News
SJB raises issue of proposed construction of Sinharaja tanks
Irrigation Act will be amended – Minister
Irrigation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa on Thursday told Parliament that there were many weaknesses in the current Irrigation Act, and that the ministry had proposed amendments thereto to the Attorney General’s Department.
Minister Rajapaksa made this statement responding to SJB MP Buddhika Pathirana, who asked whether it was possible to construct two reservoirs inside the Sinharaja Rainforest under the Irrigation Ordinance.
The government had initiated a programme to clean 103 rivers and strengthen the banks of irrigation tanks in the country, the Irrigation Minister said.
The minister said he would visit Anuradhapura, on March 31, to commence the construction work of the Lower Malwathu Oya Reservoir. He also planned to discuss the misuse of the water from the Thissawewa with the officials responsible for the protection of the tank, the minister said.
Responding to another question raised by MP Pathirana, Minister Rajapaksa said that the water in the Thissawewa was polluted and that unauthorised settlers and hotel owners were responsible for it.
The minister said that bathing had been prohibited in the tank, adding that alternative bathing spots had been set up on the banks of the Abhaya Wewa, Bulankulama Wewa, and Malwathu Oya. He added that a programme would be conducted to raise public awareness of the issue. (SI)
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Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 12 April 2026, valid for 13 April 2026.
Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee 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.
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (13th) are Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon.
The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) TAIMUR and ASLAT arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 12 Apr 26.
The visiting ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in
compliance with naval traditions.
The duo of ships is commanded by Captain NIAMAT SAEED KHAN (PNS TAIMUR) and Captain NADIR MATEEN AFRIDI (PNS ASLAT).
Meanwhile, the ships are expected to conduct a Bilateral Naval Exercise LION STAR V with the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo seas.
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Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces.
Sun directly overhead Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
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