News
Death announcement: Prof. Mahinda Palihawadana
It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Professor Mahinda Palihawadana, Emeritus Professor of Sanskrit at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, who departed peacefully on the morning of June 8, 2025.
He was the devoted husband of the late Kusuma Palihawadana and the beloved father of Privamvada, Ravi, the late Nirmala, and Ruchira.
Professor Palihawadana was not only a revered academic but also a deeply reflective and compassionate human being. Over the course of his career, he left an indelible mark on the field of religious studies and South Asian classical languages. His tenure at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, where he later served as Emeritus Professor of Sanskrit, was marked by decades of inspirational teaching, quiet scholarly excellence, and unshakable integrity.
A former visiting scholar at the Center for the Study of World Religions at Harvard University, he carried his intellectual humility and curiosity across continents. His groundbreaking study The Indra Cult of the Rigveda offered a bold reinterpretation of ancient Vedic texts, while his co-translation of the Dhammapada and its commentary—published by Oxford University Press—remains a vital contribution to Buddhist literature in the English-speaking world.
He translated several books of J. Krishnamurti into Sinhalese and vigorously promoted the vegetarian way of life by travelling extensively to give public talks and publishing many thought provoking pamphlets on the subject. He was conferred a D.Litt (Honoris Causa) by the Sabaragamuwa University for his contribution to developing English Language Studies at Affiliated University Colleges.
Those who knew him—whether as a teacher, colleague, or friend—remember him not only for his profound intellect, but also for his gentle presence, principled character, and deep respect for all forms of life.
In accordance with his final wishes, last rites were conducted within 24 hours in a private family ceremony.
May this noble and humble scholar attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbāna.
A sum of LKR. 9,687,462, raised from day’s salary officers of the Police Department, has been donated to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, established to support the recovery of communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah and to assist in rebuilding the country following the disaster.
To date, officers of the Police Department have contributed over LKR. 74 million to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund through three such contributions of one day’s salary.
The donation was presented on Wednesday (22) afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat by the Personal Assistant to the Inspector General of Police, Senior Superintendent of Police C. C. Bamunuarachchi, to the Secretary to the President, Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
Chief Inspector Udaya Kumara, Officer-in-Charge of the Police Secretariat, was also present on the occasion.
[Presidents Media Division]
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 26 April 2026, valid for 27 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, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.
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.
Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to investigate the illegal diversion of Treasury funds, amounting to US$2.5 million to a third-party account.
Premadasa has said both the chairmanship and a majority of the Committee’s membership should be held by the Opposition to ensure impartiality.
The government has not only failed to account for the loss of US$2.5 million but also deliberately withheld information from Parliament, the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) and the public, Premadasa has told the media, accusing the ruling party of seeking to deflect responsibility by initiating an internal departmental inquiry, which he describes as a biased process designed to justify predetermined conclusions.
The Opposition Leader has said only a transparent and independent probe could establish the facts, adding that such an investigation could be effectively carried out through a Parliamentary Select Committee led by the Opposition.
He has also warned that the alleged failure to inform Parliament about the missing funds amounted to a serious breach of accountability.
Police officers donate LKR 9,687,462 from day’s salary to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
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