News

Farmers, fishers, and herders rally in Batticaloa

Published

10 months ago

2025/07/3

Prominent environmental activist Sajeewa Chamikara during a recent visit to the East explains the responsibility on the part of the people to resist the growing threats to natural resources

South and East unite against threats to natural resources

Farmers, fishers, and pastoral communities the Southern and Eastern Provinces came together in a three-day grassroots-level gathering to resist growing threats to their natural resources.

The discussions were held across three locations—Vakarai, Kathiraveli, and Mailattamadu—and brought together more than 60 local planning forums under the Land and Agrarian Reform Movement.

The landmark meeting provided space for communities—often divided by geography, ethnicity, and religion—to identify shared challenges caused by large-scale development projects, land grabs, and environmental degradation.

Representatives from Hambantota highlighted the adverse impacts of solar power parks and land conversions within the managed elephant conservation reserves. Communities displaced by the Nilwala salt barrier, and farmers affected by the floating solar panels on Kiribban and Chakdrika tanks also shared their stories. Tea plantation expansions that have rapidly destroyed rainforests were another major concern voiced.

From the East, villagers affected by the proposed Ilmenite mining project in Kathiraveli, communities impacted by prawn farming developments in Vakarai, and those displaced by the Mahaweli Authority’s encroachment of Mailattamadu grasslands joined the forum. Collectively, they shared testimonies of being pushed to the margins by projects that threaten their traditional lands and livelihoods.

“This was not just a meeting of complaints—it was an act of resistance and reconciliation,” said Sajeewa Chamikara, a prominent environmental activist and key figure behind the event. “For the first time in years, we saw farmers and fishers from different ethnic and religious backgrounds come together, not only to share their struggles but also to exchange seeds of hope—literally and metaphorically.”

Participants from both provinces exchanged traditional seeds of vegetables and grains, a symbolic and practical gesture aimed at reviving local food systems that have been eroded by commercial agriculture. The event also emphasised the importance of recognising shared humanity over imposed divisions.

“The ruling elite—politicians, corporate actors, and developers—benefit by keeping people divided along ethnic or religious lines. But this meeting showed that such divisions are artificial. When people come together around real issues like land, water, and food, there is no room for racism or extremism,” Chamikara said.

The final day of the gathering concluded with renewed commitment to build a united front for future collective struggles—an alliance beyond language, religion, or region. “This was a convergence of solidarity,” Chamikara emphasised. “It was the beginning of a dream where people will never again be divided. And the only way that dream can come true is if we continue to stand together.”

By Ifham Nizam

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Pakistan High Commissioner pays courtsey call on PM

Published

5 mins ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April

Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.

Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.

The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

News

Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka pays farewll call on PM

Published

13 mins ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.

Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

Latest News

Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

Published

22 mins ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 01 May 2026, valid for 02 May 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, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western 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 the 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.