Release those not involved in terrorism - President Mithripala Sirisena

Unlimited jobs in 14 fields in Japan for Sri Lankans.

SLTB luxury buses arrive

Sri Lanka's first satellite: Ravana-1 orbiting today

Today is the Poson full Moon Poya day.

Lasith Maliga has arrived to Sri Lanka

Chief of State Intelligence Service resigns his post

Ravi's daughter  arrives at CID for a statement

Sri Lanka recorded their first victory in ICC

President accepts resignation letters from Hizbullah and Sali

Traffic on several roads will be restricted in Colombo

President-Premier's clash intensifies

Cricket captains meet Queen Elizabeth II ahead of the tournament

Mobile Phones found in Magazine Prison

British Prime Minister to resign

World Leaders congratulate Modi over the historical victory

Gnanasara Thero released - Leaves the prison from another exit

A Parliament employee who helped Saharan was arrested

No intentions of going to a war with Iran

Vesak celebrations all around the country

A person arrested with 8 banned equipment

In a search operation conducted in the Negombo area, 8 jammer items have been seized for blocking various communication channels including telephone lines.

A resident of Lazarus area in Negombo has also been arrested.

Harry- Meghan became parents

\

[8:06 PM, 5/8/2019] Nancha: Duke and duchess of sussex gives birth to a baby boy. The royal family has announced that the mother and child are in good health, according to foreign media. 

The little prince was born at 5.27 am yesterday (6th).Bakinham palace has been announced as the birthweight of the prince, weighing 3.26 kilograms.

 The bereaved princes are the seven titles of the British crown. Princes Charles, Prince William and his three children, Prince George and Louis, Prince Charlotte and Prince Harry will be entitled to the crown of the newborn Prince.

 However, the basic information that was published with other royal births about childbearing was not found on the display panel outside the palace, according to foreign media reports. Previously, more information about the doctor's name and childbirth was displayed on the table, but this is not seen this year.

Prince Harry said that the baby and Megan were very well. He has further stated that he is ready to share more information with media in the coming days.

[8:43 PM, 5/8/2019] V: Thanks

Archibishop requests from Goverment to close liquor shops 

Archibishop Cardinal Malcom Ranjith has requested the goverment to close all the liquor shops in colombo.

By addressing the media at the Archbishop’s House on 06th ,he stated that this action should take to bring the people 

lives back to normal with the tense situation errupted in Sunday(05) evening.

Because of the tense situation,police curfew was imposed within the Negombo Police Division.

CID arrests Makandure Madush arrived in Sri Lanka after deported from Dubai.

Samarasinghe Arachchige Madushan Lakshitha aka Makadure Madush came from Dubai yesterday morning (05) and arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport.

The flight UL-226 of SriLankan Airlines with him departed from Dubai International Airport at about 12.30 am yesterday. This aircraft arrived at the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport at 5.00 am. Upon his arrival security officers arrested him and handed over to emigration and immigration officers.

He stayed as Warnakulasuriya Amith Eranga who was a resident of Gampaha and was born on 20.02.1979.

The National Identity Card number was mentioned as 790516478V and the passport was issued on 30 April 2015.

He has been indicted for several murders, robberies and other crimes in several parts of the country.

The Supreme Court has dismissed the fundamental rights petition filed by the underworld leader Makandure Madhush, who was arrested on suspicion of arresting underworld leader and abduction.

The petition was filed by Makandure Madush's aunt A.W. Shriyani, a resident of Sooriyawewa.

Two lawyers from Sri Lanka had also gone to Dubai to advise on the arrest of singer Amal Perera and Nadeemal Perera. The Foreign Ministry and the Defense Ministry have also conducted a diplomatic mission to bring down Madhush and Kanjipani Imran and other the underworlds criminals.

The 30 other suspects, except Madhush, had been deported to Dubai after the end of legal rule in Dubai. The appeal was postponed due to deportation of Makadure Madhush to Sri Lanka due to his extradition to the Dubai Court.

Three bombs were found in a mosque at Mathugama

Three locally made bombs and explosives have been found in a land near the Kahatagahahena mosque in Hidra Mawatha in Welipenna, Matugama.

The raid was carried out by the Welipanna police who checked a suspected land on information received by Matugama police and OIC Sub Inspector Thilanga Sanjeewewa.

Three plastic bombs have been found using 2.5 pistols and 2.5 inches of explosive used by PVC pipes.

A businessman in the area has been arrested in connection with the incident and the officers of the Pelawatte Army and the Kalutara STF have received court orders after de-mining.

Vehicle parking  around the Colombo schools after 1.00 pm are banned from tommorrow

he police says that since the schools reopenes for the second term on Monday, May 06,

special protection will be given to all island wide schools and the police and security forces

have started special search operations in schools.

Accordingly the police inform to all vehicle owners that the parking of vehicles near schools

will not be allowed from 1 pm from sunday (05).because ,the security  forces are preparing to launch 

a special security operations in all school premises in colombo tommorrow.

After schools started,special parking spaces will be assignd for student transporting vehicles and 

staff vehicles for each schools and Police Media Spokesman Superintendent of Police Ruwan Gunasekara says 

that places will be informed to the public throught media within today(05).

Fani hurricane has taken away 12 lives

Twelve people have been killed by the Fani hurricane in India.

Indian media reports say that these deaths are reported from Odisha, which was hit by severe hurricane. Authorities said that they have been able to reduce the deaths due to precautionary measures.

Over 1.2 million people are being held in safe locations due to the disaster situation.

Heavy winds and floods are also reported in many areas.

Bangladeshi authorities have already taken more than a million people to safe locations after the hurricane strikes on the border with Bangladesh.

Foreign media reported that strong winds and heavy rains are still falling in many parts of the country.

A number of houses were damaged and 30 persons were injured when a small girl died.

Advisory Notice for high sea waves

Meteorogical Department announced that  height of  2.5 to 3.5 meters swell waves may occur in near areas off the coast

extending from Mannar to Potuvil via Galle and Colombo.

According to the Disaster Managment Centre this situation could be continued from 2nd to 04th of May.However they have mentioned ,this 

waves are not high as landing areas and also above mentioned sea areas can be rough at times.

Meteorogical department have requested from Navel and fishing communities and those who are living in coastel areas extending Mannar 

to Potuvil via Galle and Colombo, to be vigilant in this regards.The Disaster Managment Centre requests from public to dial 117 in any

emergency.

Masood Ashar in to the list of global terrorists

The head of the extremist Jaish E Mohammed Organization, Masood Ashar, has been admitted to the list of global terrorists. At the same time, his global assets are suspended and imposed a global travel ban and an arms embargo.

The United States, France and Britain proposed a proposal to the United Nations Security Council in March to include the head of the Pakistani islam armed group Jaish Ee Mohammad Organization, Masood Ashar, in the list of global terrorists. However, the proposal was postponed due to a technical issue by China.

With the withdrawal of its protests in China, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) issued a statement yesterday (May 01) to include Masud Ashar in the list of global terrorists.

 Jaish E Mohammad is responsible for the suicide bombing of an army truck in Kashmir, killing 40 Indian soldiers.

As a result, the risk of a war between India and Pakistan has not yet passed.

 The main reason for named as a global terrorist was the links between Masood and Al Qaeda.In 2001,his organization was named as a terrorist organization.

Sunday Mass will resume on May 5th amid tight security

Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith stated that the Sunday Mass will resume on May 5th amid tight security.

He was speaking at a media briefing on 29th April at the Archbishop's House in Colombo.

The Cardinal then said:

It is hoped that this will be accomplished through a series of divine mass at various church. We have asked the government for security.

We plan to work with security measures. Police said that they would support this.

In addition, volunteer committees will be appointed in the church. Through this it will be easy to identify all those who come to the church.

By carefully examining the churches, arrangements will be made to ensure that a certain parcel or suspicious goods are present in the surrounding area. Those who attend the Mass do not have the opportunity to take any bag or a parcel to the Church.

'Foni' cyclone intensity to be high within next 12 hours.

The Department of Meteorology says that the cyclone 'Foni' is being reported from the Southeast of the bay of Bengal on 30th at 02.30pm, from Trincomalee to northeast about 11.1 latitudes with 640 km and 86.5 longitudes. It is assumed that it will be developed to a stormy cyclonic windfall within the next 12 hours and there is a high chance of spreading it to the northeast of India to the ‎Odisha beach. Cloudy skies, strong winds, and heavy showers can be expected to continue over the island and surrounding sea areas.

President decide to ban burqa under emergency law

President Maithripala Sirisena has take  actions to ban any face coverings which can be a  threat to national

or public security and which can be a difficulty to identify individual personal from 29th of April.

It explains that the basic criterion for the identification of a person is the face and it should be clearly exposed through

this order.

The president has decided to take this action to make a peaceful society that does not embrassment to any community and

national security.

Security operations are now underway across the country by the tri forces and police

Military and Armed Forces are continuing to eradicate terrorism which launched brutal

terrorist attacks on April 21, security sources said.

In this context, special focus has been placed on maintaining uninterrupted services for the

general public. With the prevailing conditions, market operations will function as usual, Industry

and Commerce,steps for the resettlement of internally displaced persons in long term will be

taken. Secretary of the Ministry of Co-operative Development and Vocational Training and Skills

Development K.D. N. Ranjith Asoka has said that steps will be taken to ensure smooth

transport.

Additional Railway General Manager (Technical) T.L. Wickramarathne said that all

trains except normal night mail will be operated normally. A railway line security

program is being implemented, and sets of trains that depart from the iron yards will be

checked. He also said that security guards will perform inspections on suspicious

persons and parcels.

According to the normal daily schedule the buses will be operated, but the SLTB has

advised the regional management to identify the needs of the passengers on the

existing situation and have advised the management to operate the buses. Additional

Transport General Manager (Operations) Mr P.R. T. Chandrasiri said.

Special circulars, advisory leaflets and posters have already been issued to educate

employees' of depots and depot management. Private buses are also operating

normally. A special security plan has been put in place to protect the passengers,

Chairman of the National Transport Commission Janaka Mallimarachchi stated.

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation's distribution manager W.M.T.W.A.Bandara has also

said that the distribution of fuel is carried out in an uninterrupted manner. M. T. W. it. Mr.

Bandara said. The distribution of fuel to distant provinces is being carried out without

any hindrance, and the daily delivery of bowsers is in progress, he said. The CPC is in

possession of the required fuel and has ordered fuel for the coming months.

SLPA Director General Capt. Athula Hewavithana said that all the services of the SLPA

are maintained without any problems. Security has been tightened in the prevailing

situation.

The government expects the people to remain calm and peaceful in the present

situation and provide information to the security forces.

Don't  look at all muslims as terrorists

President Maithripala Sirisena has requested from all Sri Lankans  not to look at our country's Muslim community as terrorists. The president  made this statement on 26th morning at the media discussion and he  stated that he's going to appoint a new defense secretary.

President  said that not to look at all muslim people  with  suspicion ,fear or distrust but to protect them.

The president also  stated that there are almost  around 130 extremists in Sri Lanka and all of them will be arrested and will completely defeat the ISIS terrorism from Sri Lanka.

We will continue to assist Sri Lanka as before.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin says Russia will continue to function as a trusted partner of Sri

Lanka in the fight against threat of international terrorism.

Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena in connection

with tragic consequences of terrorist acts. And further stated that,

I urge you to accept the sincere regret for the tragic consequences of the terrorist activities in

several towns in Sri Lanka.

I take this opportunity to confirm that Russia will continue to assisit as a trusted partner in Sri

Lanka as well as in the fight against the threat of international terrorism.

I expect that those who committed brutal and cynical crimes and those who ordered would be

punished.

The people of our country will share the sorrow of the relatives, friends and the loved ones of

the deceased and we wish that those who have been injured will get a quick recovery.

An enormous operation throughout the country to find an extremist group

Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayaka has said that a massive

operation is carrying on to arrest the extremists who have been attacking the innocent civilians.

Within a short period of time the country back to normal.

During the past three decades, terrorism has been destroyed and it has been shown to the

world. The Army Commander says that within a very short period of time, this terrorism will be

completely destroyed and will ensure the safety of the country.

Under the new emergency powers, the de facto three armed forces have received police

powers, and with the support of all other armed forces, nearly seven thousand military

personnel have been deployed in those operations, said the Army Commander.

More than 50 suspects have been arrested in connection with these terrorist activities since

yesterday. Twenty-five vehicles have been tested and two suspicious motorcycles have been

blasted.

Military intelligence operations have also been deployed in the most important areas of the

country, in search of the terrorists.

These operations are being carried out in search of all these things, including suicide bombers

and those who have been deployed for their terrorist activities.

According to military intelligence, members of the terrorist organization have been conducting

various terrorist activities from different parts of the country. We will never allow this terrorist

organization to continue to destroy the country through their activities. At present, security has

been confirmed in all important places, the Army Commander stated.

The police, the Special Task Force and the Navy have assisted this mission.

The rumors that there are bombs are false

The Police Headquarters announced that the news on bombs found in different parts of the island and they have been defused on the internet and on various websites have been false.

Accordingly, the false news which were circulating online regarding the bombs near the Open University in Nawala, Maharagama, Kurunegala Public Supermarket and the bomb that was in a vehicle in Kurunegala town  and defusing bombs at various places in Kottawa and Homagama, Kelaniya. The people were terrified by these news yesterday.

The news on a lorry and the van with bombs which was informed by the police headquarters has been confirmend by the intelligence forces and the police had informed to take necessary actions 

Meanwhile, several websites have reported that there had been news published in a Hindu newspaper in India that the extreme terrorist organization is planning for a second attack. When inquired from a senior police officer, he said that the police had paid attention to the report.

However, the police have been deeply engaged in the attack on those who spread falsehoods in the society, the police have arrested the two persons who had been announced that the water is poisoned in Kiribathgoda and other parts of the country. On the day after they were produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate.

The Police Headquarters urges the public to inform the police about any such false information that is being propagated by and those who are cheating the innocent people.

Today is a national day of mourning

The government has declared to gazette the clauses under section 12 of the Emergency Regulations from midnight on the clauses pertaining to the suppression of terrorism. It has taken steps to provide power to the police and the armed forces to ensure security of the country and the people.

In a statement, it said the decision was taken at the national security council which convened under the chair of President Maithripala Sirisena this morning.

Discussions were held at the meeting to take actions against the organizations involved in the terrorist activities carried out , the terrorists who were arrested and the other forces that encouraged the destruction. The President instructed the police and the three forces to take further actions.

The President also calls on all foreign Ambassadors and High Commissioners in Sri Lanka to clarify the current situation in the country and request international support for Sri Lanka.

Since the intelligence agencies have reported that there are international terrorist organizations behind these incidents, this is expected to seek international assistance in order to suppress them.

President Maithripala Sirisena has advised the security forces to arrange a formal security program for all Catholic churches and security.

The President has instructed the police and the armed forces and the Ministry of Defense to take immediate action on the situation in the country.

Meanwhile, the government has decided to impose a curfew from 8.00 pm tomorrow to 4.00 am tomorrow

BREAKING NEWS

Island curfew has been declared from 6pm today to 6 am tomorrow by the government. A temporary suspension of social media has been imposed by the government.

ISIS suspected for Sri Lanka “Easter Attack”

Six explosions were reported in three churches, Kochchikade, Katuwapitiya and Batticaloa,  and three five star hotels, Cinnamon Grand, ShanGri la and Kingsbury in Colombo this morning, 359 casualties were reported while at least 400 were injured in the incident. 

The security forces are carrying out investigations regarding this incident. ISIS has been in suspension with related to this.

Among the causalities are 35 foreigners and the famous chef Shantha Mayadunne.

Also all private buses transports have been cancelled.

Due to these incidents, all state schools will be closed, tomorrow(22) and Tuesday(23).

A explosion has been reported in a lodge near zoological garden a short while ago.

UPDATE 14:40

The latest incident has been reported from Dematagoda, where an explosion occurred in a housing complex

UPDATE 15:55
The suspects were identified to be religious extremists.

14 killed in road accidents within 24 hours

 Police spokesman SP Ajith Rohana said that a total of 14 persons lost their lives during the 24 hours ended at 6.00 am on 19th.

Thirty deaths have been reported from the 17th of this month. Also, 200 accidents involving injuries to the people were reported during this period, he added. He also pointed out that this situation has not been an expected one.

Police Spokesman SP Ajith Rohana said that around 1000 drunken drivers had been arrested during the period from the 11th to the 16th of this month and the law had been implemented against 30000 motorists.

 

Improving the productivity of local milk is a fake project

In order to become a self-sufficient country in milk productivity and the reducement of importing milk powder,

goverment has been spent Rs.7673.3 Million from 2010 to 2017.However  Sri Lanka Goverment has been imported 84.02 metric tons of

milk powder in year 2011 and 93.12 metric tons in year 2017.

Thus,they have spent Rs.51.63 per 1 litre of milk for increase the productivity of milk powder.

In year 2004,it was planned to launch 1250 outlets to promote liquid milk.But 2013 only 685 outlets were opened by December 31,2013.

Since 283 outlets among of them were opened without any feasibilty study by national livestock development board ,only 34 outlets(12%) had  functioning

by the end of 2017.Only 112 out of 402 outlets that were inagurated at provincial level were functioning by the end of 2016.

A project for importing 2000 dairy cows was carried out,but the auditors' general reports point out that there was no proper policy for that.

Department of National Planning stated that this project is a more risky one and they stated that the diseases from imported cattle can be infected to

local cattle and also for humans.But national livestock development board has been imported 4500 of cattle in 2015 and 3024 of cattle in 2017

without giving any concerned about the above statements.In May 2018,the Ministry of Economic Affairs published a newspaper advertisement for another importation

of 15,000 dairy cows.

Government has misused money by paying an advance of Rs .1749.67 million to the contractor for 12500 animals to be imported in year  

2019 and 2020 and also by giving the public money to a foreign supplier before providing animals

Notre-Dame, one of the most emblematic landmarks of Paris, damaged in a major fire.

A major fire hit on Monday night at the historic cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris, destroying the spire of the monument and most of its roof.

Fire crews and investigators are currently assessing the extent of the damage to the cathedral, which dates back several centuries, less than a day after hundreds of firefighters battled and extinguished the incessant flames.

Still, many of Notre Dame’s most prized relics were saved, including a crown of thorns believed to be a “band of rushes” from the original crown of thorns placed on Jesus’s head during the crucifixion.

The Notre Dame Church, where more than 6,000 devotees can stay at one and the same time, is called the heart of France.

François-Henri Pinault, a French billionaire, has offered to donate € 100 million to the French President Emmanuel MacRon, who has vowed to rebuild the Notre Dame Cathedral.

The first photo of the black hole is released.

For the first time, an European Astronomical Observatory has taken photos of the mysterious black hole.

They also said that the images were taken by the Horizon Space Telescope sent to explore the black hole, which is in no way a painting or a computer drawing.

A photograph has been taken from a telescope that has been placed at a distance of 500 trillion kilometers in black hole.

 

The full details are due to be published.

The black hole has a mass of 6.5 billion times of the sun.

This black hole is known as the vacuum zone in the space. It is commonly said that these black holes possess the ability to swing from any light to a larger dimension

Before the presidential election, Maithri will overturn the government

It is reported that President Maithripala Sirisena is planning to overturn several plans before the presidential election between November 9 and December 9, 2019.

Accordingly, one is a plan by the SLFP who went to the government and return with some of members from the UNP and changed the government by a majority of 113.

It is reported that some advisers have pointed out to the president that the stagnation of Thondaman's Ceylon Workers' Congress and other members of the TNA, the SLMC as well as the All Ceylon Muslim Congress will be able to obtain such an incentive.

When the Prime Minister was removed on October 26th, a group of UNP people had promised to support the President, a senior from UNP stated. Some ministers representing the UNP are even praising and talking about this time.

The President's plan is to have an interpretation from the Supreme Court after the appointment of the new Chief Justice since the date of signing of the 19th amendment  by the Speaker on the 15th of May, 2015. If such an interpretation is received, the four-and-a-half year of the Presidency will be dissolved which is in  2020 will be before the end of the period of the Presidency.

Stay in Good Health and Achieve Greater Heights of Success. Wishing You a Wonderful Year Ahead! ― Happy Sinhala and Tamil

New Year 2019

from SRI LANKA JOURNAL

The government printing press is under the guidence of Gayantha.

The government printing press which was under the President, Maithripala Sirisena has been placed under the authority of Land and Parliamentary Reforms Minister Gayantha Karunathilaka with immediate effect. He has been appointed it with a gazette notification under Gayan Karunathilaka.

Minister Sujeewa at the Global Incentive Conference of Harvard University

 Sujeewa Senasinghe, Minister of Technology and Research participated for the fourth consecutive year for the 11th Annual Global Enrichment Conference (GEM 19) organized by the International Development Center (CID) of Harvard, Massachusetts.

Harvard University has officially invited Mr. Sujeewa Senasinghe to this event and the Conference was held on April 9 and 10.

100 persons including policymakers from international policy makers, CEOs, heads of multilateral organizations and development and launching new research and innovative approaches to promote sustainable clean-up.

At the Global Empowerment Symposium (GEM 19), the necessary issues were discussed in the developing countries for the following issues. 

How does the public sector flourish help us to understand the present level of development? What are the factors that contribute to the evolution of the public sector, political authority, policy priorities and powers? The restrictions imposed by political authority and the reforms in the current state sector, including reforms.

Pearson Institution Director James Robinson, Professor of Philosophy and Professor of Economics and Publishing, attended as the keynote speaker.

The executive education program under the theme "Mastering Trade Policy: Understanding and Acting in Today's Economy", launched by Professor Lawrence Lewandows of Harvard University, during August-September, 2016, and the GEM Summit of 2017 and 2018 by Harvard University's International Development Center Minister Senasinghe and the Harvard University are also engaged in a close relationship.

Therefore, the Minister has been invited to participate in the 11th Global Empowerment Meeting. Minister Senasinghe has had the opportunity to acquire knowledge on a number of specific fields and exchange ideas and it is a great opportunity for the country to open up an opportunity for the country to open up opportunities for Sri Lanka to achieve the expected development targets pursued by a science, technology and innovation based economy pursuing desired development goals.

In the meantime, the minister took steps to educate international experts on the science and technology section of the 'Shilpa Sena' program to bring the science and technology subject area closer to the general public and to develop the necessary links to help the developed countries to obtain the assistance of the developed countries.

AUSPICIOUS TIMES FOR THE SINHALA -TAMIL NEW YEAR

The Sinhala and Hindu New Year 2019 falls on the 14th of April Sunday.

New Vice Chancellor and new Chairman appointed 

Mangala P.B Yapa has been  appointed as the new chairperson of Board Of Investments.

President Media Division stated that the appointment letter was handed over to him by President

Maithripala Sirisena on 11 th of April.

Meanwhile Senior Professor Chandrika  has been appointed as the new Vice Chancellor of the University Of Colombo

and she also recieved her appointment letter from President Maithripala on 11 th of Aprill Morning

US court case against Gotabaya Rajapaksha

It is reported that the daughter of the assassinated journalist Lasantha Wickrematunga, has filed a lawsuit against,the former Secretary of Defense Gotabhaya Rajapaksha in the United States courts.

She has stated that the former Secretary of Defense Gotabhaya Rajapaksha has instructed to kill her father.

The former Secretary of Defense is in a tour in US and he is supposed to come back to the Sri Lanka on the 12th of April.

It was also reported that he has handed over the documents to the US Embassy in Sri Lanka,on the sixth of April for the removal of his American citizenship.

A british lady was sentenced to prison becuse of facebook

A British woman has been sentenced to two years in prison in Dubai for addressing  her former  husband's new wife as a "horse".55-year-old Lalah Shahreshh is arrested in Dubai who came for attending the funeral of her former husband.

She has been living in the United Arab Emirates for eight months in her 18-year marriage. She came to the United Kingdom with her daughter and the husband has stayed in the UAE. Then there was a divorce after that.

She has called her husband's new wife as a horse after she got to know that in 2016 he had been remarried, from facebook.

National  Oil Anointing ceremony on April 17

The National Oil Anointing Ceremony will take place at Sri Subhodhi Rajarama Vihara Premises  under the patronage 

of President Maithripala  Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe and Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine

Dr.Rajitha Senarathne 

Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine Ministry  collbariting with Ayurvedict Department have organized the ceremony 

and it  is supposed to be on 17th of April at 7.40 a.m.

The religious activities will be conducted by  Kaluthara Rathanapura Depalathe  Ven. Halwathure Assaji Thera   during the  Oil Anointing Ceremony

Sri Lanka's first floating solar power station to be built in Maduru Oya

Power and Energy Minister Ravi Karunanayake says that the first floating solar power plant in Sri Lanka will be built with the assistance of Canada. The Minister said that the construction of this power plant is expected to be completed by November this year. Therefore, it is possible to add 100 MW to the national grid from November.

The Minister made this statement after a function held at the Presidential Secretariat Office yesterday morning (09). A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Canadian Government and the Government of Sri Lanka on the construction of a 100 MW floating solar power plant project. 

This event was chaired by the president Maithripala Sirisena, Chairperson of the Ministry of Power and Energy, Ms. Yvonne Chin, Asia Regional Director, Canadian Corporation at the Canadian Government, and on behalf of Sri Lanka Secretary, Ministry of Power, Energy and Enterprise Development Dr. B.M.S.Batagoda signed the relevant agreement.

 Considering the memorandum submitted by the Cabinet of Ministers on the submission of proposals for renewable energy production in the Mahaweli economic zones, Cabinet approval was granted on the 28th of February 2017 for the decision of the floating solar power plant. So far, these floating light bulbs have not been built in Sri Lanka and by now no solar power plants have been installed using battery storage technology.

Canadian Commercial Corporation and Canadian Solar, a Canadian state-owned Canadian Commercial Corporation, have agreed to provide battery-powered electrical appliances, which can be used to store electricity during the night peak demand, as it is expensive at night for high demand. This will hinder the financial loss to the CEB by using diesel engines.

Thunderstorms Expected on Few Provinces

Meteorogical Department announced that thunderstorms are expected in Uva ,Sabaragamuwa and Central Provinces during evening today(10).

There will be showers or thundershowers at several places in the Uva,Sabaragamuwa,Central and Southern provinces and in Anuradhapura and Vavuniya districts and there could  be high probabilty to spread the situation to the Eastern Province and Mullativ.

Several parts of the  Uva,Sabaragamuwa and Central Provinces may expect up to 100 milimeters showers and  heavy lightning can be occur in these areas.

Some parts of in the Western,Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces are likely to be misty on mornings.

Meteorological Department  has said that temporary heavy winds can be experienced during thundershowers on those areas.

Service extension of D.I.G Wickramasinghe and Ravi Seneviratne

Cabinet has given two senior police officers an extension of service for a year.

Uva and Sabaragamuwa DIG SM Wickremesinghe and DIG Ravi Seneviratne of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

This decision was taken at the cabinet meeting held today (09).

The duration of the two Senior DIGs was due to end on April 21 and 22.

2020 olympic medals will be from  garbage dumps

Japan is set to receive gold , silver and bronz metals from discarded mobile phones and other electronic accessories for the winners medals in Olympic and Paralympic games in Tokyo,Japan

  A total of 30$ million worth 30.3 kilograms of gold,4100 silver pounds and 2700 kilograms of bronze will be required and a total of 47,488 tons of electrical waste were already collected by Tokyo City authorities in last November.
Tokyo authorities revealed that the required bronze were collected in last June and 90 gold and 85 pieces of silver being found.They also state that 100% target could be achieved by the end of March.

    Also, the metals required for 30 silver and bronze medals, awarded in the 2016 Rio Olympic festival were acquired from recycled electronic equipments.

Matara-Beliatta railway track opened to public today

The new railway line from Matara to Beliatta was handed over to the public under the patronage of Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Arjuna Ranatunga.

It takes only 20 minutes from Matara to Beliatta. 07 trains will run from the Beliatta railway station, one of them will be traveling to Galle and 04 trains to Maradana and the other two will be traveling to Jaffna and Vavuniya.

The first class train from Beliatta to Matara will be priced at Rs. 120 and the second class will be Rs.70.00. The third class is Rs. 35.00.

The length of this track is 26 kilometers and the construction cost estimate is US $ 278.2 million.

Chinese Exim Bank has provided financial support for this.

Four main railway stations have been established in 'Kekanadura', 'Bambarnanda', 'Vavrukannala' and 'Beliatta' areas and two substations have been established in 'Piladuwa' and 'Weherahena'.

Dry weather spreads viruses.

District Secretary of the Bogawantalawa District Dr. SSJayasooriya said a large number of children and adults are coming for treatment at the OPD of the hospital due to prevailing drought.

These patients are having symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea and pain in the abdomen, some of them are receiving treatment in the hospital, stated the District Medical Officer.

Doctors suspect that this virus had spread among the plantation labourers due to the consumption of unpurified drinking water.

The District Medical Officer requests the residents to drink boiled water in this hot weather and to wash well after using the toilets.

The condition of the patients receiving treatment at the hospital due to the spread of the virus is not critical, the District Medical Officer added.

Indian General Elections to be held on Thursday

The Indian General elections will begin on Thursday, May19, in seven stages, according to the Indian media reports.

 Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial candidate of the Congress Party to contest for two seats.

Political analysts say that the Bharathiya Janatha Party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take the lead in the election campaign.

Seniors have attacked freshers who recorded the ragg given to them

A group of students of the Jaffna University attacked two new students, our reporter said.

The university administration has started an inquiry regarding the incident.

It is reported that the assault had occurred on an incident involving a group of new students who records how seniors ragg freshers .

'Sirisara Aurudu Wana Aranaka Aurudu Udawa'

'Sirisara Aurudu Wana Aranaka Aurudu Udawa' was held yesterday to connect the North and South to promote the concept of reconciliation among the communities. Various cultural events were held throughout the day (06) at the Kongolla dam. The Sri Lanka Army has made all the arrangements.

The inauguration ceremony was held with the patronage of the President Maithripala Sirisena.

Meanwhile, the Kolongolla tank which was renovated by the Sri Lankan Army under the concept of 500 tanks of 'Siripura Piwisuma' National Program by the the President Maithripala Sirisena was opened to public yesterday.

Sharukh Khan got a honours degree

Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan won his fourth honors yesterday (04).

The Honorary Doctorate was offered to him at the University of Law in London. In 2005, he received a Doctorate from Bedford University, Edinburgh University in 2015, and a PhD in 1987 from the National Urdu University. He was awarded Honorary Doctorate by the Law School of London yesterday.

His career as an actor for years as well as his acting role as a filmmaker, television announcer, and actor in the film "My Name Is Khan", appearing on behalf of the Indians' human rights and directly contributing to the prevention and control of polio and anti-HIV He received this Doctorate in a number of matters.

 "If you want to be charitable, do it with silence and respect. Its not good expecting popularity from them.Shah Rukh Khan stated this in his speech after receiving his fourth PhD degree.

 The superstar is now 53 years old.

Another corruption case for Dilhara Lokuhethege

ICC has filed three charges against the former Sri Lankan cricketer Dilhara Lokuhettige. The council has announced that it will be subject to three clauses of the ICC Anti corruption code.

 Earlier, the UAE cricket board had similar allegations against Dilhara Lokuhettige.

In addition, the ICC has also filed charges in this respect.

 One of the charges against him is that he is accused of betting money, for tactics or for motivating someone else to resort to such acts, or engaging with other parties to use currency tactics. The second charge is to encourage to violate the anti corruption code directly or indirectly.

The third charge against him is that the ICC Anti-Fraud Unit has no access to the requirements for investigations into corrupt practices.

Dilhara Lokuhettige has been given 14 days for making representations on these allegations. The ICC said further that the period will be effective from yesterday (04).

A girl who ran to Pope was avoided by the security force

Pope Francis who came to Morocco was warmly welcomed by sixth Mohdad king.

 He invited the pope to visit  Morocco which is a Muslim country to promote religious coexistence. In 1985, Pope John Paul II came to Morocco, and this is the second time a pope came to Morocco.

More than 15,000 people were gathered to streets to see pope Francis on his arrival to the capital Rabath.

Morocco's population is 34,803,500 and about 35,000 are Catholics.

When the Pope was coming to the capital Rabat in a vehicle parade with the King of Morocco, a 17-year-old girl who ran to Pope was avoided by the security force. It was later reported that the girl's parents were severely ill and tried to meet the pope to get help.

Tomorrow the sun will be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka.

According to the department of Met the sun is on it's apparent march from the Southern hemisphere to the Northern hemisphere, and will be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka during the period of 05th April to 15th April 2019.

Accordingly, the sun rises from 12.12 noon to Dikwella, Kekanadura, Kotawila and Midigama areas tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the Department of Meteorology states that a special attention should be given to the hot weather conditions in the North Western, Gampaha, Mannar, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, Hambantota and Monaragala districts tomorrow.

The Department of Met also informs how people should act on such hot weather conditions. Accordingly, drinking sufficient water in the work places and resting as much as possible under shady places is a must.

Also, a special consideration should be given to the elderly and the sick in the home.If in the vehicle, children should be kept inside the vehicle. People in the open air must limit their work and should work in shady places and consume water as much as possible.

In the meantime, wear white or light-colored clothings to reduce the heat.

A petrol station in Kothalawala has been robbed

A robbery of rs 30000 from a petrol station was reported in kothalawala kaduwela area yesterday (2).Two unidentified persons covering the faces came by a motorcycle have fired to the sky and robbed the money in the drawer, police media spokesman's office stated.

The suspects have not been revealed yet. No casualties have been reported from this incident.Nawagamuwa police are conducting investigations into the incident.

Makadure Madush has appealed not to deport him to Sri Lanka. 

A Sri Lankan lawyer says that Madhush who is currently under arrest in Dubai Police has appealed to the High Court of Dubai not to deport him to Sri Lanka.

According to the sources Madhush has said that the appeal had been made by him that he was acting as a businessman, running a ManPower company and that there were many of his assets in that country. Although Madhush was known to be an international drug smuggler, he has not yet faced any charges related to drug trafficking in Dubai.

He has stated that, if he was to be deported to Sri Lanka, he will lost all his assets in Dubai. Furthermore he has stated that he has found all theses assets by maintaining a registered business in Dubai and he wish to serve for Dubai. And also he has pointed out some more facts in the appeal.

The first term of schools will be over on 5th April

The first term of the Government and Government approved Sinhala and Tamil media schools will be closed on April 5, said the Ministry of Education.

Accordingly, the second term will commence on the 22nd of April.

The first term for Muslim schools will end on April 11 and will be reopening for the second term on Wednesday 17th April

A lake in Australia turned in to pink colour

This is how a lake in Westgate Gardens in Melbourne has naturally rose pink.

 It is said that it produces red color pigments known as beta carotene by the algas of the algae, with higher sunshine, low rainfall and hot temperatures.

 It was changing its colour in the summer season since 2013.

We can also observe these type of lakes in Spain, Canada and Senegal.