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Pakistan-Sri Lanka underline strong defence ties
Sri Lankan Defence leadership has stressed the importance of maintaining existing strong military-to-military cooperation and expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s unstinted support in the past.
The following is the text of statement issued by Pakistan High Commission in Colombo after the five-day visit undertaken by General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) Pakistan.
It was his maiden overseas visit after his appointment as CJCSC. He arrived in Sri Lanka on 9th Feb on special invitation of his counterpart General Shavendra Silva, and was accorded a red carpet reception and a traditional welcome upon his arrival at BIA.
During his stay, General Sahir called on the President of Sri Lanka, Secretary Defence, Chief of Defence Staff and Commanders of Sri Lankan Army, Navy and Air Force.
On arrival at the Office of Chief of Defence Staff, the Chairman was presented a Guard of Honor by a smartly turned-out contingent of Sri Lankan Armed Forces. During the meeting with CDS, both counterparts had a detailed discussion on enhancing defence cooperation between the two friendly armed forces.
On 10th Feb, he called on President and Defense hierarchy of Sri Lanka, and discussed the importance of continued close relations between the two friendly nations and pledged his fullest support to the Sri Lankan armed forces in various fields of defence cooperation.
Sri Lankan Defence leadership stressed the importance of maintaining existing strong military-to-military cooperation and expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s unstinted support in the past. Moreover, they also extended their gratitude for the extensive training avenues and facilities provided by Pakistan for the Sri Lankan military officers as well as support extended to the defence sector of Sri Lanka in terms of modern military equipment.
During his stay, he also visited Temple of the Tooth Relic, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Mirissa.
This visit of Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M) is seen as a very important step towards furthering the bonds between the defence forces of both sides which the two countries already enjoy. Pakistan and Sri Lanka have continued to maintain strong, robust and reliable relations, through increased interaction at the highest levels and in the people-to-people domain. The Pakistani delegation was all praise for the hospitality and comfortable stay accorded to them during their visit by their host the CDS, Sri Lanka.
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Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala, Hambantota, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi districts.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology At 3.30 p.m. 30 April 2025, valid for 01 May 2025
The general public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala, Hambantota, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi 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.
NPP, SJB and SLPP won’t have parades
The ruling party National People’s Power (NPP) will celebrate May Day at Galle Face Green in Colombo. However, the NPP wouldn’t have a parade, party sources said.
The Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa government in 2023 made Galle Face Green off limits for political rallies. But the incumbent government lifted the restrictions in November 2024.
The main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will have its May Day rally at Talawakelle town. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 2 pm with the participation of SJB’s coalition partners, including Digambaram, Mano Ganesan.
The SLPP, too, decided against having a parade this time though it will hold a rally at the Ananda Samarakoon Open Air Theatre in Nugegoda.
The SLFP will hold its May Day event at its headquarters on Darley Road.
The Navy on April 28 carried out post-event maintenance efforts at Kandy Lake, following the Siri Dalada Vandanawa.
The collaborative efforts of the officials from the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, the Department of Irrigation, the Department of Archaeology and the Navy ensured the preservation of the lake’s natural beauty.
(Pic courtesy Navy media)
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Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala, Hambantota, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi districts.
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