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HC orders MEPA to submit report on progress of X-Press Pearl disaster probe

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Colombo High Court judge Namal Balalle yesterday ordered the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) to report to court on 20 Jan on the progress of the investigation into the MV X-Press Pearl ship disaster.

When the case was taken up, the Russian captain of the ill-fated Singapore registered ship and the three directors of the shipping company’s local agency, who have been named as suspects in connection with the disaster, appeared in court.

The State Counsel who appeared for the Marine Environment Protection Authority informed the court that further investigations were being carried out into the incident.

Accordingly, the judge ordered the case to be re-called on 20 Jan and directed the MEPA to report on the progress of the investigations on that day.



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Heat Index at Caution Level at some places in Eastern, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala, Hambantota and Kurunegala districts

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Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 02 May 2025, valid for 03 May 2025

Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala, Hambantota and Kurunegala 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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President to undertake a state visit to Vietnam on May 04

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At the invitation of the President of Vietnam,  Luong Cuong, President Anura Kumara Disanayake will undertake a State Visit to Vietnam from May 4 to 6. Accordingly, the President is scheduled to depart Sri Lanka tonight [May 3].

This visit marks the celebration of 55 years of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Vietnam and is expected to further strengthen the long-standing bilateral ties between the two nations.

During the visit, President Disanayake will hold official discussions with the President and Prime Minister of Vietnam. He is also scheduled to meet with senior dignitaries, including the General Secretary of the Communist Party.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake will also participate as the Chief Guest at the United Nations Vesak Day celebrations, scheduled to commence on May 6 in Ho Chi Minh City, where he will deliver the keynote address.

Several Memorandums of Understanding and Agreements are expected to be signed during the visit and discussions will be held with the Vietnamese business community to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with a delegation of senior government officials, will accompany President Disanayake on this official visit.

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All campaigning must end by midnight today

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Election Commission

The deadline for political parties and candidates contesting the local government election to conclude their campaigning is at midnight today (03).According to election laws, all campaign related activities must end 48 hours before the day of the election, the Election Commission said.

Furthermore, all campaign offices, except for official media centres established at the local government level, and announcement offices set up for individual wards, must be dismantled after midnight today. The Election Commission also stated that all campaign decorations—except for display boards measuring up to 60 square feet—must be removed by midnight tonight.

Voting for 339 local government bodies will be held on 06 May, with 13,759 polling stations set up for the election. A total of 17,563,538 registered voters are eligible to cast their votes.

Vote counting will be conducted at a designated centre selected for each division, and will begin at 5:00pm on the same day, EC sources said.

By Ranil Dharmasena

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