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PCoI members visit Katuwapitiya Church, one of the prime targets of Easter terrorists
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Members of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) investigating the Easter Sunday attacks visited St. Sebastian’s Church, Katuwapitiya on Saturday (15).
St. Sebastian’s Church was one of the targets of National Thowheed Jamaat (NTJ) terrorists on 21 April, 2019. The suicide bomb attack was carried out by Atchchi Muhammadu Muhammadu Hasthun.
One hundred and fifteen Easter worshipers at Katuwapitiya were killed during the attack. Among the 115 dead in Katuwapitiya, 32 were children (9 boys and 23 girls.) Ten children were killed in the Kochchikade Church blast (6 boys and 4 girls.) More than 253 persons injured at Katuwapitiya. About 37 Easter worshippers are still in critical condition (17 from Katuwapitiya and 20 from Kochchikade.)
Father Nishantha Lawrance Ramanayake, Director of Seth Sarana, earlier told the PCoI that the Catholic Church had opened six bank accounts after the Easter Sunday attacks and by 31 March 2020 and the members of the public had donated Rs. 518 million, the witness said. The funds had been used to assist the victims and their families.
Two hundred and eighty one families were affected by the bomb blast at the St. Sebastian Church in Katuwapitiya, 114 affected families by the blast at St. Anthony’s Church, Kochchikade and those affected at the Zion church, Batticaloa were given Rs. 147.4 million in assistance so far, Father Ramanayake said, adding that the Church continued to support those who were injured in the attacks.
“281 families affected by the blast at St. Sebastian Church in Katuwapitiya were given RS. 95.579 million; 114 families affected at St. Anthony’s Church, Kochchikade were given 41.9 million and Rs. 10 million was given to those affected at the Zion Church/”
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Heat index, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 29 April 2025, valid for 30 April 2025
The general public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota 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.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake a four-day state visit to Vietnam on 03 May, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. Since the presidential election, President Dissanayake has so far visited India, China and the UAE.
The 5th annual Sri Lanka-Pakistan Bilateral Defence Dialogue commenced on Monday (April 28) in Islamabad, Pakistan, marking a continued commitment to strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.
The MoD statement: “The Sri Lankan delegation is led by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha accompanied by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, and Additional Secretary (Defence) of the Ministry of Defence Jayantha Edirisinghe. The Pakistani delegation is headed by Lieutenant General (retd.) Muhammad Ali, Secretary Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
In conjunction with the on-going defence dialogue, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha held a side-line meeting yesterday (April 29) with Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif.
These high-level engagements aim to enhance bilateral cooperation, foster mutual understanding on regional security dynamics and explore opportunities for defence collaboration. Both nations share a longstanding relationship rooted in mutual respect and strategic cooperation. The dialogue reflects the growing importance of partnerships in maintaining stability and promoting peace in the South Asian region.
The three-day dialogue, which concludes today (April 30), is expected to reinforce bilateral defence ties and contribute to broader regional security objectives.
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Heat index, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts
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