value higher.
PRI is the only research centre related to palmyrah and its products in South Asia. Together with the Palmyrah Development Board of Sri Lanka, PRI has been able to develop up to 50 types of products derived from the palm tree. Until September 2021, Sri Lanka was able to export palmyrah products worth up to 12.5 million USD. Several international collaborations related to research and development of palmyrah products in Sri Lanka, mainly with neighbouring countries, have already been carried out.
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.
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.
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.
Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces.
Sun directly overhead Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
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