Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 26 April 2026, valid for 27 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, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.

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.

Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to investigate the illegal diversion of Treasury funds, amounting to US$2.5 million to a third-party account.

Premadasa has said both the chairmanship and a majority of the Committee’s membership should be held by the Opposition to ensure impartiality.

The government has not only failed to account for the loss of US$2.5 million but also deliberately withheld information from Parliament, the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) and the public, Premadasa has told the media, accusing the ruling party of seeking to deflect responsibility by initiating an internal departmental inquiry, which he describes as a biased process designed to justify predetermined conclusions.

The Opposition Leader has said only a transparent and independent probe could establish the facts, adding that such an investigation could be effectively carried out through a Parliamentary Select Committee led by the Opposition.

He has also warned that the alleged failure to inform Parliament about the missing funds amounted to a serious breach of accountability.

A land distribution programme benefiting families displaced by disaster in the Kandy District was held on April 24 at the Kandy District Secretariat, with 44 affected households receiving plots in the Hanthana area.

The initiative targeted residents of the Gangawata Korale Divisional Secretariat division whose homes were completely destroyed in a recent disaster, leaving them without permanent shelter.

The event was presided over by Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Livestock and Irrigation K. D. Lalkantha, who said arrangements had been made to provide each beneficiary with Rs. 5 million in instalments through the Pathahewaheta Divisional Secretariat to support the construction of new homes.

He noted that the land parcels had been identified from an estate in the Hanthana area and subsequently subdivided into demarcated plots for distribution among the recipients.

Members of Parliament representing the Kandy District from the NPP, along with Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatta and Gangawata Korale Divisional Secretary Amila Navaratne, were among those present. Government officials and beneficiaries also attended the event.

The programme forms part of ongoing efforts to provide permanent housing solutions and restore livelihoods for families affected by natural disasters in the region.

Text and Pic by SK Samaranayake