News
Prelate tells minister govt. should give priority to solving people’s problems
By Ifham Nizam
Mahanayake of Malwatte Chapter, the Most Ven. Thibbotuwawe Sumangala Thera has instructed Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera to pay close attention to the problems the people are facing and provide proper solutions.
There were many issues that affected the people of the country at present, but the government did not appear to be implementing a proper programme to address them, the Chief incumbent told Minister Amaraweera.
The Minister visited the Malwathu Viharaya on Sunday to pay a courtesy call on the Mahanayake Thera. During the discussion with the prelate, the Minister mentioned a proposed programme to be implemented in the near future to conserve the environment in the Kandy District.
Minister Amaraweera also briefed the prelate on major environmental damage caused by the pollution of the Mahaweli Ganga in the suburbs of Kandy and steps being taken to tackle the problem.
A comprehensive programme would be launched in the near future to prevent polluting of the Mahaweli River in the suburbs of Kandy, he said.
The Mahanayake Thera also spoke of the gas, electricity and fuel crises as well as the problems faced by the farming community caused by the non-availability of required fertilisers.
“The government should pay more attention to the issues affecting the public,” the Mahanayake thera said.
The Minister also apprised the prelate of the current economic crisis facing the government. “To overcome the current economic crisis, we must enhance national productivity and tap our full economic potential,” he said.
The people had made tremendous sacrifices and it was up to the politicians to reciprocate, the minister said.
“I will not receive my MP’s salary until the end of Covid-19 epidemic. It is sent to the Covid Fund. If more sacrifices are needed I am ready for it. Not only the ruling party politicians but also the members of Parliament as well as officials need to make sacrifices for that,” the Minister said.
Voting commenced at 7.00am to elect members to 339 local councils in the island.
Voting is being held at 13,579 polling centers and will end at 4.00 p.m.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong warmly welcomed President Anura Kumara Disanayake during an official ceremony held in Hanoi on Monday (05) morning
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was accorded a ceremonial welcome with full military honours upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace of Vietnam. He also took part in the inspection of the Tri-Forces Guard of Honour and the playing of the national anthems of Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The two leaders then introduced members of their respective delegations before proceeding for bilateral discussions during which both nation assessed their progress, explored avenues for future collaboration and signed Memoranda of Understanding.
Vietnam and Sri Lanka have upheld robust and enduring ties since they established diplomatic relations in 1970. and this visit aims to strengthen political trust and foster effective collaboration across multiple sectors between the two nations.
Sri Lanka and Vietnam engage in annual bilateral trade, primarily in exports, totalling around US$200 million. Both nations aspire to elevate this trade to US$1 billion in the near future.
President Dissanayake’s visit highlights Sri Lanka’s deep commitment to its longstanding friendship with Vietnam and demonstrates a mutual resolve to enhance collaboration in traditional sectors while exploring new opportunities in digital transformation, the digital economy, energy transition, artificial intelligence and connectivity.
[PMD]
Latest News
Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology At 3.30 p.m. 05 May 2025, valid for 06 May 2025
The 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 Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
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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