News
CDRD presents an array of inventions to the state-run systems
An array of innovative products produced by the Centre for Defence Research and Development (CDRD) was handed over to the Military and respective State Departments under the direction of Defence Secretary and National Security and Disaster Management State Ministry Secretary Gen. (retd.) Kamal Gunaratne at the CDRD Head Office in Pitipana on Nov 8.
Among the items, Digital Mobile Radio, GPS Tracking Device for Special Operations, Smart Target System for Jungle Lane Firing, BTR – BDA Armoured Personnel Carrier Simulator, 81 mm Mortar Simulator, B-Vehicle Simulator and High-Tech Soldier Project were the innovations handed over to the Sri Lanka Army (SLA).
Army Commander General Shavendra Silva officially received those projects from the day’s Chief Guest Gen. Gunaratne. Meanwhile, Ten Digital Mobile Radio units each were handed over to the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) during the session.
Electronic Prosthetic Limb was handed over to Private D.W.M.K. Fernando of the Ranaviru Sevana of SLA and the Department of Wildlife Conservation received the Handheld Device to Repel Wild Elephants which was developed under the project to thwart wild elephant intrusions and attacks.
During the session, National Cadet Corps (NCC) received an Officers’ Database for NCC use.
The Document Management System, Land Acquisition and Management System, Mobile Phone and Drone Jammers were also showcased under the programme.
The respective CDRD sectional heads briefed the Secretary on its progress, discoveries and its future plans following the main function.
CDRD is an institution functioning under the purview of State Ministry of National Security and Disaster Management headed by CDRD’s Director General Maj. Gen. (retd) Renuka Rowel which is pioneering in providing much-needed cost effective innovative solutions to the country.
The country’s premier research arm, CDRD is a brainchild of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa when he was the Defence and Urban Development Secretary.
The CDRD was created with a vision to establish a world-class science and technology base providing the military a decisive edge, by equipping them with internationally competitive systems and solutions.
CDRD is now focusing on developing and delivering the ground-breaking defence related products to meet future needs.
During the session, CDRD’s Director General presented a memento to the Defence Secretary to mark the special occasion.
Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva, SLN Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Y.N. Jayarathne, SLAF Chief of Staff Air Vice Marshal Prasanna Payoe, officers of the Defence Ministry, Department of Wildlife Conservation, NCC and State Ministry of National Security and Disaster Management were also present.
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Let us work together, with unity and determination, to safeguard hard-won rights and rebuild the nation – PM
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amaraxuriya in her International Workers Day message called for everyone to work together, with unity and determination, to safeguard hard-won rights and rebuild the nation.
The full text of the Prime Minister’s message:
“Let us commemorate the 139th International Workers’ Day in a year marked by progress and under a government that represents the will of the people, putting an end to a painful chapter in history where the working class endured hardship, sacrifice, and struggle marked by blood and sweat.
Marking a historic turning point, we celebrate the May Day for this year under a people’s government that rises against five years of oppression by the ruling class, overthrowing corrupted politics.
Amidst nepotism, and political favoritism that subjected the working force to injustice, year 2024 marks a year of courageous decisions, a determined effort to rebuild a nation that was dragged into an abyss, overturning the entire political culture.
As a people’s government, recognizing the true needs of the people, we are making great efforts to guide the distorted economic, political, social, cultural, and moral frameworks of the country back onto a natural path.
Although it is not possible to change the deeply rooted corruption and injustices of this country overnight, the government is systematically restructuring and implementing structural reforms to receive the needs of the people.
A systematic program has been set up to strengthen the economic forces of all working people, including those in the state, private, business, and labor sectors, while also preparing to empower the farming community, who are taking the lead in making the country self-sufficient in food.
This is a time when we must dedicate ourselves and unite to ensuring the security, independence, and rights of the people, while building a more stable and trustworthy future.
Let us work together, with unity and determination, to safeguard hard-won rights and rebuild the nation.”
President Anura Kumara Disanayake has issued a message for international workers day which falls today [01st May]
The full text of the presidents message released by the President’s Media Division:
“On May 1st, 1886, during a protest in Haymarket Square, Chicago, workers who demanded an eight-hour workday, was violently confronted with gunfire. To pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in that fight, the Second International, convened in 1889, proclaimed May 1st as International Workers’ Day, which has been observed annually ever since.
This year, the working people of Sri Lanka, together with the general public, commemorate International Workers’ Day at a time when our nation and society are undergoing a profound and progressive transformation under a people-oriented governance bringing an end to a corrupt and elitist political system that has existed for 76 years, upheld by a rotating power structure dominated by a select few influential families across generations. At the recent presidential and parliamentary elections, people from all corners of Sri Lanka, regardless of ethnicity or religion, united to bring about a turning point in our nation’s politics. Responding to the people’s aspirations, we of the National People’s Power currently focused on developing a nation that is experiencing extensive economic, social and political transformation.
We have already succeeded in initiating a stable recovery of an economy that was dragged to the depths by corrupt and elitist system. The evident signs of advancement are now apparent to everyone. In our very first national budget, we made historic moves significantly increasing the minimum basic salary of public servants and extensive benefits for various segments of society, including farmers, fishing community, youth, women, students, producers, small-scale entrepreneurs and professionals alike. We are diligently addressing the persistent issues encountered by plantation workers and striving to guarantee their civil rights.
We recognize the necessity for a new phase in the rights we possess, aligned with the continuously evolving productive forces. Contemporary society demands a new era in human rights that encompasses digital access, environmental rights and other emerging rights that were not anticipated in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These changes, along with evolving political frameworks and the worldwide call for peace, require a revised and comprehensive global declaration of human rights. As we commemorate this International Workers’ Day, we must remain sensitive to these needs and dedicated to addressing them.
In the face of global geopolitical shifts and growing challenges, it is the working people of Sri Lanka who continue to shoulder the burden of rebuilding our economy. As we restore and reform an economy devastated by decades of corrupt politics, I warmly invite our beloved working people to join hands in solidarity, to rise with determination and to strive towards building “a beautiful life and a thriving nation” for everyone. On this occasion, I offer my heartfelt best wishes for a meaningful International Workers’ Day one that reaffirms the rights and dignity of all working people.”
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Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala, Hambantota, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi districts.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology At 3.30 p.m. 30 April 2025, valid for 01 May 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 Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala, Hambantota, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi 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.
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