News
Sajith calls for apolitical approach to environmental issues
By Ifham Nizam
Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa says the country is currently confronted with the serious degradation of its ecosystems. “It is a well-known fact that a reduction in the ecosystem will have an adverse impact on the country’s economic development. Reversing the current trend of ecosystem degradation should be the priority of every Sri Lankan regardless of our political affiliations, Premadasa said.
“The government will worsen deforestation and cause irreversible damage to biodiversity. It is time we adopted an apolitical approach to environmental issues.”
The Leader of the Opposition said that he was following up with the Environmental Charter on environment, biodiversity conservation and climate change which he had placed before the public in the run-up to the presidential election of 2019.
“At the time, I undertook to implement this Environmental Charter if I was elected. I did so not only because of my passion for the environment and wildlife but because I realised that Sri Lanka’s economic future lay in our natural capital. The resources of not only this country but also the entire planet are finite, and we should use them carefully so that our future generations will not be affected.
He said he and his team were in the process of updating the Environmental Charter and wanted to seek public views and suggestions to make them relevant to address today’s environmental concerns and issues.”Please do not consider this to be a partisan political request because the state of our environment and the future of our natural capital transcends political boundaries. I therefore wish to invite you to be a non-partisan stakeholder and contribute to developing the Environmental Charter to help us reverse the current trend of environmental degradation in Sri Lanka. It is time for all Sri Lankans to collectively contribute towards improving the state of the environment in our country.”
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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