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NPC warns govt. over HSZs
The National Peace Council (NPC) has strongly criticized declaration of High Security Zones (HSZs) in Colombo at a time the country is under fire at the Geneva -based United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
The following is the text of the statement issued by Dr. Jehan Perera on behalf of the NPC: “The declaration of High Security Zones in Colombo and the requirement that police should be given prior notice of public protests are indicators that the government is giving priority to quelling public protests. These decisions bolster steps already taken to restrict the protest movement by targeted arrests of its leaders even by the Prevention of Terrorism Act, by seemingly arbitrary arrests of random participants in the protest movement and by strengthening laws that further restrict the right to protest.
The protest movement came into being due to the economic difficulties that the people encountered when the dollar was devalued, imports restricted and prices shot up. It is not an artificial creation to destabilize the country. It arose due to the collapse of the economy in the context of the country’s default of its international loan repayment obligations. The protests continue due to the ongoing decline in the economic situation that is severely affecting the lives of poorer sections of the population and the lack of sensitivity on the part of the government to the people’s needs.
In this context, the government needs to heed the Human Rights Commission and Bar Association which have called on the government to withdraw its law on setting up high security zones in Colombo in a time of peace. The National Peace Council calls on the government to address the root causes of the protest movement, its call for systems change and non-corruption, and ensure that norms of good governance are strictly adhered to.
Sri Lanka is presently defending its position on human rights and governance before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. It is facing a new resolution on these issues that is stronger than any before. A negative verdict will impact on the country’s international reputation and ability to attract international support in the form of economic investments and credit lines. Overcoming these challenges is the statesmanship that was and is expected of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, to remain a democratic country without economic setbacks or international stigma.”
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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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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