News
Applications open for ‘Wasath Siriya- 2024’ New Year Festival competitions
The “Wasath Siriya 2024” celebration for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year will take place on Saturday, 27th April, 2024 at Shangri-La Green, Galle Face, Colombo. This event is being organized by the Welfare Society of the Presidential Secretariat along with other ministries and will be held from 7.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
The “Wasath Siriya- Miazia musical concert”, will commence at 7:00 pm at the same venue with the participation of popular artistes .
The competitions have been divided into three sections, namely State Section, Open Section, and Guest Section, and feature a total of 11 competitions for both men and women. These competitions are open to staff members of ministries and government institutions, their family members, friends, and children.
Additionally, there will be a segment open to all Sri Lankans, featuring 16 competitive activities. These include the “Pura Sariya” Standard Bicycle Race, Marathon Race, Climbing the sliding tree, Tug of War, Wrestling, Candle Lighting, bursting the Balloon, marking the Elephant’s Eye, Best Smile and the New Year Prince and Princess contests.
Also, there is a guest section for foreign tourists, expatriate staff of diplomatic missions, companies, institutions and hotels. The competitions in this category include marking the Elephant’s Eye, breaking the lucky pot, threading the needle, feeding curd/yoghurt to your partner (Sagayata kiri kaweema), bursting the balloon, lime on the spoon race, musical chairs and musical hats competitions, bun eating contest and drinking milk with a soothe.
Registration forms for the “Wasath Siriya 2024” New Year Prince and Princess, Marathon Race, Standard Cycle Race and Tug of War. Applications can be accessed by visiting the website www.pmd.gov.lk.
For the “Wasath Siriya 2024” New Year Prince/Princess (Open) competition, applicants must submit a recent colour photograph taken within the last three months. All applicants must be unmarried individuals aged between 18 and 30 years. Completed applications should be submitted via WhatsApp at 077-1557146 before 3.00 p.m. on 20th April 2024.
Athletes aged above 16 years are eligible to compete in the “Wasath Siriya” marathon race. To apply, please access the application form via the website www.pmd.gov.lk obtain a certificate from a government registered doctor confirming your fitness to compete. Send the application to “Sri Lanka Army Sports Medicine Division, Army Sports Development Village, Army Colony, Panagoda, Homagama,” with the words “Wasath Siriya Open Marathon 2024” on the top left corner of the envelop.
Alternatively, you can submit a clear photo of the completed application to the Security Division of the Presidential Secretariat or send it via WhatsApp to the number 0710573828.
The applications submitted after 10.00 a.m. 26th April, 2024 will not be considered.
The “Wasath Siriya” Standard Bike Race for Men and Women is co-organized by the Sri Lanka Air Force and the Sri Lanka Cycling Federation. Completed application forms accompanied with a fitness certificate issued by a government registered doctor should be submitted to the Organizing Committee at the address “Wasath Siriya 2024 Bicycle Race”, Sri Lanka Air Force Base, Colombo.” Alternatively, applications can be handed in at the main security office of the Sri Lanka Air Force Base, Colombo, or scanned and sent via WhatsApp to the number 070-3166384. Applications received after 12.00 noon on 25th April 2024, will be disqualified. Applicants will receive notification of acceptance or rejection via WhatsApp. There is no fee for application and registration.
The organizing committee requires the list of all male and female teams participating in the “Wasath Siriya” tug-of-war competition to be submitted three days prior to the event. Each team should consist of 8 members, with an option for two reserve players, bringing the total number of members per team to 10.
The decision of the organizing committee regarding any dispute in the competition conditions is final. For further information, please contact the Coordinator Mrs. Krisanthi Witharana via 0718412300.
(PMD)
Latest News
Landslide Early Warnings issued to the districts of Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura
The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued early warnings to the Districts of Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura from 1600hrs on 13th June 2026 till 1600hrs on 14th June 2026.
Accordingly,
LEVEL I (YELLOW) landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surounding areas of Palindanuwara and Agalawatta in the Kalutara district, Ambagamuwa in the Nuwara Eliya and Ayagama, Pelmadulla,
Godakawela, Elapatha, Kalawana, Ratnapura and Nivithigala in the Ratnapura district.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) ‘Sharda’ departed the island today (13 Jun 26), concluding her replenishment purposes.
On departure the vessel was accorded a traditional naval farewell by the Sri Lanka Navy at the Port of Colombo.
The visit also paved the way for vibrant personnel interactions, fostering camaraderie and goodwill. The crew of INS Sharda and personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy participated in a
friendly volleyball match and a joint yoga session. A
dditionally, Sri Lanka Navy personnel had the opportunity to visit the Indian naval vessel, while the visiting crew took time to explore several culturally significant landmarks across the island.
A decision has been taken to declare a Special Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 of June by the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee to curb the spread of the disease in the Colombo District.
This decision was taken at the meeting of the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee held on Friday (12) at the Colombo District Secretariat under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Compared to last year, the number of dengue cases reported this year has increased significantly. According to the National Dengue Control Unit, approximately 39,100 dengue cases have been reported island wide to date, of which 25.8% have been recorded in the Colombo District. Following this situation, the Colombo District has been identified as a high-risk district.
Health authorities informed that the increasing spread of the disease has been influenced not only by the nature of circulating virus but also to the lack of sufficient immunity among the population. They further noted that the recent period of heavy rainfall has aggravated the spread of Dengue.
It was also identified that the current outbreak is being reported more frequently from public places such as government institutions, private establishments, schools, and religious venues rather than from residential premises. Observations have identified improperly managed solid waste and drainage systems in offices and other public locations as major breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Accordingly, during the Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 June, a series of measures will be implemented, including, organising community clean-up campaigns in government and private institutions, schools, residential areas, and other public spaces; Conducting inspections of high-risk premises by Divisional Secretariats and taking legal action, where necessary, followed by awareness programmes; Distributing informational leaflets, displaying banners, and carrying out public awareness campaigns through the media. Health authorities also requested school administrations not to involve students below Grade 10 in school cleaning programmes and to immediately notify the relevant Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office if a student is diagnosed with dengue.
The programme is expected to receive the active support and participation of the district’s political leadership, religious leaders of all faiths, public officials, local government institutions, the tri-forces, the police, and the general public.
The event was attended by the Chairperson of the District Coordination Committee, Members of Parliament, representatives of local government authorities, government secretaries, police officers, and officials representing the education and health sectors, among others.
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Special Dengue Prevention Week declared in Colombo District from June 15 to 21
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