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Experts to begin removal of algae from Diyawanna Oya from tomorrow

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By Ifham Nizam

Experts would commence a project tomorrow (29) to curb algae growth in the Diyawanna Lake, a senior government official said yesterday.

Environment Ministry, Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe said a discussion on the issue had been attended by several experts from the Ministry of Environment, the Central Environmental Authority, the University of Colombo, the Environmental Police of Sri Lanka and several other institutions. Experts had pointed out that the reason for the unusual intensification of algae growth there was the increase in the concentration of the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus in the lake.

The Ministry of Environment has decided to set up a task force to control further pollution of the lake and improve its condition. Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera yesterday presented the relevant Cabinet Memorandum for government approval. It is proposed to appoint Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, as the Chairman of this Task Force and it also includes several partner institutions. At the discussion, experts pointed out that the main reason for this algae growth was the accumulation of phosphorus and nitrogen, but it was not clear how these nutrients suddenly increased in recent months.

 There is no plant solvent in the reservoir to absorb the nitrogen and phosphorus added to the water, they pointed out. Experts who participated in the discussion also said that steps should be taken to prevent the deposition of the above-mentioned nutrients in the mud layer.



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Police officers donate LKR 9,687,462 from day’s salary to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund

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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

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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.

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Opposition asks for PSC to probe Treasury theft

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Sajith

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.

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