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Touts, taxi drivers, baggage handlers bane of BIA, laments Minister
Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva has says that despite the increase in the number of foreign tourists arriving in the country with the dawn of the tourist season, he has also received numerous complaints from them.
“These complaints say that the Katunayake Airport lacks courtesy,” he said, adding that complaints had been received that baggage handlers, taxi drivers and brokers were engaged in various irregularities within the airport premises.
The Minister made those remarks at a special discussion with the officials of the Katunayake Airport during morning hours today, 28 March 2023. The discussion was aimed at resolving complaints and prevailing congestion at the airport.
At the discussion, it was decided to increase the fine from RS. 25,000 to Rs.100,000 for committing such irregularities, to deploy a team of civil security personnel to apprehend those involved in irregularities, to expand the airport’s CCTV system and to establish a special counter to receive any complaint and take counter action immediately.
The Minister ordered the officials to take stern action against anyone involved in such irregularities at the airport premises.
The Minister also requested the taxi drivers, baggage handlers and porters to behave in a polite manner that brings pride to Sri Lanka.
Several Officials of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, officials of the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd., and the Department of Immigration and emigration also attended the discussion.
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Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala, Hambantota, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi districts.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology At 3.30 p.m. 30 April 2025, valid for 01 May 2025
The general 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 and North-central provinces and Monaragala, Hambantota, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi districts.
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.
NPP, SJB and SLPP won’t have parades
The ruling party National People’s Power (NPP) will celebrate May Day at Galle Face Green in Colombo. However, the NPP wouldn’t have a parade, party sources said.
The Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa government in 2023 made Galle Face Green off limits for political rallies. But the incumbent government lifted the restrictions in November 2024.
The main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will have its May Day rally at Talawakelle town. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 2 pm with the participation of SJB’s coalition partners, including Digambaram, Mano Ganesan.
The SLPP, too, decided against having a parade this time though it will hold a rally at the Ananda Samarakoon Open Air Theatre in Nugegoda.
The SLFP will hold its May Day event at its headquarters on Darley Road.
The Navy on April 28 carried out post-event maintenance efforts at Kandy Lake, following the Siri Dalada Vandanawa.
The collaborative efforts of the officials from the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, the Department of Irrigation, the Department of Archaeology and the Navy ensured the preservation of the lake’s natural beauty.
(Pic courtesy Navy media)
IPL 2025: Shreyas, Prabhsimran and Chahal eliminate Chennai Super Kings
Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala, Hambantota, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi districts.
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