News
SLPP washes its hands of sacked Minister, Cabinet down to 16
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Sports, Youth Affairs and Irrigation Minister Roshan Ranasinghe, who was sacked by President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday, had severed his links with the ruling SLPP in early 2022 during Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s tenure as the President, political sources said.
The Polonnaruwa District MP hadn’t held any position in the party at any level for well over one year, sources told The Island. Therefore, the MP couldn’t expect the party to intervene on his behalf with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, a party senior said.
Ranasinghe was the first to break ranks with the SLPP in the wake of the unprecedented public protest campaign that got underway on March 31, 2022 with a violent protest opposite President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s private residence at Pangiriwatte, Mirihana.
On April 02, 2022, Ranasinghe, who had held the post of State Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government announced his intention to vacate his Ministry on May Day, 2022.
MP Ranasinghe also announced the resignation as the Polonnaruwa District Organizer of the SLPP.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has divided the portfolios held by lawmaker Ranasinghe between SJB rebel Harin Fernando and SLPPer Pavitradevi Wanniarachchi with the latter receiving irrigation whereas Fernando got Sports and Youth Affairs.
Ranasinghe was the first Cabinet Minister sacked by President Wickremesinghe. Earlier Nazeer Mohamed of the SLMC lost his Cabinet portfolio after the SC deemed him to have vacated his seat. Sources said that on both occasions, President Wickremesinghe chose not to increase the number of ministers by appointing new ministers to portfolios previously held by sacked ministers.
The Cabinet has been reduced to 16 though there were 38 State Ministers, sources said. In terms of the Constitution, the President can appoint 30 Cabinet ministers.
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.
Latest News
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 3.30 p.m. on 11 April 2026, valid for 12 April 2026
The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern 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.
Latest News
Sun directly overhead Cheddikulam, Kebithigollewa, Gomarankadawala and Nilaveli about 12:11 noon. today [12]
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 (12th) are Cheddikulam, Kebithigollewa, Gomarankadawala and Nilaveli about 12:11 noon.
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
Sanju Samson and Jamie Overton deliver first points for Chennai Super Kings
Arya, Prabhsimran and Shreyas help Punjab Kings ace another 200-plus chase
Beauty of Sri Lanka in focus: Global showcase blends art, diplomacy and conservation
Showers expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, North-western and Uva provinces and in Ampara, Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa districts after 1.00 p.m.
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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