News
SLPP group planning tie-up with SLFP faction
RW likely beneficiary
By Shamindra Ferdinando
SLPP MP Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said that group of dissident ruling party MPs was seeking to forge an alliance with the SLFP ahead of the presidential election scheduled between September 17 and Oct 16 this year.
“Together, we have about 30 MPs,” Kurunegala District MP said, adding that of the 14 SLFPers in Parliament, the majority were with them. The former minister said that they would soon announce their stand at the presidential poll.
The former minister said so yesterday (23) when The Island asked him whether the grouping called the New Alliance comprising a group of dissident SLPPers would team up with the Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva-led SLFP faction to back Wickremesinghe. The SLFP is in the midst of still developing major turmoil with Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakse, PC, making a bid to take control of the party with the backing of former President Maithripala Sirisena.
Having rejected the SLPP’s demand that a general election be held before the next presidential poll, President Wickremesinghe Wednesday told his Cabinet presidential election would be held first.
Yapa said that they were keen on a relatively long-term consensus among the MPs involved in the initiative in view of the parliamentary polls scheduled for next year.
Responding to another query, MP Yapa said that though there had been some issues, they essentially agreed on the need for consistency in the economic sphere.
MP Yapa said that the strength of the SLPP parliamentary group had been significantly reduced with several dozens of MPs distancing themselves from the party. The SLPP won 145 seats at the last general election.
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.
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 (13th) are Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon.
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.
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Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces.
Sun directly overhead Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
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