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Indonesia to strengthen relations with Lanka
Indonesia will move forward to strengthen relations with Sri Lanka as a genuine partner, Indonesia’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Dewi Gustina Tobing said during a ceremony to mark the 78th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia at the Indonesian Embassy in Colombo.
The Indonesian Embassy in Colombo quoted the Ambassador as saying that the spirit of unity of the Indonesian people was the key to gaining independence on 17 August 1945.
Lankan students from the Colombo Royal College and Samudhi’s Dancing Group enthusiastically observed the Indonesian flag hoisting ceremony. They attended the ceremony, together with the Indonesian community in Sri Lanka.
Some Religious leaders, representatives from the Sri Lanka-Indonesia Friendship Association (SLIFA), Sri Lankan Malay Communities, business people, travel agents, and journalists were also among 250 people present at the Embassy.
Indonesian Ambassador in Sri Lanka, Dewi Gustina Tobing, said that 17 August was a special day for all Indonesian people, including those who stay in Sri Lanka and Maladewa, because they were celebrating the Independence Day of Indonesia.
On 17 August 1945, the first President of Indonesia, Soekarno, and the Vice President, Mohammad Hatta, declared the proclamation of Independence of Indonesia. “More than 300 ethnic groups in Indonesia participated in forming a newly independent country named the Republic of Indonesia,” said Ambassador Dewi.
The Ambassador further said that the spirit of unity of the Indonesian people was the key to gaining independence on 17 August 1945.
“Our national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika or unity in diversity becomes a unifier that moves all Indonesian ethnic groups to fight for independence. From the era of Pergerakan Nasional or National Awakening in 1908 until the Sumpah Pemuda or Youth Pledge in 1928, the national motto remains persistent and relevant today,” Ambassador Dewi said, adding “Indonesia will always move forward to strengthen relations with Sri Lanka as a genuine partner.”
The series of activities for commemorating the 78th Indonesian Independence Day consisted of hoisting the Indonesian flag, reading the text of the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence, the text of Pancasila, the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution, and prayers. Before the ceremony, Ambassador Dewi inaugurated the member of Pasukan Pengibar Bendera or flag hoisters consisting of Zakat P. Siregar, Nisa Nurfitriyani, and Achmad Dita Setiawan.
The commemoration ceremony for the 78th Indonesian Independence Day was closed by cutting the Nasi Tumpeng (the cone-shaped rice dish), taking a photo with all ceremony participants, and an announcement that the Embassy of Indonesia, in collaboration with SLIFA, would organize a Cultural and Charity Bazaar on 2 September 2023 at the Indonesian Embassy premises.
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)
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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.
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
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