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Sri Lanka National Defence College Delegation calls on High Commissioner Milinda Moragoda
A delegation from the Sri Lanka National Defence College (SLNDC) who are on their inaugural International Collaborative Study Tour to India last week paid a courtesy call on Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda in New Delhi.
Following the courtesy call, the High Commissioner interacted with the delegation and shared his views on the current status of diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and India, elaborating on how the future cooperation is primarily projected to revive Sri Lanka’s economy.
He also explained the progress made in the fields of economy, energy, and defence in the recent past and underlined the importance of implementing some of the initiatives that have already been agreed by the two countries.
The importance of understanding India and the Indian Ocean dynamics, especially by the senior defence officials who are following the SLNDC course was emphasized by him. Underlining the significance of defence forces contributing to the future progression of the country through strategic inputs, Moragoda stated that the SLNDC could play a major role in this regard by way of shaping the future Sri Lankan military leaders.
Briefing the delegation on the outcome of the recent visit of the Sri Lankan President to India, Moragoda stated that the future India-Sri Lanka cooperation would primarily focus on connectivity and investment, which are in line with the five key pillars stipulated in the document titled ‘Promoting Connectivity, Catalyzing Prosperity: India – Sri Lanka Economic Partnership Vision’, which was agreed upon by the two leaders.
Moragoda also explained the key thematic areas outlined in the Integrated Country Strategy launched in 2021 for Sri Lanka diplomatic missions in India. In retrospect, he observed the progress that has been made so far in achieving its objectives.
The visiting SLNDC delegation was led by Brigadier WASR Wijedasa WWV RSP USP ndc psc, the Senior Directing Staff (Army) and comprised of senior officers of the Tri-Services and the Sri Lanka Police.
The SLNDC was established in November 2021 as the premier strategic education establishment in Sri Lanka to develop future policy-makers in the realm of national security, statecraft, governance, diplomacy and international security to strengthen the national security mechanism of the country through a collective intellectual endeavour.
Three Sri Lankan leopard cubs that were born at the Singapore Zoo on Jan 1 have now made their public debut at the facility.
The two males and one female, born to mother Yala and father Asanka, are the first of their species yo be born at the Singapore Zoo. The last successful birth in Singapore was recorded at the Night Safari three decades ago.
The triplets, which are the pair’s first litter, are among around 80 Sri Lankan leopards in zoos worldwide.
The species is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with fewer than 800 individuals estimated to remain in the wild.
Visitors can now see the triplets at the Wild Africa exhibit, said the Mandai Wildlife Group in a statement on April 16.
The cubs can be found in the exhibit with their mother daily until mid-May and, subsequently, every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Yala with her cubs in their nest box, a month after their birth on Jan 1. (Straits Times)
A leopard cub investigating a piece of meat suspended from a tree – one of the several enrichment items in the Wild Africa exhibit designed to keep the cats mentally and physically stimulated. (Straits Times)
Mandai Wildlife Group curator Anand Kumar said it took nearly three years and close collaboration across continents to bring together a compatible pair of Sri Lankan leopards.
(Straits Times)
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-zoos-first-sri-lankan-leopard-cubs-make-their-public-debut?ref=top-stories
The Sri Lanka Navy has seized a local multi- day fishing trawler, it’s four man crew together with a consignment suspected to be narcotics off the Southern Coast of the island.
The vessel is presently being escorted to the Dikowita fisheries harbour for further investigations and legal proceedings.
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 15 April 2026, valid for 16 April 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, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in 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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