News

Nazeer, who lost parliamentary seat due to court ruling, made Governor

Published

2 years ago

2024/05/3

Thilina Walpola

Nazeer Ahamed

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Former Environment Minister Zainul Abdeen Nazeer Ahamed who lost his Batticaloa district seat six months ago as a result of a landmark Supreme Court decision was yesterday (2) appointed as Governor of the North Western Province.

One-time SLMC stalwart received the latest appointment courtesy the Wickremesinghe-Rajapakasa government. Ahamed received his letter of appointment from President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat.

Political sources said that in order to facilitate Ahamed’s appointment the government moved Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, who had been functioning as Governor of the North Western province for nearly a year as the new Governor of the Southern Province.

The SC held that the SLMC’s decision to sack Ahamed for voting for Gotabaya Rajapaksa government’s budget was valid as he intentionally violated an assurance given to the SLMC that he would be loyal to the party, shall recognise honour and submit to the authority of the hierarchy of the Party, and abide by and honour the decisions, rules, regulations, directives, and policies of the Party as decided by the party High Command.

The SC gave its ruling pertaining to a petition filed by Ahamed before the Supreme Court challenging the decision to suspend his party membership.The bench comprised Justice Padman Surasena, Justice S. Thurairaja PC, and Justice Mahinda Samayawardhena.

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Heat Index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Anuradhapura, Monaragala, Mannar and Vavuniya districts

Published

13 mins ago

2026/03/22

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology
at 3.30 p.m. on 21 March 2026, valid for 22 March 2026.

Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in
Anuradhapura, Monaragala, Mannar and Vavuniya 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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CEYPETCO Fuel prices increased from midnight today (21)

Published

6 hours ago

2026/03/21

Priyan

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (Ceypetco) has announced a revision of fuel prices, effective from midnight today (21).

Accordingly,

Auto Diesel – Rs. 382 (increased by Rs. 79)

Super Diesel – Rs. 443 (increased by Rs. 90)

Petrol 92 Octane – Rs. 398 (increased by Rs. 81)

Kerosene – Rs. 255. (increased by Rs. 60)

Petrol 95 Octane – Rs. 455 (increased by Rs. 90)

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Advisory for Severe Lightning issued for Galle, Matara, Kaluthara and Rathnapura districts

Published

13 hours ago

2026/03/21

Priyan

Advisory for Severe Lightning Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre Issued at 12.30 p.m. 21 March 2026, valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 21 March 2026

Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur at some places in the Galle, Matara, Kaluthara and Rathnapura districts after 1.00 p.m.

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.