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Sri Lanka’s 76th Independence Day celebrations in Kenya

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Sri Lankan children of different ethnicities living in Kenya lighting the traditional oil lamp to commence Sri Lanka’s Independence Day celebrations

Nairobi: The Sri Lankan High Commission in Kenya orchestrated a splendid morning affair at the opulent Kempinski Villa Rosa Hotel, celebrating the island nation’s 76th Independence Day with unparalleled grandeur. The event unfolded in the distinguished presence of Cabinet Ministers, the TRI forces Chief of Kenya, and other notable dignitaries, underscoring the profound significance of the occasion.

A gathering of approximately 350 distinguished guests witnessed the Deputy Governor of Nairobi City, His Excellency Njoroge Muchiri, gracing the event as the chief guest, representing the Government of Kenya. Ambassadors, diplomatic representatives, UN officials, business leaders, and the Sri Lankan community residing in Kenya added to the prestigious guest list.

The traditional Sri Lankan gesture of offering beetle leaves and Independence Day commemorative shawls marked the warm welcome extended to the guests. High Commissioner Kana Kananathan hoisted the national flag, accompanied by the resonant melodies of the Sri Lankan national anthem, skilfully played by the Kenyan Police Band.

The event took on a spiritual dimension with solemn religious observances representing Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, and Muslim faiths, invoking blessings upon Sri Lanka. Most Venerable Gawaragiriye Premarathana Thero, specially invited from Sri Lanka, added a sacred touch by conducting Buddhist religious observances.

Addressing the audience, High Commissioner Kananathan highlighted the significance of Sri Lanka’s 76th Independence Day and the nation’s ongoing journey of economic recovery and development under the visionary leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He expressed confidence in the deepening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Kenya, fostering mutual growth and development.

In a remarkable departure from tradition, the lighting of the oil lamp took center stage, featuring Sri Lankan children aged 5-16 years representing different ethnicities. This innovative approach received commendations from guests in attendance, lauding the High Commissioner for fostering inclusivity and a sense of shared national identity.

Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri, representing the Government of Kenya, praised Ambassador Kananathan’s relentless efforts in strengthening diplomatic ties and facilitating Sri Lankan investments in Kenya and the broader African region. These efforts have significantly contributed to the enhancement of trade and investments between the two countries.

The celebration further dazzled attendees with captivating cultural performances, showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and traditions, infusing vibrancy and festivity into the event. Culminating in a delightful brunch featuring Sri Lankan cuisine, the guests were treated to a tantalizing taste of the island nation’s diverse culinary delights, adding a flavorful conclusion to a day of celebration and camaraderie.



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Police officers donate LKR 9,687,462 from day’s salary to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund

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A sum of LKR. 9,687,462, raised from day’s salary officers of the Police Department, has been donated to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, established to support the recovery of communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah and to assist in rebuilding the country following the disaster.

To date, officers of the Police Department have contributed over LKR. 74 million to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund through three such contributions of one day’s salary.

The donation was presented on Wednesday  (22) afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat by the Personal Assistant to the Inspector General of Police, Senior Superintendent of Police  C. C. Bamunuarachchi, to the Secretary to the President, Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

Chief Inspector  Udaya Kumara, Officer-in-Charge of the Police Secretariat, was also present on the occasion.

[Presidents Media Division]

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

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Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 26 April 2026, valid for 27 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, Southern, and Eastern 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 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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Opposition asks for PSC to probe Treasury theft

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Sajith

Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to investigate the illegal diversion of Treasury funds, amounting to US$2.5 million to a third-party account.

Premadasa has said both the chairmanship and a majority of the Committee’s membership should be held by the Opposition to ensure impartiality.

The government has not only failed to account for the loss of US$2.5 million but also deliberately withheld information from Parliament, the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) and the public, Premadasa has told the media, accusing the ruling party of seeking to deflect responsibility by initiating an internal departmental inquiry, which he describes as a biased process designed to justify predetermined conclusions.

The Opposition Leader has said only a transparent and independent probe could establish the facts, adding that such an investigation could be effectively carried out through a Parliamentary Select Committee led by the Opposition.

He has also warned that the alleged failure to inform Parliament about the missing funds amounted to a serious breach of accountability.

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