News
Reopening of Buddhist and Pali University only after consultations with Mahanayakes
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The Cabinet of Ministers has the power to close down the Buddhist and Pali University without after consulting the University Grants Commission (UGC), Cabinet Spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardane said yesterday, at the post-Cabinet press conference, responding to a question posed by a journalist.
Minister Gunawardane said that the Minister of Higher Education Susil Premajayantha had, on Monday, submitted a Cabinet paper on the alleged incidents of ragging at the Buddhist and Pali University.
“After consulting the report, we decided to close the university. The Cabinet can decide whether to close the university if students continue to misbehave. We also decided that the university will be reopened after consulting the Maha Nayakas and other religious leaders,” he said.
The Minister said that the Buddhist and Pali University was not a university in the traditional sense and it had not been established under the Universities Act.
“As the name suggests, this is a religious university. It was established through a separate act passed in Parliament. So, this can’t be compared to a regular university. What is acceptable at a university, established under the Universities Act, can’t be tolerated at Buddhist and Pali University,” he said.
On 19 December, the Buddhist and Pali University’s administration office decided to close the university until further notice due to reports of serious incidents of ragging and indiscipline among a section of the students. The government had earlier called for a report on these allegations and the report was presented by Minister Premajayantha to the Cabinet on Monday.
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]
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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.
Voting commences to elect members for 339 local government authorities
President holds talks with Vietnamese President
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
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