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Buddhist Diplomacy highlights historic Lanka- Thailand relations
On Tuesday, 7th June 2022, the Royal Thai Embassy, in Sri Lanka, partnered with the Awarelogue Initiative, organized a seminar on Buddhist Diplomacy at the Buddhist Cultural Centre, in Colombo, highlighting the role that Buddhism has played to ensure longstanding diplomatic relations between both countries, and high-level connectivity over a long period of time.
The initial segment of the seminar saw Poj Harnpol, Ambassador of Thailand to Sri Lanka, deliver the opening remarks, while the special address was by Ven. Phra Phocana of the Buriram Buddhist College of the Mahachulalongkornrajavidhyalaya University in Thailand. He spoke on ‘Monastic Correspondence between Thailand and Sri Lanka in the Nineteenth Century’. An address was also delivered by Ven. Dr Wadinagala Pannaloka Thera of the Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies of the University of Kelaniya on ‘Thai Upasampada in Sri Lanka: An Appraisal’.
A book, titled ‘Buddhist Diplomacy – Sri Lanka Thailand Relations,’ by Dr George I. H. Cooke, diplomatic historian and initiator of the Awarelogue Initiative, was also launched on this occasion. The book was reviewed by Senior Prof. Nayani Melegoda, former Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies of the University of Colombo. A panel discussion, on International Relations and Research, was held with Prof. Maneesha Wanasinghe-Pasqual, former head of Department of International Relations at the University of Colombo, and Dr Saroja Wettasinghe, former Director General of the National Archives of Sri Lanka.
Bringing together Venerable members of the Maha Sangha, Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, academics and students, history enthusiasts, and well-wishers, the event highlighted the significance of religion as a diplomatic tool that could be cultivated to promote bilateral connectivity, as in the case of Sri Lanka and Thailand.
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 09 April 2026, valid for 10 April 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central 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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Sun directly overhead Chilaw, Bingiriya, Halmillawewa, Panduwasnuwara, Gokarella, Kawudupelella, Koppaveli and Kirankulam about 12:12 noon. today (09)
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 this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (09th) are Chilaw, Bingiriya, Halmillawewa, Panduwasnuwara, Gokarella, Kawudupelella, Koppaveli and Kirankulam about 12:12 noon.
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 4.30 p.m. on 08 April 2026, valid for 09 April 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central 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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