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Lanka tells Secretariat overseeing Ottawa Convention:Nearly 12 000 landmines destroyed by SLA
Sri Lanka has informed the Secretariat of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, in Geneva that the Humanitarian Demining Unit of the Sri Lanka Army has so far destroyed nearly 12,000 stockpiled anti- personnel mines almost a year earlier than the deadline set by the treaty that bans the production, use, stockpile, and transfer of these indiscriminate weapons.
Officials of the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC) of Sri Lanka in a statement sent to the Secretariat of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention aka Ottawa Convention informed the progress. The treaty unites over 80% of the world’s states and bans the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of these weapons.
NMAC, which oversees planning, coordination, and implementation of Sri Lanka’s obligations under the Convention, indicated that the mines were destroyed at the end of the summer in the Kilinochchi District, in the Northern Province. “With this act, Sri Lanka signals to the world its steadfast commitment to eradicating this scourge in line with the ongoing endeavours for reconciliation and lasting peace. Our efforts towards clearing all known mined areas will continue in partnership with international allies to reach the target of a mine-free Sri Lanka”, NMAC officials added.
Sri Lanka is one of a handful of countries in South Asia that have adhered to the international treaty, doing so in 2017. Since then, the country has led efforts in promoting the Convention and its norms in the region.
The Netherlands, in its role as President of the Convention, warmly welcomed Sri Lanka’s contribution to the global efforts to eradicate an insidious weapon that has contaminated more than 70 countries.
“With over 54 million anti-personnel mines destroyed in the past two decades by the Parties to this historic treaty, we can unequivocally say that the destruction of dangerous stockpiles has been one of our greatest successes”, said the Ambassador of the Netherlands to the Conference on Disarmament Robbert Gabrielse who presides over the Convention. “We salute Sri Lanka, as one of the youngest members of our Convention, for leading efforts to promote treaty norms, and seeking to ensure the safety of at-risk populations”, said the Ambassador.
Sri Lanka is expected to present more information and table a formal Declaration during the upcoming (Nineteenth) Meeting of the States Parties to take place in The Hague, Netherlands from 15-19 November.
“The international community is committed to supporting Sri Lanka as it continues its task to clear contaminated lands and meet the needs of all mine victims”, concluded the Dutch Ambassador.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
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