A discussion to review the potential impacts of the anticipated El Niño phenomenon and the preparedness plans of relevant institutions to address its effects was held this morning (11) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Department of Meteorology, the Department of Irrigation, the Central Environmental Authority, Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, the Disaster Management Centre, Vidulijanana Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and the National System Operator (Pvt) Ltd, among other relevant institutions.

Extensive discussions were held on the possible impact of the anticipated El Niño conditions on the country’s food security, drinking water supply and energy sector, as well as the immediate measures required to effectively manage these sectors.

Particular attention was given to current reservoir water levels and the measures required managing potential pressure on agriculture, drinking water supply and energy generation. Officials also briefed the President on the preparedness plans already in place to mitigate any adverse effects.

Officials noted that the expected El Niño conditions are likely to resemble those experienced during 2016–2017. They further stated that water management plans have been formulated accordingly and that steps have already been taken to commence the 2026 Yala season approximately one and a half months earlier than usual.

Special attention was also focused on ensuring an uninterrupted electricity supply over the upcoming months, maintaining agricultural activities and safeguarding food security. The President instructed relevant officials to prepare and submit detailed plans to ensure adequate electricity generation, the provision of water required for the forthcoming cultivation season and the protection of drinking water resources.

President Dissanayake observed that, just as Sri Lanka had successfully managed challenges arising from Cyclone Ditwah and the conflict situation in the Middle East, the country possesses the capacity to effectively address this global challenge as well. The President expressed confidence that with proper planning and timely implementation, Sri Lanka would be well positioned to respond to any eventuality.

Among those present were Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara, Director General of the Department of Meteorology A. L. K. Wijemannage, Director General of the Department of Irrigation Kithsiri Weligopolage, Director General of the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka H. M. K. K. Herath, Chairman of the Central Environmental Authority Professor Tilak Hewawasam, Acting Director General of the Disaster Management Centre Brigadier D. D. G. A. Jayawardena and several senior officials representing the relevant institutions.

 (PMD)

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated at the ceremonial opening of the new Sasakawa Memorial Sri Lanka–Japan Cultural Centre today [11th of June 2026].

The cultural centre, commissioned by the Sasakawa Memorial Sri Lanka–Japan Cultural Centre Trust and situated at No. 85, Ward Place, Colombo 07, is a landmark development designed to promote cultural exchange, education, professional training and bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and Japan.

The New Sasakawa Centre was ceremonially opened  by the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka Akio ISOMATA, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Yohei SASAKAWA,  Chairman of The Nippon Foundation, Japan, Premalal Fernando, Chairman, Sasakawa Centre Trust. The Prime Minister unveiled the inaugural plaque.

Following the occasion Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Defence and Sasakawa Peace Foundation in the presence of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and  Yohei SASAKAWA, Honorary Chairman.

Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated, that the friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan is enriched by a long history of cultural and spiritual connections and that the societies are connected through a deep appreciation of nature, culture, learning, and community.

Highlighting the longstanding contribution of the Sasakawa Centre, the Prime Minister stated that it has played an invaluable role in promoting Japanese language education and strengthening mutual understanding between the people of Sri Lanka and Japan. She expressed confidence that the new Centre would emerge as a dynamic platform for cultural exchange, educational cooperation, and meaningful people-to-people engagement.

The Prime Minister stated that, at a time of increasing global uncertainty, partnerships based on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to peace are more important than ever. She reaffirmed that Sri Lanka and Japan remain committed to dialogue, international cooperation, and s rules-based international order that promotes peace, prosperity, and human dignity.

The occasion was attended by the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka  Akio ISOMATA, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Yohei SASAKAWA, Chairman, The Nippon Foundation, Japan, Premalal Fernando, Chairman, Sasakawa Centre Trust and Diplomatic core, distinguished guests.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

Easter Sunday carnage:

Investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks will not be halted due to protests, demonstrations or Satyagraha campaigns, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala told Parliament yesterday (10), while alleging that investigators had gathered sufficient evidence to establish the involvement of former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director, retired Major General Suresh Sallay, in a conspiracy linked to the attacks.

Making a special ministerial statement in the House, the Minister said that evidence uncovered during ongoing investigations indicated that Sallay had prior knowledge of the planned attacks and related extremist activities before the coordinated bombings that claimed more than 270 lives and injured hundreds of others, on April 21, 2019.

Wijepala claimed that three weeks before the attacks, Sallay had deployed four Muslim individuals to gather intelligence, including information on the number of worshippers attending mass at a church in Negombo.

According to the Minister, the principal individual among the four had been identified by witnesses to the CID as an ISIS extremist and had subsequently gone missing following the Easter Sunday attacks.

“There is evidence suggesting that Major General Sallay met the informant who had tipped off Army Intelligence regarding the attacks at a hotel in Colombo,” Wijepala said.

The Minister maintained that investigators had uncovered evidence indicating that Sallay had taken steps to prevent the disclosure of information that could have revealed crucial details relating to the attacks and the events leading up to them.

Referring to allegations that Sallay had been subjected to inhumane treatment while in custody, Wijepala rejected such claims, describing them as false and misleading.

He told Parliament that the former intelligence chief had been afforded all facilities and privileges due to a primary suspect under the law, including unrestricted access to legal counsel.

“The Magistrate personally visited Sallay to ascertain his health and wellbeing. At no stage did he complained of any inhumane treatment. Neither has he lodged complaints with any other relevant authority in that regard,” the Minister said.

Wijepala also disclosed that Sallay had thus far declined to provide investigators with the passwords to his laptop computer and mobile phone, a move he described as an attempt to obstruct the investigative process.

“He is acting in a manner that hinders the progress of investigations,” the Minister alleged.

The Public Security Minister maintained that the government remained committed to uncovering the full truth behind the Easter Sunday attacks and bringing all those responsible before the law, irrespective of their status or position.

Emphasising that the investigation would continue without interference, Wijepala said attempts to exert pressure through public protests or Satyagraha campaigns would not influence the course of the inquiry.

“The investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks will not be halted by any protests or Satyagraha,” he said.

By Saman Indrajith