News

PM won’t be replaced, SLPP agreeable to National Government- Chief Govt. Whip

Published

3 years ago

2023/04/24

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Chief Govt. Whip, Prasanna Ranatunga, yesterday (23) said the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) wouldn’t replace incumbent Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.Responding to media queries, after paying a floral tribute at the Reggie Ranatunga memorial at Udugampola, Gampaha, the Urban Development and Housing Minister alleged that canard was spread by the Opposition. Gunawardena is the leader of the MEP, a constituent of the SLPP. The MEP group in Parliament, including the Premier, consists of three MPs.

Minister Ranatunga said that some interested parties propagated the lie that Mahinda Rajapaksa was to be appointed Prime Minister again. When that was denied, the same lpersons speculated that Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa was to be appointed the Prime Minister.

The Minister alleged that the Opposition was working overtime to undermine government efforts to stabilize the country.Minister Ranatunga dismissed the SLPP had been divided and was struggling to cope up with political developments.

Commenting on the proposed expansion of the Cabinet of Ministers, lawmaker Ranatunga declared his support for President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s call for the formation of a National Government. Minister Ranatunga said that there had been occasions when the number of Cabinet Ministers passed 100. The proposed National Government was meant to accommodate all political parties, Minister Ranatunga said, declaring that Cabinet appointments would be made by President Wickremesinghe in consultation with Premier Gunawardena.

The formation of a National Government would enable the government to overcome constitutional restriction on the number of Cabinet Ministers. The 19th Amendment restricted the number of Cabinet Ministers to 30 and non-Cabinet Ministers to 40. However, in case the government reached consensus with Opposition political parties, regarding the National Government, constitutional provision regarding the number of ministers didn’t matter.

Recently, SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam said that his party submitted a list of members to President Wickremesinghe whom the party felt should be appointed as ministers. The disclosure was made in response to a media query though he declined to name the SLPP’s nominees.

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

Published

25 mins ago

2026/04/21

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
at 3.30 p.m. on 20 April 2026, valid for 21 April 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, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern 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.

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Advisory for Severe Lightning issued for all provinces of Sri Lanka

Published

6 hours ago

2026/04/20

Priyan

Advisory for Severe Lightning
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 12.00 noon 20 April 2026 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 20 April 2026

Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur most places in the island after 1.00 p.m.

There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

ACTION REQUIRED:

The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:

 Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.

 Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.

 Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.

 Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.

 Beware of fallen trees and power lines.

 For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.

News

Indian Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan meets Prime Minister

Published

7 hours ago

2026/04/20

Priyan

The Vice President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan, who is currently on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka, held a bilateral discussion with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Sunday (19) morning at Temple Trees.

Upon his arrival at Temple Trees, the Indian Vice President was received by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. The Prime Minister also extended her congratulations to C.P. Radhakrishnan on his appointment as the Vice President of India.

During the meeting, the Vice President noted that this is his first official visit to Sri Lanka and expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him during his stay.

The occasion was attended by the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel; Members of Parliament Dr. K. Laxman and Dr. Medha Vishram Kulkarni; Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri; and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, and representing the Government of Sri Lanka the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath; Minister of Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage; Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj; Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri; Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Harshana Suriyapperuma; Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa; and several other officials.