Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 01 May 2025, valid for 02 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.

Opposition Leader and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday said President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was merely following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Ranil Wickremesinghe, rather than fulfilling the promises made during the previous elections.

Speaking at the SJB’s May Day rally at the Lindula Municipal Council Grounds, Talawakele, Premadasa said that the President had given in to demands of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), just like his predecessor.

“President Dissanayake has capitulated to the IMF and agreed to increase electricity tariffs. We have received reliable information that the tariff hike will come into effect after May 6,” he said.

“We are living in an era when the rights of working people are suppressed. The previous government and the incumbent one have targeted the EPF and the ETF in the name of debt restructuring. But we have always stood up for workers’ rights—and we always will.”This government has come to power by deceiving the public.

Premadasa expressed confidence that the SJB would win commanding majorities in local government bodies and called on President Dissanayake not to think the people would continue to be misled by the NPP’s lies.

The Opposition Leader accused the government of misleading the public about energy prices. Despite its promise of a 33% reduction in electricity tariffs, the government was planning to increase them.

“Why does the President continue to lie to the people? We urge the public to vote for the SJB and send a clear message to this government.

By Kamal Bogoda and Akitha Perera

Chief Inspector of Police Ashoka Ariyawansa, who served as the Chief Security Officer to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, has been transferred with immediate effect to the Kankesanthurai Police Station.

 The transfer, approved by the National Police Commission, follows emerging reports of a controversial phone call involving Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, also known as Pillayan, who is currently in the custody of the CID.

 According to initial investigations, Pillayan had reportedly requested to speak with former President Wickremesinghe while in custody. It is alleged that an investigating officer facilitated the call, raising serious procedural concerns.

 CI Ariyawansa, a senior officer in the Ministerial Security Division (MSD), has had a longstanding association with Wickremesinghe, having served on his personal security detail for 23 years, including 15 years as his Chief Personal Security Officer.

While no formal charges have been brought against CI Ariyawansa, the transfer is understood to be linked to an ongoing internal investigation into the incident.Commenting on the matter, Police Media Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga told The Island that the officer’s transfer was a precautionary administrative measure pending the outcome of the inquiry.

By Hemantha Randunu