News
Prevailing high temperature has led to surge in domestic violence
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The prevailing high temperature has led to a surge in domestic violence, Head of the Department of Education at the University of Colombo, Dr. Chinthaka Chandrakumara says.
He said that most people were concerned only about the physical discomfort triggered by high temperatures. However, the prevailing weather conditions had a significant impact on mental health and could worsen mental health conditions, like depression, Chandrakumara added.
“The overwhelming majority of people are troubled by discomfort. The temperature is unbearable, even at night, and has taken its toll on mental health. Our research has shown that domestic violence has increased due to high temperatures. This is similar to what researchers from other countries have found.”
Chandrakumara said people consumed more electricity and water during times of high temperatures. People use fans and air conditioning more. People also consume more water.
“This translates into higher bills at the end of the month. We know many people are struggling with finances, and these additional expenses could trigger anxiety.”
Chandrakumara mentioned that the Met Department had warned that high temperatures would continue throughout this month and heavy rains will only occur in May.
“The coming months will be distressing financially, physically and emotionally.”
Chandrakumara said people needed to think more about mental health and reach out to mental health professionals in case they need help.Meanwhile, Water Supply Professionals Trade Union Alliance (WSPTUA), Coordinator Neil Leelarathna told The Island that some places in the country were already facing water shortages.
Approval of the Cabinet of Ministers has been granted at their meeting held on 19.05.2025 in order to introduce amendments to the Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of 2017 including the proposed tax revisions to enhance the tax structure paving way for state financial integrity based on revenue.
Accordingly, the revised draft bill has been prepared by the legal draftsman and clearance of the Attorney General has been received.
Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval for
the resolution furnished by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Policy Planning and Economic Development to publish the aforementioned draft bill in the government gazette notification and subsequently, forward the same to the Parliament for its concurrence.
The National Mineral Policy was prepared for the first time in the year 1999, and the aforementioned policy has been amended in 2023 to cover matters such as preparing an updated data system related to mineral resources, adding value to the export of minerals, encouraging mineral-related industrialists, extracting mineral resources and managing the environment sustainably, and resolving the issues related to the ownership of the land arising in extracting mineral resources.
The revised National Mineral Policy has been reupdated in line with the manifesto “A Sustainable Resource Utilization – Generation of the Highest Benefit” under the policy statement of the current government” A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life.”
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution presented by the Minister of Industries and
Entrepreneurship to implement the so-formulated “National Mineral Policy—2026.”
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