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About 700 out of 1,000 rural bridges planned for 2021 nearing completion
Construction work on about 700 out of 1,000 rural bridges scheduled to be completed by the end of this year was in progress as per the plans, Chief Government Whip and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando said yesterday.
Speaking to the media at his Ministry after meeting to review the progress of constructing 5,000 rural bridges as per President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour, the Minister said that the work had been in progress according to plans despite the effects of the pandemic.
He said construction of 1,000 bridges in rural areas would be completed by the end of this year in line with the government’s plans to eradicate rural poverty by increasing efficiency and connectivity of villages to the main cities. The work commenced as per the instructions of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and under the supervision of Basil Rajapaksa, Head of the Presidential Special Task Force on Economic Renewal and Poverty Alleviation would continue in all electorates of the country.
Minister Fernando instructed the officials of the Highways Ministry, Road Development Authority and State Development and Construction Corporation to pay their utmost attention to complete the work under their purview on schedule.
“The new bridges will replace the dilapidated makeshift bridges in rural areas which are unstable. These low-cost concrete bridges will be an alternative to the makeshift wooden bridges. With the implementation of this project, the main road network will be connected to the rural roads facilitating the day-to-day activities of the rural people. Their livelihoods will be improved while promoting the tourism industry as well,” the Minister said.
This project was implemented throughout the country with the target of completing the work of 5,000 bridge project within the next four years. The project will facilitate the daily activities of the rural people, improve their livelihoods and promote the tourism industry.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
INS Sahyadri sets sail from Colombo
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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