News
Rare mangrove species found in Benthara Ganga
By Ifham Nizam
Critically endangered mangrove species, Rathamilla, has been found in the Benthara Ganga, says scientist Dr. Manoj Prassana.
Prasanna told The Island that there were some 54 species of mangroves in the world and of them 21 species were found in Sri Lanka.
He added that while most of these species were well distributed in many sites all along the coastal line, a few species were restricted to the dry zone.
Among the mangrove species recorded in the country, Rathamilla (Lumnitzera littorea) and Rathu Punkanda (Ceriops decandra) have been identified as critically endangered species. Ratamilla is of a very small population size and limited distribution.
This species belongs to the family Combretaceae and is a mangrove species that does not produce propagules. It is found in Asian countries as well as northern Australia but, at present, it is threatened due to various human activities.Until recently, the plant had been thought to be restricted to the Madu Ganga, and a team of mangrove researchers has now been able to record this species in the Benthara Ganga mangrove ecosystem.
The team includes Shashi Madushanka, a student at the Institute of Postgraduate Studies, University of Peradeniya, Dr. Manoj Prasanna of the Ministry of Environment and Professor K.B. Ranawana from the Department of Zoology, University of Peradeniya.
To date, only a few 100-year-old trees have been recorded at Madu Ganga Sri Lanka, but the researchers have been able to record a population of about 50 plants that are between two and 20 years of age. Some trees have already been cut down at this place and the rest of the plants in this site face several threats.
According to the researchers, the Department of Forest Conservation and the Ministry of Environment have already initiated discussions to implement a special conservation program for the conservation of these plants.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. 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.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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