News
Top US envoy to UN agencies in Rome pledges utmost help to revive Lanka’s agriculture
By Ifham Nizam
Ambassador Cindy Hensley McCain, the United States Permanent Representative to the UN Agencies in Rome, yesterday, told Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera that they were doing their utmost to provide necessary support for Sri Lanka’s agricultural development.
Ambassador McCain, who is on a brief visit to Sri Lanka, met the minister along with the United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung at the Ministry of Agriculture. The Secretary to the ministry Rohan Pushpakumara its officials and officials from the United States Embassy in Sri Lanka also were present.
Ambassador McCain made inquiries about the current conditions in the agricutural sector.
Minister Amaraweera said that the economic downturn and the impact of the Covid-19 has had an adverse effect on the country’s agricultural sector.
The ministry officials explained about the the supply of chemical fertiliser and other inputs, including the lack of seeds required for certain crops and the rise in the prices of imported hybrid seeds, and materials used for animal feed in the world market.
The US Permanent Representative to the UN Agencies in Rome said that she will hold a special discussion with all the relevant sectors following her visit to the country regarding the steps to be taken for the development of the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka, and that she will provide all the possible support.
Addressing the media, Minister Amaraweera said that there have been cases in the past where those from European countries had even stopped visiting Sri Lanka, but at present the US government and many European countries are working pot plans to provide aid to Sri Lanka for its economic recovery, the Minister added.
Since June, Ambassador Julie Chung has overseen the announcement of nearly USD 240 million in new U.S. government assistance to Sri Lanka, including U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power’s September 2022 announcements of an additional USD 40 million to provide Sri Lankan farmers with fertilisser and USD20 million to meet immediate humanitarian needs in the country.
The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) TAIMUR and ASLAT arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 12 Apr 26.
The visiting ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in
compliance with naval traditions.
The duo of ships is commanded by Captain NIAMAT SAEED KHAN (PNS TAIMUR) and Captain NADIR MATEEN AFRIDI (PNS ASLAT).
Meanwhile, the ships are expected to conduct a Bilateral Naval Exercise LION STAR V with the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo seas.
Latest News
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 3.30 p.m. on 11 April 2026, valid for 12 April 2026
The Heat index, the temperature felt on the 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 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.
Latest News
Sun directly overhead Cheddikulam, Kebithigollewa, Gomarankadawala and Nilaveli about 12:11 noon. today [12]
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (12th) are Cheddikulam, Kebithigollewa, Gomarankadawala and Nilaveli about 12:11 noon.
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
Sanju Samson and Jamie Overton deliver first points for Chennai Super Kings
Arya, Prabhsimran and Shreyas help Punjab Kings ace another 200-plus chase
Beauty of Sri Lanka in focus: Global showcase blends art, diplomacy and conservation
Showers expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, North-western and Uva provinces and in Ampara, Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa districts after 1.00 p.m.
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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