News
Ranil reveals plan to shift Sapugaskanda refinery to Trinco and install solar energy hub at Sampur
President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said that due to the government’s efforts over the past two years to rebuild the economy, Sri Lanka had gained the support of friendly nations including India and Japan in its journey towards progress.
Speaking at the “Ranil Can” rally opposite the Kantale Railway Station, the President said, “Plans are underway to relocate the Sapugaskanda oil refinery to Trincomalee, while Sampur is being transformed into a solar energy hub. Trincomalee will also develop as a tourism destination, and we’ll establish trade and investment zones there. The governments of India and Sri Lanka are collaborating on this development.”
President Wickremesinghe also mentioned that, in partnership with the Indian government, Trincomalee will experience extensive development.
He criticized Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake for abandoning the people during the previous economic crisis, despite their current claims of patriotism.
Wickremesinghe recalled that in 2016, during discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as the Prime Minister, the IMF had warned that reducing taxes would lead to a loss of IMF support, and he made this warning public at the time.
“Yet, when Gotabaya Rajapaksa came into power, he reduced taxes, and as expected, the IMF ceased providing relief,” he added.
“I brought together people from all parties to strengthen the economy. Neither Sajith nor Anura supported me, but the majority did. Mahinda Rajapaksa extended his support, as did Wajira Abeywardena from the United National Party. Members from various parties, including the Podujana Peramuna, also joined me. Despite this, they accused me of being part of the Rajapaksa government. If this were truly a Rajapaksa government, Namal Rajapaksa would be standing on this platform with me. I appreciate the support they offered in times of need, but with the majority in hand, I took the lead in negotiating with the IMF and successfully implemented the programme,” the President said.
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.
Latest News
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 3.30 p.m. on 11 April 2026, valid for 12 April 2026
The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and 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.
Latest News
Sun directly overhead Cheddikulam, Kebithigollewa, Gomarankadawala and Nilaveli about 12:11 noon. today [12]
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 (12th) are Cheddikulam, Kebithigollewa, Gomarankadawala and Nilaveli about 12:11 noon.
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
Sanju Samson and Jamie Overton deliver first points for Chennai Super Kings
Arya, Prabhsimran and Shreyas help Punjab Kings ace another 200-plus chase
Beauty of Sri Lanka in focus: Global showcase blends art, diplomacy and conservation
Showers expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, North-western and Uva provinces and in Ampara, Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa districts after 1.00 p.m.
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
News6 days agoLankan-origin actress Subashini found dead in India
-
News4 days agoAG: Coal procurement full of irregularities
-
Business3 days agoIsraeli attack on Lebanon triggers local stock market volatility
-
News22 hours agoCEB orders temporary shutdown of large rooftop solar systems
-
Business4 days agoHayleys Mobility introduces Premium OMODA C9 PHEV
-
Business3 days agoHNB Assurance marks 25 years with strategic transformation to ‘HNB Life’
-
Sports4 days agoDS to face St. Anthony’s in ‘Bridges of Brotherhood’ cricket encounter
-
News6 days agoUN Regional Director launches SL’s first Country Gender Equality Profile during official visit