News
Turtle hatchlings released into sea
Wildlife officers in Kapitiya recently released a number of newly hatched Olive Ridley sea turtles into the sea.The hatchlings were collected from local areas such as Illantadi, Alankudawa, Kudaawa, and Kandakuliya, where officers had gathered the eggs of the endangered species.
The eggs were carefully incubated at a hatchery for a period of 45 to 55 days, and once the hatchlings emerged, they were safely released into the Gulf of Mannar.
According to wildlife officers, the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) releases approximately 375 sea turtle hatchlings annually between November and April as part of its ongoing conservation efforts.
This release not only marked a successful milestone for the department but also saw the participation of local and foreign tourists, who contributed to the safe release of the hatchlings. The Kalpitiya site security office and the Ilantadi Beat office officials also helped the initiative.
The Olive Ridley sea turtle is a rare species known for its nesting activities between November and January. Wildlife officers have emphasized the importance of protecting this species and highlighted the unique biodiversity of the Kalpitiya Peninsula, which is rich in marine life, including other megafauna such as dolphins, whales, and dugongs.
Kalpitiya, situated between the Gulf of Mannar and Puttlam Lagoon, is a vital biodiversity hotspot, with its coastlines serving as key nesting grounds for sea turtles. The Department of Wildlife Conservation continues to work tirelessly to protect the eggs of these endangered turtles while also engaging with local communities to prevent illegal activities such as the consumption of turtle meat and eggs.
Text and Pic By Nalin Hendurugoda
The Commissioner General of Elections, Saman Sri Rathnayhake issuing a media release says that 26 incidents of election related violence were among the 3998 election complaints the Election Commission had received between 20th March 2025 and 01st May 2025.
170 complaints including two incidents of election related violence had been reported in the 24 hours ending 01st May2025
Latest News
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 01 May 2025, valid for 02 May 2025.
The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala 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.
Opposition Leader and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday said President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was merely following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Ranil Wickremesinghe, rather than fulfilling the promises made during the previous elections.
Speaking at the SJB’s May Day rally at the Lindula Municipal Council Grounds, Talawakele, Premadasa said that the President had given in to demands of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), just like his predecessor.
“President Dissanayake has capitulated to the IMF and agreed to increase electricity tariffs. We have received reliable information that the tariff hike will come into effect after May 6,” he said.
“We are living in an era when the rights of working people are suppressed. The previous government and the incumbent one have targeted the EPF and the ETF in the name of debt restructuring. But we have always stood up for workers’ rights—and we always will.”This government has come to power by deceiving the public.
Premadasa expressed confidence that the SJB would win commanding majorities in local government bodies and called on President Dissanayake not to think the people would continue to be misled by the NPP’s lies.
The Opposition Leader accused the government of misleading the public about energy prices. Despite its promise of a 33% reduction in electricity tariffs, the government was planning to increase them.
“Why does the President continue to lie to the people? We urge the public to vote for the SJB and send a clear message to this government.
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