News
Speeding train kills six elephants
by Ifham Nizam
Six elephants including three calves died when they were hit by a speeding train in Gal Oya on Wednesday night. Acting Wildlife Director General Ranjan Marasinghe emphasised the need to adopt measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
“This is a huge loss to our wildlife. Six elephants were killed in a single accident, which highlights the growing threat posed by railway tracks running through elephant habitats. Our teams are on the ground assessing the situation and working on measures to prevent further incidents.”
According to preliminary reports, a herd of seven elephants was crossing the railway track when a passenger train struck them. Despite warnings and past incidents in similar areas, elephant-train collisions remain a pressing issue in Sri Lanka, where wildlife corridors intersect with railway lines.
Local authorities, along with wildlife officers, responded immediately to the scene.
Marasinghe stressed the need for increased collaboration between the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Sri Lanka Railway Department. “We must find long-term solutions, including warning systems, speed restrictions in high-risk areas, and improved elephant crossings to prevent such heartbreaking incidents,” he said.
Wildlife conservationists and environmental activists have long called for advanced technologies such as thermal cameras, sensor-based alert systems, and designated wildlife corridors to protect elephants from railway accidents.
In light of the tragedy, the Wildlife Department is urging residents, train operators, and authorities to work together in reporting elephant movements and ensuring safety precautions are followed.
“We are committed to protecting Sri Lanka’s wildlife, but we need the cooperation of all stakeholders. This incident should serve as a wake-up call for immediate and effective action,” Marasinghe added.
Sri Lanka, home to one of the largest populations of Asian elephants, has been facing increasing human-elephant conflicts due to habitat loss and infrastructural expansion. Conservationists stress that unless urgent steps are taken, similar incidents will continue to occur.
High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April
Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.
Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.
The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.
Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 01 May 2026, valid for 02 May 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, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.
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 the 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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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
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