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37 RABS personnel awarded insignia on completion of training

On successful completion of the Qualifying Course-25, to enter the Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS), one officer and 36 sailors received insignia at the parade ground of RABS Headquarters in Gangewadiya, Puttalam on 10 March 2021. The event was held under the patronage of Commander, Northwestern Naval Area, Rear Admiral S.B. Senarathne at the invitation of Commanding Officer RABS, Commander Sagara Udayanga.
The trainees followed complete six (6) months of comprehensive training, sharpening their skills on RABS duties, lifesaving as well as rescue missions that are carried out during disaster situations.
In recognition of the training excellence, the course participants were presented with special awards. The award for the Best Trainee was secured by Able Seaman C.L.S. Jayasinghe. Ordinary Infantryman Y.S.C. Wijesiri was adjudged the Best Boat Handler. Meanwhile, Able Seaman S.P.D.A.S. Migara received the award for the Best Lifesaver, while Ordinary Seaman H.M.H. Chathuranga won the award for the trainee with Best Physical Fitness.
Following the insignia awarding ceremony, the recipients had a display of various lifesaving rescue scenarios using different types of life saving equipment.
The event, held in keeping with COVID prevention health guidelines, was also attended by Deputy Area Commander Northwestern Naval Area, Commodore Prasad Kariyapperuma, senior and junior officers as well as sailors from the command.
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Heat index, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 29 April 2025, valid for 30 April 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 Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota 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.
News
AKD’s fourth state visit

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake a four-day state visit to Vietnam on 03 May, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. Since the presidential election, President Dissanayake has so far visited India, China and the UAE.
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Sri Lanka-Pakistan bilateral defence dialogue strengthens strategic ties – MoD

The 5th annual Sri Lanka-Pakistan Bilateral Defence Dialogue commenced on Monday (April 28) in Islamabad, Pakistan, marking a continued commitment to strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.
The MoD statement: “The Sri Lankan delegation is led by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha accompanied by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, and Additional Secretary (Defence) of the Ministry of Defence Jayantha Edirisinghe. The Pakistani delegation is headed by Lieutenant General (retd.) Muhammad Ali, Secretary Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
In conjunction with the on-going defence dialogue, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha held a side-line meeting yesterday (April 29) with Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif.
These high-level engagements aim to enhance bilateral cooperation, foster mutual understanding on regional security dynamics and explore opportunities for defence collaboration. Both nations share a longstanding relationship rooted in mutual respect and strategic cooperation. The dialogue reflects the growing importance of partnerships in maintaining stability and promoting peace in the South Asian region.
The three-day dialogue, which concludes today (April 30), is expected to reinforce bilateral defence ties and contribute to broader regional security objectives.
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