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Third international polls monitoring mission here

Published

1 year ago

2024/09/12

The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) yesterday (11) launched its international expert election observation mission for the September 21 Presidential Election here. ANFREL deployed 10 observers, including two electoral analysts and a mission management team, across key areas of the country, the ANFREL said in a statement.

Earlier European Union and Commonwealth polls monitoring projects got underway.

The text of ANFREL press release: The 2024 Sri Lankan Presidential Election, scheduled for September 21, takes place at a critical juncture as the nation contends with economic instability, high inflation, and widespread public dissatisfaction. This election will play a pivotal role in shaping Sri Lanka’s political and economic future, with voters choosing among candidates who offer distinct visions for economic recovery and governance reforms.

Other significant issues at stake include the enforcement of Sri Lanka’s new campaign finance law, which aims to set expenditure limits, enhance transparency, and ensure financial accountability, as well as broader concerns related to ethnic relations, governance, and democratic reforms, especially in regions with minority populations.

Over the next 12 days, ANFREL observers deployed in seven of nine provinces, with a focus on 14 cities and their surrounding areas to provide a balanced observation of both urban and rural electoral practices, will engage with various electoral stakeholders and observe campaigning, voting and counting processes, and post-election activities.

In accordance with the Declaration of Principles and Code of Conduct for International Election Observation, ANFREL’s mission will uphold impartiality, objectivity, and integrity throughout the observation process.

The mission will thoroughly assess the conduct of the election, promoting international standards and best practices for free and fair elections. The mission will focus on five critical areas: the Constitutional and Legal Framework, the Campaign Environment, the Abuse of State Resources during Elections and Campaign Finance Law Compliance, Voter Engagement and Perception, and the Role of Media and Social Media.

ANFREL will release an interim report shortly after the election and publish a comprehensive final report upon the mission’s completion. Additionally, ANFREL will facilitate a post-election discussion on September 24, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Colombo time. Domestic and international observer groups will share their observations and findings, fostering a deeper understanding of the electoral process.

ANFREL hopes that the 2024 Presidential Election in Sri Lanka is conducted genuinely, with accountability, transparency, and inclusivity, truly reflecting the will of the people.”

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Advisory for Severe Lightning issued to the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and Galle and Matara districts

Published

5 hours ago

2026/03/12

Priyan

Advisory for Severe Lightning Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 12.30 noon 12 March 2026 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 12 March 2026

Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m.

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.

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Nasa spacecraft weighing 1,300lb due to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere

Published

6 hours ago

2026/03/12

Priyan

The two Van Allen Probes were launched in 2012 [BBC]

A Van Allen Probe spacecraft weighing more than 1,300lb (600kg) is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere almost 14 years after its launch, Nasa says.

The spacecraft is projected to re-enter around 19:45 EDT (23:45 GMT) on Tuesday the US Space Force predicted, according to Nasa, though there is a 24-hour margin of “uncertainty” in the timing.

The Van Allen Probe A, which launched in 2012, is expected mostly to burn up as it travels through the atmosphere, though some components may survive.

The space agency said there is a one in 4,200 chance of being harmed by a piece of the probe, which it characterised as “low” risk.

The spacecraft and its twin, Van Allen Probe B, were on a mission to gather unprecedented data on Earth’s two permanent radiation belts.

It was not immediately clear where in Earth’s atmosphere the satellite is projected to re-enter. The BBC has contacted Nasa for further detail.

Nasa and the US Space Force have said they will monitor the re-entry and update any predictions.

The mission, which was originally designed to last two years, went on for almost seven. It ended after the spacecrafts ran out of fuel and were no longer able to orient themselves toward the Sun.

The probes flew through rings of charged particles trapped by Earth’s magnetic field from 2012 to 2019, in order to study how particles were gained and lost, per Nasa.

Those rings, called the Van Allen belts, shield Earth from cosmic radiation, solar storms and streaming solar wind, which are harmful to humans and can damage technology.

The mission made significant discoveries, including the first data that show the existence of a transient third radiation belt, which can form during times of intense solar activity, Nasa said.

Van Allen Probe B is not expected to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere before 2030.

[BBC]

News

PM Visits the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

Published

8 hours ago

2026/03/12

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, on 11 March 2026, and held bilateral discussions with Yvonne Pinto, Director General of IRRI, focusing on strengthening cooperation in the field of rice research and sustainable agricultural development.

During the meeting, discussions centered on rice cultivation in Sri Lanka, including the key challenges faced by Sri Lankan paddy farmers. The Prime Minister highlighted issues affecting the sector such as productivity constraints, climate-related impacts, and the need to support farmers through improved agricultural practices and technological innovations.

Both sides also discussed the importance of introducing modern techniques and research-driven approaches to rice cultivation in order to enhance productivity and ensure long-term food security. In this regard, IRRI shared insights on ongoing global research initiatives aimed at improving rice varieties, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

The discussion further focused on the potential for expanded collaboration between Sri Lanka and IRRI, particularly in areas such as research partnerships, knowledge sharing, and capacity building for Sri Lankan agricultural institutions and farmers. The Prime Minister emphasized Sri Lanka’s interest in strengthening cooperation with IRRI to support the development of the country’s rice sector and to improve the livelihoods of paddy farmers.

The visit reaffirmed the importance of science-based agricultural innovation and international collaboration in addressing food security challenges and enhancing sustainable rice production in Sri Lanka.