News
New invasive plant fast smothering native cultivations in Puttalam District
By Jagath Kanaheraarachchi
A new invasive weed species called Mimosa Diplotricha also known as the giant sensitive plant, had been detected at several areas of Puttalam District, additional director of agriculture, Sanath M. Bandara told The Island yesterday.
Bandara said that the weed scrambled vigorously over other plants, forming dense tangled thickets up to two metres in height. In many countries the plant had smothered and killed indigenous flora.
“We have identified this invasive species after Puttalam District Deputy Director of Agriculture, Tharangika Shyamali informed us that a new invasive plant is growing in Anamaduwa, Madurankuliya and Chilaw.”
Bandara said that it had been identified as a big threat to forest ecosystems, agricultural land and pastures. It caused heavy damage to crops like sugar cane, coconut, rubber, cassava, tea, pineapple and even rice.
“Unlike the normal sensitive plant, the leaves don’t close when the tree is shaken. This doesn’t grow straight like other invasive plants of this variety, i.e. Mimosa pudica and Mimosa pigra. It can’t be eaten by herbivores because it is toxic to them. In India they have found that the plant produces a toxin which can cause vascular endothelial damage, necrosis of the heart and liver and anemia in cattle. We must immediately eradicate this plant.”
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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.
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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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