News
Recall retired doctors, nurses to combat COVID-19, Opposition SJB tells govt
Sri Lanka must recall retired doctors and nurses to work as the country’s health service is in danger of being overrun with the raging third wave of COVID-19, the main opposition Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) said.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, SJB MP Harshana Rajakaruna said the government must look into the possibility of obtaining the services of retired medical staff in the state health sector on a temporary basis.
“The government has to invest money into such things. Instead, they’re spending millions on building gyms and expressways,” he said.
The MP was referring to a Rs 54-billion section of the Ratnapura expressway and a cabinet approved proposal to open 500 outdoors gyms in Sri Lanka at a cost of Rs 625 million.
Rajakaruna called for postponing gym and expressway construction by a year.
“You need people to lift weight at the gym,” the MP said.
“This is not the time for such things,” he added.
The public will not blame the government for delaying road construction by a year, Rajakaruna said.
“We in the opposition will never say it was the wrong decision,” he said.
The SJB lawmaker urged the government to spend more on COVID-19 vaccines for some 13.2 million Sri Lankans – about 60 percent of the population – who need the jab. Only 1.1 million have been inoculated so far.
Rajakaruna further said the government will be held responsible for Sri Lanka’s daily COVID-19 deaths as they are a result of the government’s delay in acquiring vaccines. (ECONOMYNEXT)
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’
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