The Met Dept. advises public to avoid outdoors between 11am and 4pm

Sri Lanka is set to experience continued hot weather conditions until May, the Department of Meteorology warned yesterday.

Additional Director General of Meteorology Ajith Wijemanna said the current heatwave is expected to ease only slightly once the southwest monsoon sets in toward the latter part of May.

Wijemanna explained that the country is currently in the first inter-monsoon period, characterised by low wind speeds and shifting wind directions, which contribute to rising temperatures. Reduced cloud cover and the sun’s direct position over the country are causing increased heating of land and sea, generating heat waves and warmer atmospheric conditions.

He cautioned that the hottest period of the day will be between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., urging the public to limit outdoor activities during these hours.

Authorities also advised drinking plenty of water, wearing light-colored clothing, and avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, particularly for children and the elderly.The Meteorology Department further noted that rainfall may remain limited in the coming months, with drier conditions possible due to climate variability.

The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) yesterday said that it was stepping in to help Sri Lankans reconnect with loved ones affected by the recent escalation of hostilities in Iran and other parts of  West Asia.

An SLRCS statement said: In response to the recent escalation of hostilities in Iran and other countries, the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) is providing support to people in Sri Lanka who are unable to contact their loved ones in affected regions, through its Restoring Family Links (RFL) programme.

The ongoing situation has significantly disrupted internet and communication services, particularly in Iran, leaving many families around the world anxious and uncertain about the safety and wellbeing of their relatives.

To address this urgent humanitarian need, SLRCS is facilitating the collection and transmission of “Anxious for News” messages through the global Red Cross and Red Crescent Family Links Network. These messages are shared with the respective Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in affected countries to help re-establish contact between separated family members, wherever possible.

Individuals who are concerned about relatives in Iran or other affected countries, or who have lost contact with their loved ones, are encouraged to reach out via the RFL Hotline: +94 70 378 8614.

They may also contact any of the 25 SLRCS branches across the country at their convenience. Contact details of all branches are available on the official Sri Lanka Red Cross Society website (www.redcross.lk).

Restoring Family Links remains a vital humanitarian service provided by SLRCS as part of a global network of 191 Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Reconnecting families lies at the heart of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s humanitarian mission. In times of crisis and conflict, restoring contact between loved ones is a critical form of support that brings reassurance and hope to those affected.

This service is free of charge and confidential, and is carried out in coordination with the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) and other Red Cross and Red Crescent partners worldwide.The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society calls on the public to make use of this service. We are here to support you in reconnecting with your loved ones.

Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody was yesterday indicted before the Colombo High Court over alleged corruption.

The indictments were served before High Court Judge Rashantha Godawela, with the Minister appearing in court, pursuant to an earlier summons.

The accused was ordered to be release on two personal bail bonds of Rs. 1 million each. The Judge also directed that his fingerprints be obtained and a report submitted.

The case was fixed for pre-trial conference on May 6.

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), which filed the charges, alleges that in 2016, while serving as Manager of the Procurement and Import Division of the Ceylon Fertiliser Company, Jayakody committed an act of corruption.

He is accused of causing a loss of Rs. 8,859,708 to the State by allegedly influencing a procurement process relating to carpeting work at the Hunupitiya warehouse complex in order to confer an undue benefit on a private company.