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Russia has offered to help solve shortages of fuel, fertiliser here, says ex-president Sirisena
By Saman Indrajith
Former President Maithripala Sirisena said that Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Yury Materiy had informed him that Russia could play a critical role in solving the fertiliser and fuel shortages here.However, Sri Lanka had not evinced a keen interest in obtaining Russian help, Sirisena said.
“The Ambassador told me that if Sri Lanka showed a keen interest and made the necessary interventions, Russia could play a big role,” he said.
The former President said that when Sri Lanka unwisely stopped a Russian Aeroflot flight, he sent a letter to Russian President Vladmir Putin. The Russians had shown great understanding even after such a blunder, he said.
“I will try to discuss these matters with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Russia has always been a friend of Sri Lanka. So is China. We have done a lot to distance these friends,” he said.
Sirisena said that MPs from various political parties had urged the government to seek further engagement with Russia.
“The Russian Ambassador also spoke to me at length about the 21st Amendment to the Constitution. I also explained that we wanted an all-party government that truly represents all political parties. Even the SJB and JVP are willing to join an all-party government. Such a government will ensure that Sri Lanka stabilizes. We also spoke about the importance of maintaining good relations between the two nations,” the former President said.
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.
INS Sahyadri sets sail from Colombo
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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