News
Ridiyagama Safari Park zone 2 opens today
By Ifham Nizam
The Small Animal Zone, Animal Conservation and Migratory Birds Rescue Centre coming under the purview of the second part of Hambantota Ridiyagama Safari Park will be opened today at 10.00 a.m.
The second zone is scheduled to be opened by Agriculture, Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, and Secretary to the Ministry, Mrs. Chandra Herath, Director General of Wildlife, Chandana Suriyabandara, and the Director General of the National Zoological Department will also participate in the event.
An area of around 500 acres has been allocated for the Ridiyagama Safari Park and 13 zones have been set up for different types of animals. At present, about 200 acres of it has been developed for administrative buildings, animal hospital, visitor facilities, shops, parking lots, etc., and several animal zones have been completed.
These animal zones are the African lion zone which is in an area of about 35 acres, the herbivorous animals’ zone which is spread over an area of 80 acres and the Asian elephant zone which covers 54 acres and, the Bengal tiger zone.
The second part scheduled to be opened today (04) consists three zones. There is a zone for small herbivorous animals Hog Deer, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Jungle Rat, etc. and a zone for children to have fun with pets has also been built in this new section.
An animal breeding conservation centre has also been built but it is is not open to visitors.
Arrangements have been made to open a special rescue centre for migratory birds here.
According to the National Zoological Department, priority has been given to visitors for activities such as feeding tame animals and taking photographs with them.
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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