News
Sirisena wants country mobilised to face coming economic war
By Saman Indrajith
Former President Maithripala Sirisena has said that the country needs to win the confidence of the international community and rebuild its relations with its traditional allies to overcome the economic crisis faced by the country.
Addressing a Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) event at Buttala recently, Sirisena said that Sri Lankans were born fighters. However, they must be properly mobilised to face the coming economic war.
“People have been left wondering what has happened. We are in dire straits. Under Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Sri Lanka was on the path to sustainability and self-sufficiency. We had a strong agricultural and industrial base. Despite the setbacks in the 80s, we were at a somewhat stable place when this government took over. However, they created problems. The fertiliser crisis was created by the government. Now, the entire organic agriculture concept has been undermined,” Sirisena said.
The former president said that fuel, gas, cement, medicine and other shortages had crippled the country. The SLFP had launched a countrywide campaign to raise public awareness and empower people.
“The SLFP has an obligation to do something about the crisis. When I was the President, I managed to balance all major international actors. This is not rocket science. We just need to be transparent and have proper strategies. Right now, no country is happy with what we are doing,” he said.
Sirisena said that the SLFP had been urging for an all-party conference since early 2021. Even then, it was obvious that a crisis was on the horizon and the SLFP wanted to protect the citizens from serious economic woes, he said.
“6.9 million people voted for the President. He has 2/3 support in Parliament. However, the questions are only multiplying, and Ministers make various claims that antagonise people. Unlike them, we are coming up with a plan. We are talking to experts,” he said.
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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