News
Sabry to consult Prez over House resolution against Canadian genocide charge
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The Foreign Ministry is planning to move a resolution in Parliament against Canada’s claim of genocide here.A senior FM spokesperson said that the modality of a resolution would be considered, in consultation with President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Cabinet of Ministers.
The official said so in response to The Island query whether Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, PC, would take appropriate measures to move a resolution as suggested by the Sectoral Oversight Committee (SOC) on National Security during a recent session in Parliament.
SOC Chairman Sarath Weerasekera informed Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardena, Defence Secretary retired General Kamal Gunaratne, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, three service commanders and heads of State Intelligence Service (SIS) and Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) of the need to counter the Canada’s allegations.
Acknowledging the concerns raised by the former Deputy Navy Chief of Staff in his capacity as the SOC Chairman, the FM spokesperson said that the ministry categorically rejected what she called outrageous allegation of genocide having taken place in Sri Lanka.
Colombo District MP Weerasekera told The Island that Sri Lanka should base its resolution on the disclosure made by Lord Naseby in the House of Lords in Oct 2017 and former US Defence Advisor Lt. Col. Lawrence Smith declaration made at the first Colombo Defence Seminar in June 2011.
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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