News
Bogawanthalawa incident: Minister Thondaman’s statement
Minister Jeevan Thondaman issued the following statement yesterday evening: I categorically deny the allegations regarding an alleged confrontation between me with the Bogawantalawa Police. Contrary to the allegations, my intention was to address the issue of police brutality and ensure justice for the 28-year-old father of two who was reportedly subjected to violence and arrested on what appears to be a civil matter.
It is disheartening to witness instances where individuals from marginalised communities often become victims of police brutality due to their lack of awareness regarding their rights or full comprehension of the Sinhala language. As an elected representative, it is my duty to advocate for those who are often unheard and overlooked.
I firmly believe in upholding the rule of law, and that includes zero tolerance for any form of police brutality. I would like to emphasise that I never made any death threats towards the police officers involved nor threatened to cut their water (which is provided by the local municipality and not the Water Board). I engaged with the police officers reminding them of their moral and legal duty to be respectful and uphold the rule of law when treating the general public, including suspects of crime.
In addition, I will be releasing a video taken by a concerned member of the public, which captures the police manhandling the accused in a public setting. This serves as further evidence and underscores the need for a thorough investigation into this incident. We cannot turn a blind eye to such acts of police intimidation.
I am committed to transparency and ensuring accountability. I stand firmly against any form of violence, especially when it comes to those tasked with upholding the law. My aim is to foster a society where the rights and dignity of all citizens are respected, irrespective of their background or social standing.
I call upon the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate this incident, review the available evidence, and take appropriate action to address any misconduct or abuse of power. It is essential that we establish a system that protects the rights and well-being of every individual within our society.I remain dedicated to serving the people and working towards a just and equitable society where no one is subjected to violence or injustice.”
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Sun directly overhead Pandatharippu, Thellippalai, Varuthaleivilan, Vasavilan, and Manatkaadu about 12:10 noon today (15)
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from the 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (15th) are Pandatharippu, Thellippalai, Varuthaleivilan, Vasavilan, and Manatkaadu about 12:10 noon.
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Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 14 April 2026, valid for 15 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, 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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“I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!” – President
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, issuing a New Year message, extend his heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which symbolises the aspiration for renewal both physically and spiritually, is the foremost cultural festival of the people of this country.
During the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, traditional customs are upheld, with priority accorded to rituals and religious observances, and activities undertaken collectively at a common auspicious time. This shared cultural practice vividly reflects our nation’s identity before the world, as well as the strong socio-cultural bonds that exist among our communities.
We firmly believe that the future path of national development can only be shaped in harmony with this invaluable culture and our distinguished historical heritage. Accordingly, it must be recalled that all our future development plans have been formulated upon the firm foundation of these precious traditions and cultural values.
Moreover, the common aspiration embodied in the customs and rituals associated with the solar transition is the nurturing of a compassionate individual who values togetherness, respects others, and lives in harmony with nature. I believe that the virtues and values of unity reflected in these New Year traditions should not be confined to these few days alone, but should instead be demonstrated throughout the year in our daily conduct.
In the face of the most significant recent natural disaster challenge encountered in the past year, we demonstrated to the world our resilience and capacity to withstand internal shocks. At the same time, in responding to the external challenges arising from the conflict in the Middle East, the Government has already set in motion a well-planned and effectively managed programme to overcome these difficulties.
As a nation, in overcoming these challenges together, I call upon all of you to further dedicate yourselves to enriching your lives through the values of togetherness, sharing, and solidarity exemplified during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season.
As we strengthen the achievements we have secured and move forward with unwavering resolve in the face of emerging challenges, I invite everyone to join hands in unity to realise the vision of “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life” for all.
I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!
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