News
Representatives from 7 countries officially invited to observe poll
by Saman Indrajith
Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L.Ratnayake yesterday announced that representatives from seven countries had been invited to fuction as observers at the 2024 Presidential Election. They are scheduled to arrive in the country on September 18.
Ratnayake said those representatives included officials from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the Maldives. In addition, Commonwealth election observers and representatives from the Asian Election Observation Network will also be arriving to oversee the national poll.
Iinternational observers would monitor all aspects of the election process, including voting, and provide a comprehensive report upon the conclusion of the polls, the EC Chief said.
On August 29, the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Sri Lanka’s presidential election deployed 26 long-term observers (LTOs) across all nine provinces of the country. Chief Observer Nacho Sánchez Amor, a Member of the European Parliament, stated, “The long-term observers are a vital element of our mission. Their observations and insights will form the foundation of our impartial and fact-based evaluation of the electoral process.”
The EU emphasized that it will utilize its established methodology for long-term, nationwide observation to deliver a balanced and thorough analysis of the electoral process. Observers have been deployed in pairs across all nine provinces, where they will engage with voters, election officials, politicians, and civil society in both urban and rural areas.
As Election Day approaches, the mission will be bolstered by 32 short-term observers and additional observers from the diplomatic missions of EU Member States and partner countries. These observers will oversee the voting, counting, and tabulation of results.
The EU EOM will present its preliminary findings in a statement at a press conference two days after Election Day. A final report, including recommendations for future electoral processes, will be published and presented to the authorities once the election process is complete.
The EU EOM adheres to a code of conduct that ensures strict neutrality and non-interference, and operates in line with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, endorsed by the UN in 2005.
High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April
Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.
Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.
The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.
Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 01 May 2026, valid for 02 May 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.
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 the 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.
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
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