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Premier reaffirms commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka–India ties

Published

2 weeks ago

2026/02/28

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya shaking hands with Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha at a dinner reception organised by the Sri Lanka India Society to commemorate the 77th Republic Day of India and the 78th Independence Day of Sri Lanka, held on Thursday (26), at the Taj Samudra in Colombo.

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, on Thursday, reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening economic and cultural ties with India, stating that the country welcomes investors and tourists who contribute to sustainable growth.

She made these remarks while addressing a special celebration and dinner reception organised by the Sri Lanka India Society to mark the 77th Republic Day of India and the 78th Independence Day of Sri Lanka. The event was held on Thursday evening (26) at the Taj Samudra, Colombo.

According to the Prime Minister’s Media Division, the Society’s official magazine was launched at the ceremony, and the book ‘Port of Call’ was presented to the Prime Minister and the Indian High Commissioner.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Amarasuriya noted that since its establishment in 1949, the Sri Lanka India Society has played a significant role in fostering relations between the two nations through cultural engagement, dialogue and sustained interaction, strengthening ties not only at government level but also between the peoples of both countries.

Reflecting on recent developments, the Prime Minister said the resilience of bilateral relations had once again been evident over the past year. She expressed appreciation for India’s support in facilitating the exposition of the sacred Devnimori relics in Sri Lanka.

She also recalled India’s swift response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, noting that India acted as the first responder through ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu,’ extending assistance in rescue and relief efforts. The Prime Minister further welcomed India’s announcement of a long-term relief package amounting to USD 454 million to support Sri Lanka’s recovery and development initiatives.

Dr. Amarasuriya observed that the Sri Lanka–India partnership spans a wide range of sectors, including economic development, energy, connectivity, trade and investment, digital transformation, health, education, maritime security and people-to-people exchanges.

“As Sri Lanka progresses towards sustainable growth, we welcome increased investments from Indian businesses and greater tourist arrivals from India, while further strengthening our economic and cultural ties,” she said.

Reaffirming that India remains Sri Lanka’s closest neighbour and a key partner, the Prime Minister stressed the Government’s commitment to advancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations and the wider region.

Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, addressing the event, described the bilateral relationship as one that transcends formal diplomacy and represents a strong and special partnership. He noted that the introduction of the first international degree programme offered outside India in Sri Lanka marked a new milestone in educational cooperation.

He also highlighted the steady expansion of collaboration in connectivity and people-to-people engagement, stating that India–Sri Lanka relations are currently experiencing significant growth.

The event was attended by ambassadors, diplomats, officials of the Indian High Commission and Government representatives.

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Advisory for Severe Lightning issued to the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and Galle and Matara districts

Published

5 hours ago

2026/03/12

Priyan

Advisory for Severe Lightning Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 12.30 noon 12 March 2026 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 12 March 2026

Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 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.

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Nasa spacecraft weighing 1,300lb due to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere

Published

6 hours ago

2026/03/12

Priyan

The two Van Allen Probes were launched in 2012 [BBC]

A Van Allen Probe spacecraft weighing more than 1,300lb (600kg) is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere almost 14 years after its launch, Nasa says.

The spacecraft is projected to re-enter around 19:45 EDT (23:45 GMT) on Tuesday the US Space Force predicted, according to Nasa, though there is a 24-hour margin of “uncertainty” in the timing.

The Van Allen Probe A, which launched in 2012, is expected mostly to burn up as it travels through the atmosphere, though some components may survive.

The space agency said there is a one in 4,200 chance of being harmed by a piece of the probe, which it characterised as “low” risk.

The spacecraft and its twin, Van Allen Probe B, were on a mission to gather unprecedented data on Earth’s two permanent radiation belts.

It was not immediately clear where in Earth’s atmosphere the satellite is projected to re-enter. The BBC has contacted Nasa for further detail.

Nasa and the US Space Force have said they will monitor the re-entry and update any predictions.

The mission, which was originally designed to last two years, went on for almost seven. It ended after the spacecrafts ran out of fuel and were no longer able to orient themselves toward the Sun.

The probes flew through rings of charged particles trapped by Earth’s magnetic field from 2012 to 2019, in order to study how particles were gained and lost, per Nasa.

Those rings, called the Van Allen belts, shield Earth from cosmic radiation, solar storms and streaming solar wind, which are harmful to humans and can damage technology.

The mission made significant discoveries, including the first data that show the existence of a transient third radiation belt, which can form during times of intense solar activity, Nasa said.

Van Allen Probe B is not expected to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere before 2030.

[BBC]

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PM Visits the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

Published

7 hours ago

2026/03/12

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, on 11 March 2026, and held bilateral discussions with Yvonne Pinto, Director General of IRRI, focusing on strengthening cooperation in the field of rice research and sustainable agricultural development.

During the meeting, discussions centered on rice cultivation in Sri Lanka, including the key challenges faced by Sri Lankan paddy farmers. The Prime Minister highlighted issues affecting the sector such as productivity constraints, climate-related impacts, and the need to support farmers through improved agricultural practices and technological innovations.

Both sides also discussed the importance of introducing modern techniques and research-driven approaches to rice cultivation in order to enhance productivity and ensure long-term food security. In this regard, IRRI shared insights on ongoing global research initiatives aimed at improving rice varieties, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

The discussion further focused on the potential for expanded collaboration between Sri Lanka and IRRI, particularly in areas such as research partnerships, knowledge sharing, and capacity building for Sri Lankan agricultural institutions and farmers. The Prime Minister emphasized Sri Lanka’s interest in strengthening cooperation with IRRI to support the development of the country’s rice sector and to improve the livelihoods of paddy farmers.

The visit reaffirmed the importance of science-based agricultural innovation and international collaboration in addressing food security challenges and enhancing sustainable rice production in Sri Lanka.