News

New commanders appointed to Army and Navy

Published

1 year ago

2024/12/31

Major Gen Rodrigo (L) / Rear Admiral Banagoda (R)

The Ministry of Defence yesterday announced the appointments of Major General Lasantha Rodrigo as the 25th Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and Rear Admiral Kanchana Banagoda as the new Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy.

Major Gen Rodrigo succeeds Lt General Vikum Liyanage, who retires from active service. A seasoned military officer, Major Gen Rodrigo previously held the position of Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army and has had a distinguished career in leadership and service. He has also served as the Commandant of the Defence Services Command and Staff College, further cementing his credentials within the military.

Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Banagoda, who has served as the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy since August 2024, now takes on the role of Navy Commander. He has an extensive background in naval command, having led various Fast Attack Craft, ships, and establishments within the Navy. His previous appointments include Director of Naval Training, Commander of the Southeastern Naval Area, and Commander of the North Central and Northern Naval Areas. Prior to his role as Chief of Staff, he served as Commander of the Eastern Naval Area.

In recognition of his exemplary service to the nation, Rear Admiral Banagoda has been awarded the Rana Sura Padakkama for his gallantry and the Uththama Sewa Padakkama for his unwavering dedication and impeccable character.

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Bus fares increased by 12.19% from midnight today [23]

Published

9 hours ago

2026/03/23

Priyan

Bus fares have been increased by 12.19% with effect from midnight today [23rd March 2026].

The minimum fare will be increased from Rs 27 to Rs 30 while the maximum fare of Rs2159/- will be increased to 2422/-

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Public will not be served as Computer system failure at Department of Registration of Persons

Published

10 hours ago

2026/03/23

Priyan

The Acting Commissioner General of Registration of Persons has announced that due to an unexpected failure of the computer system of the Department of Registration of Persons, all services, including the one day service will not be held on Tuesday (24th March) at the Head Office and all Provincial offices.

Latest News

Heat Index at Caution Level in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Anuradhapura, Mannar and Vavuniya districts

Published

18 hours ago

2026/03/23

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology
at 3.30 p.m. on 22 March 2026, valid for 23 March 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in
Anuradhapura, Mannar and Vavuniya 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 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.