News

National program launched to plant one million Moringa trees

Published

5 years ago

2021/04/18

A national program to create greater awareness on the nutritious and medicinal value of drumstick (Moringa) has been launched by the State Ministry of Agriculture.

Based on a concept of State Minister of Agriculture, Shasheendra Rajapaksa, one million Moringa trees will be planted across the country. Under the initial phase, seedlings will be distributed among 2,500 selected temples in all 25 districts of the country.

The national program was formally launched at Maligawila Rajamaha Viharaya in Moneragala on April 17 under the auspices of State Minister Rajapaksa and State Ministry Secretary L. L. Anil Wijesiri.

The core objectives of the initiative are to promote the cultivation of Moringa by popularizing its medicinal properties, create small and medium scale entrepreneurs, establish a Moringa village to contribute to the green concept and create more awareness about the medicinal and immunomodulatory properties of Moringa that’s second only to breast milk.

Moringa as a vegetable can also be used as an alternative to the protein needs of the nation. Further, it contains essential amino acids such as methionine and cysteine. It’s equal to the nutritional properties of dairy, eggs and meat and also recognized as a source of vitamins and micronutrients.

Apart from its use as a vegetable, Moringa also helps in the process of reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide. Under this project, one million plants are expected to be added to the ecosystem with the cultivation of approximately 1,650 acres, (750 hectares) with a projected value of Rs. 5 billion in three years. In addition, as there is a big demand for Moringa leaves, one kilo of raw leaves can also be sold for Rs. 55/-.

Moringa has anti-cancer and antioxidant properties in addition to other medicinal interventions to normalize high blood pressure and cholesterol, cure bladder stones and neurological diseases and boost body immunity.

Arrangements have been made to select suitable zones to plant Moringa island-wide and provide seedlings at Grama Niladhari Division level.

The State Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Integrated Agriculture Instructors, Agricultural research producers are spreading awareness about this project to the public.

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Advisory for Severe Lightning issued to the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and Galle and Matara districts

Published

12 mins ago

2026/03/12

Priyan

Advisory for Severe Lightning Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 12.30 noon 12 March 2026 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 12 March 2026

Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m.

There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
 Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
 Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
 Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
 Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
 Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
 For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.

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Nasa spacecraft weighing 1,300lb due to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere

Published

1 hour ago

2026/03/12

Priyan

The two Van Allen Probes were launched in 2012 [BBC]

A Van Allen Probe spacecraft weighing more than 1,300lb (600kg) is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere almost 14 years after its launch, Nasa says.

The spacecraft is projected to re-enter around 19:45 EDT (23:45 GMT) on Tuesday the US Space Force predicted, according to Nasa, though there is a 24-hour margin of “uncertainty” in the timing.

The Van Allen Probe A, which launched in 2012, is expected mostly to burn up as it travels through the atmosphere, though some components may survive.

The space agency said there is a one in 4,200 chance of being harmed by a piece of the probe, which it characterised as “low” risk.

The spacecraft and its twin, Van Allen Probe B, were on a mission to gather unprecedented data on Earth’s two permanent radiation belts.

It was not immediately clear where in Earth’s atmosphere the satellite is projected to re-enter. The BBC has contacted Nasa for further detail.

Nasa and the US Space Force have said they will monitor the re-entry and update any predictions.

The mission, which was originally designed to last two years, went on for almost seven. It ended after the spacecrafts ran out of fuel and were no longer able to orient themselves toward the Sun.

The probes flew through rings of charged particles trapped by Earth’s magnetic field from 2012 to 2019, in order to study how particles were gained and lost, per Nasa.

Those rings, called the Van Allen belts, shield Earth from cosmic radiation, solar storms and streaming solar wind, which are harmful to humans and can damage technology.

The mission made significant discoveries, including the first data that show the existence of a transient third radiation belt, which can form during times of intense solar activity, Nasa said.

Van Allen Probe B is not expected to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere before 2030.

[BBC]

News

PM Visits the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

Published

3 hours ago

2026/03/12

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, on 11 March 2026, and held bilateral discussions with Yvonne Pinto, Director General of IRRI, focusing on strengthening cooperation in the field of rice research and sustainable agricultural development.

During the meeting, discussions centered on rice cultivation in Sri Lanka, including the key challenges faced by Sri Lankan paddy farmers. The Prime Minister highlighted issues affecting the sector such as productivity constraints, climate-related impacts, and the need to support farmers through improved agricultural practices and technological innovations.

Both sides also discussed the importance of introducing modern techniques and research-driven approaches to rice cultivation in order to enhance productivity and ensure long-term food security. In this regard, IRRI shared insights on ongoing global research initiatives aimed at improving rice varieties, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

The discussion further focused on the potential for expanded collaboration between Sri Lanka and IRRI, particularly in areas such as research partnerships, knowledge sharing, and capacity building for Sri Lankan agricultural institutions and farmers. The Prime Minister emphasized Sri Lanka’s interest in strengthening cooperation with IRRI to support the development of the country’s rice sector and to improve the livelihoods of paddy farmers.

The visit reaffirmed the importance of science-based agricultural innovation and international collaboration in addressing food security challenges and enhancing sustainable rice production in Sri Lanka.