News
President holds Finance, Defence portfolios pending formation of all-party govt.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe would hold Defence, Finance and other Cabinet portfolios that have not been assigned so far, until the formation of an all-party government, ministerial sources told The Island yesterday.
That would be in line with the Constitution, sources said, adding that there was no time bar for the President to hold such portfolios. The government was keen to conclude talks on an all -party arrangement as soon as possible, they said.
Ports and Shipping as well as Investment Promotion portfolios, previously held by SLFPer Nimal Siripala de Silva, and businessman Dhammika Perera, remain vacant, pending conclusion of investigations into alleged bribery allegation in the case of lawmaker de Silva and possible agreement on an all-party government, political sources said.
In addition Defence, previously held by Gotabaya Rajapaksa, remains vacant, along with Finance which previously was under the then Prime Minister Wickremesinghe. The Women’s Affairs Ministry, too, remains without a minister.
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena is in charge of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Council, and Local Government.
Other ministers are Douglas Devananda (Fisheries), Susil Premajayantha (Education), Bandula Gunawardena (Transport & Highways, and Media), Keheliya Rambukwella (Health and Water Supply), Mahinda Amaraweera (Agriculture, Wildlife, and Forest Conservations), Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe (Justice, Prisons, and Constitutional Reforms), Harin Fernando (Tourism and Lands), Ramesh Pathirana (Plantations and Industries), Prasanna Ranatunga (Urban Development and Housing), Ali Sabry (External Affairs), Vidura Wickramanayake (Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs), Kanchana Wijesekera (Power and Energy), Naseer Ahamed (Environment), Roshan Ranasinghe (Sports and Youth Affairs, and Irrigation), Manusha Nanayakkara (Labour and Foreign Employment), Tiran Alles (Public Security) and Nalin Fernando (Trade, Commerce and Food Security).
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“Let us resolve, with renewed determination to overcome obstacles and build a better and more prosperous nation” -PM
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasooriya in her New Year message requested every Sri Lankan to resolve, with renewed determination to overcome obstacles and build a better and more prosperous nation.
The full text of the PM’s message:
“Marking the auspicious transition of the sun from one planet to another, and the arrival of the spring season following the harvest, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrated by the people of Sri Lanka since ancient times, has dawned once again.
The New Year is not merely a festive occasion; it symbolizes a renewal of prosperity, unity, coexistence, and the strengthening of mutual relationships embedded within our cultural values.
On this occasion, I extend my wishes for a peaceful and prosperous Sinhala and Tamil New Year to all Sri Lankans who celebrate this occasion with their families and loved ones, observing customs at the auspicious time.
A unique feature of Sinhala and Tamil New Year is the way an entire nation comes together through a shared set of customs. Despite the demands and challenges of daily life, this season offers a valuable opportunity to move forward with renewed hope as families, communities and a nation.
The true blessing of the New Year lies in setting aside differences and grievances, and embracing a fresh beginning in a spirit of solidarity and goodwill. Especially in the face of ongoing global challenges, the courage, compassion and resilience shown by our people in facing various natural and economic hardships in recent times stand as an example to the world. It is our responsibility to carry forward that collective strength.
At this auspicious moment, I extend my greetings to our fellow Sri Lankans working overseas, who dedicate themselves to securing a better future for their families and for the country. In particular, I extend my thoughts for the safety and well-being of those living in the Middle East during these tumultuous times.
Let us resolve, with renewed determination to overcome obstacles and build a better and more prosperous nation. As we undertake in a significant social and political transformations, we remain committed to striving tirelessly towards a better future.
May this Sinhala and Tamil New Year be blessed with happiness and prosperity!”
Latest News
Sun directly overhead Nawaladi, Paranthan, Murasumodai, Vellikkandal, Udapattukkandal, Puliyampokkanei about 12:10 noon today [14]
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from the 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (14th) are Nawaladi, Paranthan, Murasumodai, Vellikkandal, Udapattukkandal, Puliyampokkanei about 12:10 noon.
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 13 April 2026, valid for 14 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 and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee 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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