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Official delegation from SLPA on fact-finding visit to port of Antwerp-Bruges International
The Sri Lanka Embassy in Belgium, together with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI) in Belgium, organised a two-day fact-finding visit for an official delegation from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) on 23 and 24 June 2025. This initiative aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the port sector between Sri Lanka and Belgium, according to a Foreign Ministry press release.
The visit was a part of the ongoing dialogue between the SLPA and the PoABI, initiated by the Sri Lanka Embassy, in Brussels, in mid-2024, to connect the Colombo Port and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium, the second largest port in Europe. T.K.G.L. Hemachandra, the Deputy Harbour Master (Trincomalee), Sriyantha Arampath and H.B.A. Subhashini joined the visit.
During the visit, the SLPA officials held discussions with senior staff of PoABI and Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Centre (APEC). Vice President of International Relations & Networks at Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority, Luc Arnouts, also joined the discussion. Both sides initiated talks on a prospective Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering collaborations in key areas such as information and knowledge exchange, reciprocal visits, sharing of best practices, logistic cooperation, exchange of technical expertise and investment cooperation and support initiatives in port digitalisation and innovation.
As part of the programme, the delegation visited the DP World Antwerp Gateway terminal, on the left bank of the Scheldt River, where they were able to learn on automation in terminal operations. The team also visited the CMB TECH Hydrogen Refuelling Station in Antwerp.
The insightful and engaging two-day programme provided the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) delegation with a comprehensive understanding of the operational landscape of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Through meaningful exchanges of ideas and perspectives, both parties laid a strong foundation for future collaboration between the two ports.
The Associate Manager-Regional Lead Indian Subcontinent at PoABI, Achille Sobry, APEC Training Executive-Key Account Indian Subcontinent at APEC, Ken Houtevelts, Minister Commercial of the Embassy, Thavishya Mullegamgoda, and Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka in Antwerp, Monique De Decker-Deprez joined the meetings and site visits.
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Heat Index at ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha and Monaragala districts during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 02 May 2026, valid for 03 May 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, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha and Monaragala districts 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 the 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.
High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April
Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.
Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.
The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.
Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
Heat Index at ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha and Monaragala districts during the day time
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