News
Rare mangrove species found in Benthara Ganga
By Ifham Nizam
Critically endangered mangrove species, Rathamilla, has been found in the Benthara Ganga, says scientist Dr. Manoj Prassana.
Prasanna told The Island that there were some 54 species of mangroves in the world and of them 21 species were found in Sri Lanka.
He added that while most of these species were well distributed in many sites all along the coastal line, a few species were restricted to the dry zone.
Among the mangrove species recorded in the country, Rathamilla (Lumnitzera littorea) and Rathu Punkanda (Ceriops decandra) have been identified as critically endangered species. Ratamilla is of a very small population size and limited distribution.
This species belongs to the family Combretaceae and is a mangrove species that does not produce propagules. It is found in Asian countries as well as northern Australia but, at present, it is threatened due to various human activities.Until recently, the plant had been thought to be restricted to the Madu Ganga, and a team of mangrove researchers has now been able to record this species in the Benthara Ganga mangrove ecosystem.
The team includes Shashi Madushanka, a student at the Institute of Postgraduate Studies, University of Peradeniya, Dr. Manoj Prasanna of the Ministry of Environment and Professor K.B. Ranawana from the Department of Zoology, University of Peradeniya.
To date, only a few 100-year-old trees have been recorded at Madu Ganga Sri Lanka, but the researchers have been able to record a population of about 50 plants that are between two and 20 years of age. Some trees have already been cut down at this place and the rest of the plants in this site face several threats.
According to the researchers, the Department of Forest Conservation and the Ministry of Environment have already initiated discussions to implement a special conservation program for the conservation of these plants.
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Heat index, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 29 April 2025, valid for 30 April 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 Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota 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.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake a four-day state visit to Vietnam on 03 May, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. Since the presidential election, President Dissanayake has so far visited India, China and the UAE.
The 5th annual Sri Lanka-Pakistan Bilateral Defence Dialogue commenced on Monday (April 28) in Islamabad, Pakistan, marking a continued commitment to strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.
The MoD statement: “The Sri Lankan delegation is led by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha accompanied by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, and Additional Secretary (Defence) of the Ministry of Defence Jayantha Edirisinghe. The Pakistani delegation is headed by Lieutenant General (retd.) Muhammad Ali, Secretary Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
In conjunction with the on-going defence dialogue, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha held a side-line meeting yesterday (April 29) with Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif.
These high-level engagements aim to enhance bilateral cooperation, foster mutual understanding on regional security dynamics and explore opportunities for defence collaboration. Both nations share a longstanding relationship rooted in mutual respect and strategic cooperation. The dialogue reflects the growing importance of partnerships in maintaining stability and promoting peace in the South Asian region.
The three-day dialogue, which concludes today (April 30), is expected to reinforce bilateral defence ties and contribute to broader regional security objectives.
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