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Wartime FM asks for unity among political parties

Published

4 years ago

2022/07/16

Former wartime Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama has requested unity among political parties represented in Parliament as the country struggles to overcome unprecedented political-economic-social crisis.The following is the text of the statement issued by the former MP: “Sri Lanka is experiencing one of the darkest periods of her history with the culmination of the sudden resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The events that led to the downfall of the President Rajapaksa is already well known and has no parallel in annuls of Sri Lanka’s post-Independence history. This being the First such resignation of a Head of State of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka has also experienced chaos, civil disobedience, total breakdown of Law and Order, civilian unrest and economic hardships in the most devastating levels. Public has lost confidence in the political establishments and the fast deteriorating governance.

It is now the responsibility of all both the Civilian Population and that of the Public to ensure a peaceful and a constitutional transition of power. We have done so in Sri Lanka on many such occasions during our history. In 1951 the sudden demise of our 1st Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake led to a peaceful succession that took the country forward without disruption to both public life and the democratic rule. In 1959 the assassination of Prime Minister SWRD Bandaranaike once again led to a smooth succession, though shortly thereafter successive elections took place. The assassination of President Ranasinghe Premadasa in 1993 led to a unanimous election of President D.B. Wijethunga by the Parliament.

This showed and demonstrated the orderly conduct of constitutional provisions within the framework of a mature Democracy. People must be complemented for their maturity and their responsibility in adhering to principles of a decent and a civilized society. They are indeed hallmarks of advanced societies and developed nations.

Therefore it is the duty of all Sri Lankans both the clergy and the Political Leaders, Politicians of all levels, the Public Service and the Public at large, to ensure the adherence to the constitutional process that would ultimately decide on the new President of Sri Lanka. How we behave in this period will stand in good stead in our seeking international support and assistance to put this fallen economy back on track and the respect for Law and Order back on the world stage.

May the strengths of our people be harnessed to drive Sri Lanka forward as a Democracy and a country resilient against economic turbulence and civic unrest.Therefore it is time that we follow a path of unity and respect to one another, thus putting SRI LANKA FIRST. “

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

Published

9 hours ago

2026/04/16

Priyan

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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Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 makes port call in Colombo

Published

13 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 15 Apr 2026 and was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.

The vessel’s arrival is a key highlight of the ASEAN Plus Cadet Sail (APCS) – 2026 programme , accompanying a diverse contingent of Navy cadets from 26 different nations alongside their Indonesian counterparts.

The ship is commanded by Commander SUGENG HARIYANTO. Meanwhile, Officer Under-trainees of the Sri Lanka Navy are expected to participate in various programmes aboard the
ship and naval personnel observe its operational functions during its stay in the island.

Furthermore, the ship’s crew is scheduled to take part in programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two navies, as well as visit several tourist attractions in the country.

News

PM initiates children into learning at the auspicious time while observing New Year traditional customs and rituals

Published

14 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival, organized by the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, was held on Tuesday (14) in Gampaha under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, with the performance of traditional auspicious customs and rituals.

In accordance with tradition, during the Punya Kalaya (inauspicious time), the Prime Minister visited the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Viharaya in Gampaha and participated in religious observances and received blessings from Venerable Thunmodara Samitha Thero, a member of the Karaka Sangha Sabha of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya and the Chief Incumbent of the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Dharmaduta Piriven Viharaya.

The traditional observances of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival were held at the residence of Darshana Weerasinghe in Gampaha. Marking the auspicious time for commencing work, and upon the invitation of the host family, the Prime Minister planted a sapling within the premises. Concurrently, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, joined the PM.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister joined children in engaging in traditional folk games.

At the auspicious time for engaging work and educational activities, the PM participated with children in reading and writing, guiding them and symbolically marking the commitment to advancing the educational development of the nation’s children.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other distinguished guests observed the traditional customs of exchanging greetings, transactions and gifts with the host family, and joined them to partake in the customary New Year meal.

Extending New Year greetings to all citizens, the Prime Minister expressed her gratitude to all Sri Lankans, both at home and abroad, for their contributions in overcoming and effectively managing the various challenges faced by the country.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi stated that the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival symbolizes renewal and purity, and reflects the energy of the sun. He also conveyed his wishes for a peaceful and prosperous New Year for all.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning and Minister of Labour, Dr. Anil Jayantha; Deputy Minister of Labour, Mahinda Jayasinghe; Member of Parliament for the Gampaha District, Ruwan Mapalagama; along with the Gampaha District Secretary, Mayor, Divisional Secretaries, and a large number of government officials.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)