News
Skills for inclusive growth and Chefs Guild of Lanka unveil culinary masterpiece on World Tourism Day

The Skills for Inclusive Growth (S4IG) with the Chefs Guild of Lanka launched “Digital Cookbook: 40 Authentic Dishes by Sri Lanka’s Youth” on World Tourism Day. The digital version was unveiled during the “Sustainable Niche Tourism Learning Expo” organized by the USAID Indo Pacific Opportunity Project (IPOP), then launched at the World Tourism Day event hosted by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). These events served as the perfect platform to showcase the cookbook, not merely a collection of recipes but a vibrant celebration of Sri Lankan culinary traditions, showcasing the diverse flavours and rich heritage that have been passed down through generations.
“This cookbook is not only a culinary treasure; it’s a beacon of inclusivity and opportunity,” stated Stephen Lodziak, Consultant at Skills for Inclusive Growth. “Skills for Inclusive Growth is committed to transforming the perception of the chef profession, promoting inclusivity, and creating opportunities for women and people with disabilities. The cookbook underscores that working in a kitchen is a viable and rewarding career path, with the potential for participants to increase their income and actively contribute to the country’s culinary heritage.”
The Chefs Guild of Lanka, deeply committed to preserving and promoting Sri Lanka’s culinary heritage, shared their perspective in a heartfelt message: “This initiative is very close to our heart. In collaboration with ‘The Skills for Inclusive Growth (S4IG) Program,’ our Chef Mentors from each region worked with 14 contestants of the local reality TV show ‘Supreme Chef’ to develop forty indigenous recipes from ten different locations in our island. Our trainees not only learnt from professional Chefs but sought the wisdom of village elders and the guidance of Ayurvedic doctors to rediscover ancient recipes and food preservation methods.”
News
Colombo Metropolitan Region, Eastern Development Plan and the Greater Hambantota Project discussed in detail

A meeting between Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and relevant ministry officials was held on Tuesday (08) at the Presidential Secretariat regarding the development plans to be implemented in Sri Lanka under three zones, in collaboration with the Surbana Jurong Institute of Singapore and 18 Ministries.
During the meeting it was discussed in detail regarding the plans for the Colombo Metropolitan Region, Eastern Development Plan and the Greater Hambantota Project. The officials from Singapore-based urban planning and infrastructure consultancy Surbana Jurong also joined the discussion virtually.
Progress reports on the three projects were reviewed in detail and Dr. Kumanayake instructed the officials to identify any deficiencies and finalize the necessary actions within the next two weeks.
The discussion also addressed delays in securing necessary approvals for investments under the existing regulatory framework, as well as the urgent need to revise certain legislative instruments to better facilitate national development.
The meeting was attended by Secretary to the Prime Minister G.P. Saputhanthri, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Russel Aponsu, Secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing U.G. Ranjith Ariyaratne, and several senior officials from the respective ministries.
News
Heat index at ‘Caution level’ in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, Western provinces and Monaragala district today [09]

The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology has issued a Warm Weather Advisory for 09 April 2025
The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, and Western 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 below 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.
News
Sajith asks govt. to submit its MoUs with India to Parliament

Prof. Jayasumana raises possibility of Lanka ending up with “Quad’
Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa has said it is the responsibility of the NPP government to submit the MoUs/agreements that were recently signed with India to the respective Sectoral Oversight Committees (SOCs).
Premadasa said so when The Island raised the issue with him. He said that during his meeting with Premier Modi his focus had been on opening the Indian market for Sri Lankan garment exports.
The seven MoUs/agreements signed on 05 April included defence cooperation, energy, Eastern Province development and digitalisation.
Meanwhile, the Vice President of Sarvajana Balaya and former lawmaker Prof. Channa Jayasumana said that the government owed an explanation whether the recently signed MoU on defence cooperation directly or indirectly attached Sri Lanka to the Quad security alliance, consisting of the US, Australia, Japan and India.
The former SLPPer raised the issue at a meeting held at Boralesgamuwa on Monday (07) in support of Sarvajana Balaya candidates contesting the May 6 LG polls.
Prof. Jayasumana urged that the MoU on Defence Cooperation be placed before Parliament, and the people, without further delay. The academic who served as State Health Minister during President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s tenure said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s foreign policy direction should be dealt with.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
-
Business3 days ago
Colombo Coffee wins coveted management awards
-
Business5 days ago
Daraz Sri Lanka ushers in the New Year with 4.4 Avurudu Wasi Pro Max – Sri Lanka’s biggest online Avurudu sale
-
Features3 days ago
Starlink in the Global South
-
Business6 days ago
Strengthening SDG integration into provincial planning and development process
-
Business5 days ago
New SL Sovereign Bonds win foreign investor confidence
-
Sports6 days ago
To play or not to play is Richmond’s decision
-
Features3 days ago
Modi’s Sri Lanka Sojourn
-
Midweek Review12 hours ago
Inequality is killing the Middle Class