News
SJB, ex-SDIG: Is NPP resorting to token crackdowns like ‘Yukthiya’?
The SJB yesterday (07) alleged that the NPP government was conducting large-scale combined police and armed forces search operations to hoodwink the public.
Top SJB spokesman Mujibur Rahuman, MP, yesterday said that the NPP government launched ‘Yukthiya’ type operations in the wake of recent shooting incidents in Kandana and Ragama where two persons succumbed to gunshot injuries.
“We would like to know the status of the investigations,” the lawmaker said. According to the police, 300 persons were detained in search operations carried out in the Kandana, Ragama and Wattala areas, whereas over 450, and 120, were taken in the South and Sabaragamuwa, respectively, over the weekend.
The former UNPer pointed out that over 50 people had been killed in a spate of incidents this year and that the government engaged in this propaganda exercise to deceive the people.
MP Rahuman said that the NPP action was very similar to that of the Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa government’s Yukthiya operation, conducted to convince the public that law enforcement was on top of the situation. Soon after the change of government, a gunman, dressed as a lawyer, shot dead Ganemulle Sanjeewa inside a sitting court room, the MP said.
The retired Senior DIG, with a reputation for fighting crime, Priyantha Jayakody, warned the government that the underworld couldn’t be controlled by such large scale operations for show. Jayakody, who had held several top positions before his retirement, said law enforcement has deteriorated to such an extent that those responsible now sought to cover-up their shortcomings through propaganda efforts.
Obviously, the government is not up to the task, the ex-DIG said, urging the government to launch coordinated offensives against the underworld. “Police, backed by the STF, have to act on specific information. Success cannot be achieved by conducting Yukthiya-type propagada exercises, Jayakody added. (SF)
High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April
Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.
Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.
The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.
Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 01 May 2026, valid for 02 May 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, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western 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 the 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.
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