News
NPC calls for elections soon to bring people and govt. together
The National Peace Council (NPC) has urged the government to hold the much delayed Provincial Council polls and the scheduled Local Government election.
The following is the text of the statement issued by the NPC: “President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been stressing the importance of political stability to achieve the common dream of economic restoration. His recent statement that the security forces will be used to negate any unauthorized protest is a sign that the government expects the conditions of economic hardship to escalate. The President also stated that there will be no early general elections. Stability in a polity can be ensured either through legitimacy or through force. Political stability cannot be created in a vacuum. Politicians are needed to express provincial and local level issues as well as national level issues in Parliament.
Therefore, elections need to be held at different levels of the polity as a democratic process to strengthen political stability. They will enable the people to express their views in a democratic manner to elect their representatives who they deem to be suitable for the present time. This would provide the government with guidance in terms of the decisions it is being called to take to revive the economy and place the burden in a manner that will be acceptable to the people. Local government elections have been postponed for a year and are reaching their legal maximum in terms of postponement. These elections need to be held.
The provincial council elections have been postponed since 2018. Democratically elected provincial councils share in the burdens of governance. The devolution of power through the provincial councils was intended to promote ethnic harmony in the country. Due to postponement of those elections the provinces are being governed by presidentially appointed governors which makes a mockery of the devolution of power. The President has recently stated that the solution to problems affecting the Tamil people would be found by the 75th anniversary of the country’s independence.
In the aftermath of the mass protests that led to the resignation of the prime minister, ministers and president in the period of May to July this year, there is a distance that has grown between the government and people. As a first step to healing this divide the National Peace Council calls for both local government and provincial council elections to be held without delay. The President and government could then work with them in a broader alliance to ensure political stability through decisions made that are legitimate and have the acceptance of the people.
News
The book “Intimidated?” presents a significant and timely contribution to understanding challenges, resilience, and innovation in the modern world, offering valuable insights for education, research, and social transformation – PM
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while participating in the book launch of “Intimidated?” authored by Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, Head of Department at the National University of Singapore, held on Saturday 28 March 2026 at the Lotus Hall of BMICH.
Authored by Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, the book “Intimidated?” reflects on contemporary global and personal challenges, innovation, and the importance of resilience, offering readers a thoughtful and inspiring perspective grounded in academic experience and global exposure. The publication, along with its English translation, was ceremonially presented to the Prime Minister during the event.
Congratulating the author on this important publication, the Prime Minister stated that such scholarly work plays a vital role in inspiring future generations, particularly students and young researchers, to think critically, embrace challenges, and contribute meaningfully to society. She further emphasized the importance of knowledge-sharing and innovation in shaping a progressive and inclusive educational environment in Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister also ceremonially launched the programme to distribute 5,000 copies of the book free of charge to students and educational institutions, highlighting the importance of making knowledge accessible to a wider audience.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, family members of Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, university Vice Chancellors, professors and lecturers, senior officials of the Ministry of Education, school principals, students, and invited guests.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
News
It is the government’s objective to create an education system that provides every child with access to modern technological opportunities — Prime Minister
Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated that it is the government’s objective to establish an education system that ensures every child has access to modern technological opportunities.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the opening ceremony of the National Competition of the World Robot Olympiad (WRO), that aims to elevate the technological skills of Sri Lanka’s younger generation to international standards, held on Saturday (28) at Burhani Serendib College in Colombo.
A total of 66 teams from schools across the island participated in this year’s competition, marking a threefold increase compared to last year. The event was held under the theme “Robots Meet Culture,” and over 500 students, presented creations blending local culture with modern engineering concepts.
Expressing her views, the Prime Minister stated:
“In today’s rapidly evolving world, giving priority to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) should be a national priority.
Platforms such as the World Robot Olympiad provide opportunities for our younger generation to develop essential skills such as logical thinking, innovation, and teamwork”,
Sri Lanka participated in the International Robot Olympiad held in Singapore in 2025, with two teams representing the country, which marked a highly significant and enriching experience for our children.
The Prime Minister further emphasized that the government remains committed to building an education system that enables every child to benefit from such technological opportunities.
The event was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, officials from the Indian High Commission, government officials, and school students.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
Latest News
Heat Index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 29 March 2026, valid for 30 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, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala 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.
The book “Intimidated?” presents a significant and timely contribution to understanding challenges, resilience, and innovation in the modern world, offering valuable insights for education, research, and social transformation – PM
It is the government’s objective to create an education system that provides every child with access to modern technological opportunities — Prime Minister
Caf general secretary resigns amid Afcon final fallout
Heat Index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district
National Namal Uyana Declared a ‘National Heritage of Sri Lanka’
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