News
Oxford University Sri Lanka Society elects new committee
The Oxford University Society of Sri Lanka (OUS Sri Lanka) has announced the election of its new leadership team at its recent Annual General Meeting. Umayanga Nanayakkara will will be at the helm as President, with Sanjaya Ariyawansa serving as Vice President. The Society also expressed its gratitude to outgoing President, Rishan De Silva.
The 2025-2026 committee comprises: President: Umayanga Nanayakkara, Vice President: Sanjaya Ariyawansa, Secretary: Insaf Bakeer Markar, Treasurer: Hiran Embuldeniya, Impact: Praveena Joseph De Saram, Engagement: Rishan De Silva, Alumni Relations: Shathuki Perera and Nishen de Silva and Committee Members: Neluka Silva and Ashok Ferrey
Igniting Potential: A Vision for Tomorrow
The OUS Sri Lanka committee has achieved success with its flagship event, “Applying to Oxford?”. “We’ve witnessed a surge in applications from diverse backgrounds helping students to successfully gain admission to Oxford,” says President Umayanga Nanayakkara. “Our hope is that these brilliant minds will return to contribute significantly to Sri Lanka’s development.” Umayanga, a law graduate has completed the Foundations of Diplomacy, the Oxford Foreign Service Program and a Masters in South Asian Studies based out of St Antonys College. He is currently a Director at AGC Innovate driving green innovation which pioneered Sri Lankas first plastic modified asphalt road winning multiple awards. Looking ahead, the agenda for 2025/26 includes a year of learning events, intellectual exchanges, cross-organizational partnerships, literary evenings and strengthened regional collaborations.
Vice President Sanjaya Ariyawansa, a seasoned economist, brings a wealth of expertise as Senior Economist at the Economic Intelligence Unit of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and a visiting lecturer at the University of Moratuwa. His impressive career spans roles at the Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance, World Bank consultancy, and research at the University of Oxford. Sanjaya holds an MSc in Economics from Oxford, a first-class BSc in Mathematics from the University of Colombo, and CIMA (UK) qualifications.
Connecting the Global Network: Engaging Our Alumni
The new committee is committed to cultivating a vibrant and dynamic alumni community. Oxford Alumni interested in learning more about OUS Sri Lanka and its activities are encouraged to contact the society via email on oussrilanka@gmail.com, umayanga@agcinnovate.com, sanjaya.ariyawansa@yahoo.com.
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)
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western 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 01 May 2026, valid for 02 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 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 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.
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