News
SLPP MP, private bodyguard on their way home from TT killed
SJB demands MR’s arrest over Monday’s mayhem, Wimal wants Johnny, too, taken in
By Shamindra Ferdinando
A group of unidentified persons yesterday (09) killed Polonnaruwa district SLPP lawmaker Amarakeerthi Atukorale and his private bodyguard in the Nittambuwa police area.
MP Atukorale and his bodyguard, carrying a small firearm, ran away while being pursued by a mob. Sources said that they had been stopped by the public who checked buses and vehicles, passing Nittambuwa, looking for some of those who had been involved in attacks on protesters at ‘Gota Go Home’ and ‘Mahinda Go Home’ protest sites.
First-time entrant to Parliament, at the August 2020 general election, Atukorale was the first lawmaker killed by a mob. The victim among the lawmakers present at Temple Trees function chaired by the then Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Sources said that there had been a shooting at Nittambuwa where the public stopped vehicles passing the area. Six persons, who had been wounded, were admitted to the Wathupitiwela hospital. Sources said that the possibility of the MP’s guard opening fire at the crowd couldn’t be ruled out.
MP Udaya Gammanpila said that violence could have been easily avoided if Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa had announced his resignation earlier.
Addressing a hastily arranged media briefing the General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) Ranjith Madduma Bandara demanded the immediate arrest of former PM Mahinda Rajapaksa whereas National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Wimal Weerawansa said that his colleague Johnston Fernando, too, should be arrested as the latter had incited violence.
Voting commenced at 7.00am to elect members to 339 local councils in the island.
Voting is being held at 13,579 polling centers and will end at 4.00 p.m.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong warmly welcomed President Anura Kumara Disanayake during an official ceremony held in Hanoi on Monday (05) morning
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was accorded a ceremonial welcome with full military honours upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace of Vietnam. He also took part in the inspection of the Tri-Forces Guard of Honour and the playing of the national anthems of Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The two leaders then introduced members of their respective delegations before proceeding for bilateral discussions during which both nation assessed their progress, explored avenues for future collaboration and signed Memoranda of Understanding.
Vietnam and Sri Lanka have upheld robust and enduring ties since they established diplomatic relations in 1970. and this visit aims to strengthen political trust and foster effective collaboration across multiple sectors between the two nations.
Sri Lanka and Vietnam engage in annual bilateral trade, primarily in exports, totalling around US$200 million. Both nations aspire to elevate this trade to US$1 billion in the near future.
President Dissanayake’s visit highlights Sri Lanka’s deep commitment to its longstanding friendship with Vietnam and demonstrates a mutual resolve to enhance collaboration in traditional sectors while exploring new opportunities in digital transformation, the digital economy, energy transition, artificial intelligence and connectivity.
[PMD]
Latest News
Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology At 3.30 p.m. 05 May 2025, valid for 06 May 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 Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central 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.
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