News
Project underway to modernise Met Dept.
By Saman Indrajith
The technology used by the Sri Lanka’s Met Department is about 25 years from the cutting edge, State Minister of Defence, Premitha Bandara Tennakoon told Parliament on Wednesday.
However, the government was modernising the Met Department with funds from the World Bank, he said.
“We are in the process of recruiting an expert who understands the latest developments in meteorological technology. Tenders have been called and we have received applications. However, this will take some time.”
Sri Lanka was extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, Tennakoon said.
The State Minister said that the Met Department works closely with the Disaster management Centre (DMC), National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Irrigation Department and institutions in charge of power and energy.
“Now we provide a blanket forecast to these agencies. We have identified several sectors, i.e., power and energy, aviation, shipping, and hospitality. If we can provide them with a specialized, tailor-made forecast, we can make money out of it. We can use that money to further modernize and train our officers. We have taken the first step,” he said.
Latest News
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 12 April 2026, valid for 13 April 2026.
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.
Latest News
Sun directly overhead Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (13th) are Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon.
Latest News
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) TAIMUR and ASLAT arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 12 Apr 26.
The visiting ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in
compliance with naval traditions.
The duo of ships is commanded by Captain NIAMAT SAEED KHAN (PNS TAIMUR) and Captain NADIR MATEEN AFRIDI (PNS ASLAT).
Meanwhile, the ships are expected to conduct a Bilateral Naval Exercise LION STAR V with the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo seas.
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