News
Solheim at Colombo event
Erik Solheim, International Advisory Council Member, Geopolitical Cartographer, is in Colombo to attend the inaugural Central Asia Forum, titled ‘A Gateway to New Horizons,’ scheduled to be held today (21) at the Granbell Hotel, Colombo.
Solheim played a significant role in the failed Norway-led peace process before Eelam War IV erupted in August 2006 due to the audacity of the LTTE to break not only the spirit of the Ceasefire Agreement negotiated by Oslo, but to violate it wholesale on the ground from the time it was signed.
The Foreign Ministry issued the following statement yesterday: “With its strategic location, Central Asia is poised to play an important role in the future of Eurasian connectivity. The event is expected to offer perspectives and insights that will shape the future of Sri Lanka’s engagement with the region.
Comprising two sessions, the event is set to explore the strategic role of Central Asia in Eurasia and beyond with particular emphasis on the emergence of new transport and logistics corridors. As Sri Lanka seeks to strengthen its economic ties with this region, the forum will also delve into the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, with a special focus on building synergies that can drive mutual growth and prosperity.
The Forum is being held following a recent decision to establish a resident diplomatic mission of Sri Lanka in Kazakhstan and the conclusion of Foreign Office consultations with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan. Secretary/Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aruni Wijewardane will provide the opening remarks and the Minister of Foreign Affairs M.U.M. Ali Sabry will deliver an address at the event, highlighting Sri Lanka’s priorities in the region.
This event will bring together policymakers, thought leaders, business persons and experts, including Ambassador Doulat Kuanyshev, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and Expert, Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Secretariat, Erik Solheim, International Advisory Council Member, Geopolitical Cartographer, Darkhan Seitenov, Deputy Head of Mission of the Kazakhstan Embassy in New Delhi, Ravinatha Aryasinha, Executive Director/LKI, Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja, Board Member Geopolitical Cartographer, Duminda Hulangamuwa, Chairman/ Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and Krishan Thilakaratne, Director of LOLC – Central Asia, for insightful exchanges on emerging opportunities in the region.”
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
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 table below 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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