News
SLMC urges govt. to release records of Muslims cremated during pandemic
SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem urged the government yesterday in Parliament to release the records of individuals, particularly Muslim patients, who had been cremated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hakeem criticised the government for allegedly concealing information about those victims, asserting that transparency was a prerequisite for public accountability.
“Do not hide behind the provisions and limits of the Right to Information Act (RTI). We request you to provide information of Muslim patients who died of COVID-19 and were cremated. This must be openly discussed,” Hakeem said, refering to the mandatory cremations as a stain on the country’s health authorities and held the previous government responsible for what he described as an injustice. Hakeem further emphasised that the newly elected government was expected to rectify the wrongs of the past administration.
Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa refuted claims of concealment, stressing that the issue revolves around medical ethics rather than withholding information. “This is not an issue of concealing information; it is about medical ethics. Under the RTI, divulging patient details is not permissible, and we have no right to withhold this information,” Dr. Jayatissa said.
Dr. Jayatissa pointed out that the Cabinet decisions made by the previous government had not been based on scientific evidence, a factor that led to the controversial policy of cremating COVID-19 victims, including Muslims, which had sparked widespread criticism.
Hakeem countered the Minister’s defence, asserting that releasing the names, addresses, and family details of those cremated was not an ethical issue. “How can that be an ethical issue? It is true this was a mistake of the previous government, but I don’t understand how it can be considered an ethical issue,” he said.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said that the families and communities affected by the decision should be compensated for the grave injustices they suffered due to the policy.
Hakeem also called for official inquiries into the actions of certain officials involved in the committee that made decisions regarding COVID-19 cremations. He pointed out that some of those individuals had since been promoted to higher positions “At least conduct a departmental inquiry. Those people must be penalised,” Hakeem urged.
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Sun directly overhead Nawaladi, Paranthan, Murasumodai, Vellikkandal, Udapattukkandal, Puliyampokkanei about 12:10 noon today [14]
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from the 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (14th) are Nawaladi, Paranthan, Murasumodai, Vellikkandal, Udapattukkandal, Puliyampokkanei about 12:10 noon.
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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 13 April 2026, valid for 14 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 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
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.
Sun directly overhead Nawaladi, Paranthan, Murasumodai, Vellikkandal, Udapattukkandal, Puliyampokkanei about 12:10 noon today [14]
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 pm
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Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
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