Vietnamese President Luong Cuong warmly welcomed President Anura Kumara Disanayake during an official ceremony held in Hanoi on Monday (05) morning

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was accorded a ceremonial welcome with full military honours upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace of Vietnam.  He also took part in the inspection of the Tri-Forces Guard of Honour and the playing of the national anthems of Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The two leaders then introduced members of their respective delegations before proceeding for bilateral discussions during  which both nation assessed their progress, explored avenues for future collaboration and signed Memoranda of Understanding.

Vietnam and Sri Lanka have upheld robust and enduring ties since they established diplomatic relations in 1970. and this visit aims to strengthen political trust and foster effective collaboration across multiple sectors between the two nations.

Sri Lanka and Vietnam engage in annual bilateral trade, primarily in exports, totalling around US$200 million. Both nations aspire to elevate this trade to US$1 billion in the near future.

President Dissanayake’s visit highlights Sri Lanka’s deep commitment to its longstanding friendship with Vietnam and demonstrates a mutual resolve to enhance collaboration in traditional sectors while exploring new opportunities in digital transformation, the digital economy, energy transition, artificial intelligence and connectivity.

[PMD]

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology At 3.30 p.m. 05 May 2025, valid for 06 May 2025

The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central 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.

As the Election Commission (EC) finalised arrangements for the conduct of the Local Government polls today (06), election watchdog PAFFREL has accused Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya of having urged NPP supporters to campaign during the silent period.

PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi in a letter, dated May 5, 2025, addressed to EC Chairman R.M.A. L. Rathnayake, complained that Premier Amarasuriya told a public rally at Thelawala, Moratuwa, to campaign during the pre-election silence period, which came into effect at midnight on 03 May.

Hettiarachchci has alleged that such advice issued by the Premier undermines efforts being made to bring about a new political culture.

The Premier made the controversial statement at the NPP’s final rally. She was leading the campaign in the absence of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is on a state visit to Vietnam.

Polling will commence at 7 am in 13,759 polling stations countrywide. Members are to be elected for 339 Local Government bodies.

According to EC, altogether 75,589 candidates from 49 recognised political parties and 257 independent groups are in the fray. The EC placed the number of eligible voters at 17,156,338.

Police headquarters said that police would be deployed countrywide to ensure an incident-free election.

The last LG poll was held in February 2018.