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NMSJ concerned about arrests
The National movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) said that it is gravely concerned about a number of actions taken by the Ranil Wickremesinghe administration in recent days.NMSJ chairman, former Speaker, Karu Jayasuriya said that it is their belief that the arrests of Joseph Stalin, the General Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers’ Union, Palitha Atampola and Dhananjaya Siriwardena, officials of the Bank of Ceylon Employees’ Union, who were engaged in a peaceful struggle, simply cannot be justified.
We earnestly request the government to consider that priority that must be given to resolve the economic and political crisis faced by the country today and to therefore reach a reasonable compromise on political reforms with those engaged in the citizen’s struggle,” he said.Jayasuriya said that the importance of working together with all parties and other influential groups in the society for the future well-being of the country can not be stressed enough.
“If the government fails to adopt such an approach, it may have a negative impact on the attempts to form an all-party government that the President states he desires, as well as in obtaining the support of the international community. Unfortunately, if such a situation is created, it will not be favourable for the President, the government as well as the country,” he said.
NMSJ chairman said that it is essential that the government pays close attention to the views expressed by the Sri Lankan Human Rights Commission as well as the international community about its actions. Also, the government must seriously listen to the aspirations and opinions of the common people of the country, he said.
“We draw the attention of the President and the Government to these matters with the utmost sincerity due to the importance of achieving the basic expectations expressed by the President in his throne speech in a favourable manner,” he said.
Jayasuriya said that there is some optimism among the people following the President’s policy statement in parliament on Wednesday. However, the above mentioned factors might soon dash the expectations of the people.
“We strongly believe that the President’s declaration that he is ready to establish an all party government to strengthen the economy, take measures to streamline the supply of electricity and fuel, provide relief to low-income earners and reduce the cost of living, are important policy matters for the country’s welfare. These will undoubtedly bring great relief to the people. The National Movement for Social Justice also appreciates the steps taken to re-enact the 19th constitutional amendment, and the attempts in increasing the powers of the parliament to enable the back row MPs to directly participate in governance. However the above mentioned series of events has left us highly concerned,” he said.
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Heat Index at Cautiin Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern 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 23 April 2026, valid for 24 April 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, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern 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 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
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Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
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Note:
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Measles, eliminated from the country several years ago, has re-emerged, Dr. Athula Liyanapathirana attached to the Health Ministry’s Epidemiology Unit says.
According to Dr. Liyanapathirana, two cases involving children have been identified in the Colombo District, raising concerns about a possible resurgence.
Sri Lanka was declared measles-free by the World Health Organization in 2019. However, health officials note that sporadic outbreaks have been reported in certain areas since 2023.
Dr. Liyanapathirana said that while no cases had been reported since January 2025, the recent detection of two infections is a cause for concern.
He emphasised the need for immediate preventive measures to avoid the situation escalating into an outbreak. Laboratory analysis of one of the cases, conducted in India, confirmed that the virus had been imported.
Dr. Liyanapathirana warned that measles could have long-term health consequences. Recent research indicates that the disease may weaken immunity, reducing a person’s ability to fight other infections.
The Sri Lanka Coast Guard, in an operation, conducted in the Yodakandiya area in Tissamaharama, in coordination with Kirinda Police, took into custody two persons with a live hand grenade, over 3 grams of crystal methamphetamine (ice), and 4 kg 650 g of copper wires on 22 April 2026.
In another operation conducted on the same day in the Thoduwawa area of Chilaw, in coordination with the Sri Lanka Navy, the Coast Guard seized 2,000 litres of goda, along with 19 barrels and related accessories.
The suspects, along with the seized items, were handed over to the Tissamaharama and Chilaw Police, respectively, for further investigation and legal action.
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