News
Recruitment of ex-military personnel of Sri Lanka prerogative of foreign governments – Justice Minister
Lankan mercenaries in Ukraine:
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, PC, yesterday (08) said that recruitment of foreign personnel for military forces of a particular country was the prerogative of the government concerned.
Dr. Rajapakshe said so when The Island asked him whether the government could prohibit ex-military personnel from joining the Ukrainian military fighting Russian forces.
On the previous day, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, PC, said that the government couldn’t interfere once they leave the country legally. The Russian Embassy in Colombo yesterday declined to comment on the issue for a second consecutive day.
Meanwhile, sources said that the person who had been killed in a Russian artillery strike on Bakhmut early this week never served the Commando Regiment or the Special Forces during the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). A section of the media identified him as Ranish Hewage, Captain of the 1st Commando Regiment. His year of retirement was given as 2018.
However, inquiries revealed that he had been discharged after the conclusion of the war on disciplinary grounds. Hewage had been a Captain and served in the Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI).
Foreign dispatches, including social media, identified Hewage as the commander of the First Special Forces of the International Legion of Territorial Defence of Ukraine, or the Ukrainian Foreign Legion.
Two other ex-Sri Lankan military personnel died in the Russian attack. Navy headquarters yesterday said that one of the dead is believed to be a former Volunteer of the SLN.
Ministerial sources said that during talks between a delegation led by Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolay Patrushev and Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, the visiting group hadn’t raised the issue at hand. The delegation arrived in Colombo from Myanmar after having consultations with the leadership there, sources said, adding that the Russians were here for security consultations.
Sources estimated that there could be about 50 to 70 Lankans either involved with the Ukraine conflict or on their way there. Sources said that financial offers made by Ukraine obviously attracted many ex-military men regardless of the high risks in serving on the front against the Russian army.
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
at 3.30 p.m. on 20 April 2026, valid for 21 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, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in 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
Advisory for Severe Lightning issued for all provinces of Sri Lanka
Advisory for Severe Lightning
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 12.00 noon 20 April 2026 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 20 April 2026
Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur most places in the island after 1.00 p.m.
There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
News
Indian Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan meets Prime Minister
The Vice President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan, who is currently on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka, held a bilateral discussion with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Sunday (19) morning at Temple Trees.
Upon his arrival at Temple Trees, the Indian Vice President was received by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. The Prime Minister also extended her congratulations to C.P. Radhakrishnan on his appointment as the Vice President of India.
During the meeting, the Vice President noted that this is his first official visit to Sri Lanka and expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him during his stay.
The occasion was attended by the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel; Members of Parliament Dr. K. Laxman and Dr. Medha Vishram Kulkarni; Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri; and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, and representing the Government of Sri Lanka the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath; Minister of Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage; Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj; Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri; Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Harshana Suriyapperuma; Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa; and several other officials.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
-
News5 days agoPNS TAIMUR & ASLAT set sail from Colombo
-
Business3 days agoHarnessing nature’s wisdom: Experts highlight “Resist–Align” path to resilience
-
News3 days agoGratiaen Trust announces longlist for the 33rd Annual Gratiaen Prize
-
Latest News7 days ago“I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!” – President
-
News2 days agoFrom Nuwara Eliya to Dubai: Isha Holdings markets Agri products abroad
-
News3 days agoHeroin haul transported on 50-million-rupee contract
-
Latest News4 days agoSingapore Zoo’s first Sri Lankan leopard cubs make their public debut
-
Latest News7 days agoUS blockade of Iran would worsen global energy crisis, analysts say
