News
NPC asks govt. to address issue of missing persons and hold PC polls
The National Peace Council (NPC) has urged the government to address the missing persons issue and to conduct the Provincial Council polls. The NPC issued the following statement as Sri Lanka marked the 14th anniversary of the armed forces’ triumph over the LTTE: “The country will be commemorating the 14th anniversary of the end of the war that dragged on for nearly three decades, on May 18. The war which ended bloodily on the battlefield continues to exert its baleful influence over the life of the people. Tens of thousands of families will mourn the loss of their loved ones while thousands of others will be hoping that their missing loved ones will reappear soon. Typically, the government has organised events to mark the war victory on May 19, which is reflective of majority sentiment in the country.
The National Peace Council believes that while the war is over the problems that gave rise to it, and new ones that have arisen from it, continue to trouble the country and detract from its ability to reach its full potential. The country continues to be like a family divided, which cannot succeed until it heals its divisions and cannot succeed until it heals its divisions, which requires statesmanlike leadership with a vision for a truly reconciled Sri Lanka.
The most urgent of unfinished task is to deal with the issue of missing persons in a manner that satisfies the sentiments of the people that the state has cared for them in their grief and justice is done. Second is to ensure that the Provincial Council system of devolution of power is implemented fully according to the Constitution, Provincial elections held without further delay and adequate financial resources are made available to them. It is also essential that the power of the Governor, provided under the Provincial Council act, needs to be revisited to provide more power to the elected councils to ensure that the people’s representations are prioritized.
There are other unfinished tasks as well but we believe that if there is genuine willingness to address the two above, the rest will follow. There is urgency in undertaking these tasks for the sake of national reconciliation within the country and to ward off the growing threat of international political and economic sanctions that have begun to bite in the form of travel bans for war crimes and the need to retain the GSP Plus economic concession.
The National Peace Council welcomes the president’s direct engagement with the Tamil political parties in discussions, which have been positively received both nationally and internationally. We call on the president to inform the people about his intentions in this regard, and the government to engage on the issue with the opposition political parties, so that the agreements reached are inclusive and have a maximum of support from all the ethnic and religious communities in the country. “
Gen. Nakatani, Minister of Defense of Japan paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at Temple Trees today [May 4].
The discussion took place in the spirit of long-standing bilateral friendship and focused on strengthening cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka, particularly in the areas of defense and regional security. Minister Nakatani extended his congratulations to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Government of Japan and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to collaborative efforts in ensuring peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
He also emphasized Sri Lanka’s strategic importance in maritime security and regional connectivity.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support through development partnerships, especially via the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). She reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency, economic reform, and national transformation.
The Prime Minister also shared the government’s vision for evolving the role of Sri Lanka’s security forces to include responsibilities such as climate response, humanitarian assistance, and maritime protection. The meeting further explored opportunities in trade, investment, and tourism, with both parties agreeing to deepen engagement across five key sectors.
The Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, and senior officials from both governments participated in the meeting.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake departed for Vietnam.
The visit is taking place at the invitation of the President of Vietnam from May 4 to 6, 2025.
During the visit, President Disanayake is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with both the President and the Prime Minister of Vietnam. He will also meet with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and other senior officials.
On May 6, the President will attend the official opening ceremony of the United Nations Vesak Day celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City as the Chief guest and will also deliver the keynote address.
In addition, the visit is expected to include the signing of several bilateral agreements and engagement with the Vietnamese business community to further enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with a delegation of senior government officials, is accompanying the President on this important visit.
[PMD]
Latest News
The Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Monaragala and Hambantota districts.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 03 May 2025, valid for 04 May 2025.
The public re warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Monaragala and Hambantota 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.
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