News

Sri Lanka has recorded at least 10 to 15 forest fire incidents so far this year as prolonged hot weather continues to affect several areas, according to Disaster Management Centre Director Pradeep Kodippili.

Speaking to the media, Kodippili warned that the number of forest fires could climb further if the prevailing dry and high-temperature conditions continue.

He stressed that public cooperation is essential in protecting forested areas, noting that preventing such fires plays a vital role in reducing weather-related impacts and preserving the environment.

Authorities are urging communities to act responsibly as concerns grow over the increased risk posed by ongoing heat and dryness.

Israeli police announced that holy sites in Jerusalem will reopen to visitors and worshippers on Thursday morning.

‘‘Hundreds of police officers, Border Police forces, and volunteers will be deployed throughout the city, along major routes, in the Old City, and at holy sites, in order to enable safe access for all worshippers and visitors while upholding a safe environment for the freedom of worship, maintaining public order, and ensuring public safety,’’ according to a statement from the Police Spokesperson’s Unit, News.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Authorities expect it to be busy and have asked the public to remain patient, listen to police instructions and report any concerns.

The announcement was made shortly after Israel said it was loosening wartime restrictions, paving the way for schools and workplaces to reopen.

Israeli authorities had restricted access to religious sites in East Jerusalem amid the war with Iran, including al-Aqsa Mosque, the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Last month, there was widespread backlash when two senior leaders of the Catholic Church in Jerusalem were initially blocked from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to mark the start of Holy Week on Palm Sunday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly reversed the security precaution and granted them access. Arrangements were made between church leaders and officials for the rest of the Easter week.

Source: News.Az

A 12-hour water cut will be imposed in the Homagama and Pelenwatta areas today (09) and tomorrow (10) due to the prevailing dry weather conditions, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) announced.

Accordingly, the water supply to Homagama and surrounding areas will be suspended from 8.00 p.m. today (09) until 8.00 a.m. tomorrow (10).

The water cut will affect the Homagama town, Wekanda Road, Pinketha Road, Walawwa Road, Gemunu Mawatha, Athurugiriya Road, Galawilawatta, Niyandagala, Mahakatuwana, Magammana, Deniya and Diyagama, the NWSDB said.

Meanwhile, the water supply to Pelenwatta, Siddamulla, Arawwala, Niwanthidiya, Bokundara Road, Rathmaldeniya, Maharagama–Piliyandala Road, Moraketiya Road, Hiripitiya, Gorakapitiya Road, Niyandagala Road – Dolekade Junction, Kudamaduwa (along the 255 bus route), and Pubudu Mawatha (along the 255 bus route) will be suspended from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. tomorrow (10).

(Adaderana.lk)

A police raid in Kalutara has led to the arrest of a man allegedly attempting to sell a rare Valampuri conch shell for millions of rupees.

The suspect was taken into custody yesterday afternoon (08) near the Kalutara depot during an operation carried out by officers from the Kalutara Divisional Criminal Investigation Bureau. The raid was launched following a tip-off received by investigators.

Police revealed that the seized Valampuri conch shell had reportedly been prepared for sale at an estimated price of Rs. 3.5 million.

Following the arrest, both the suspect and the conch shell were handed over to the Kalutara South Police Station for further action.

Authorities identified the arrested individual as a 51-year-old resident of Kurunegala.

Kalutara South Police are continuing investigations into the incident.

Minister of Health Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has announced that the discussion scheduled for today (09) with the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) will not be held.

Speaking in Parliament on the ongoing strike launched by the GMOA, the Health Minister stated, “If this is how they behave, I will not proceed with the discussion that was planned for today. This strike is unjustified, and as a government, we are prepared to face it.”

He further alleged that the strike is being carried out by a small group with political motives and urged them to refrain from continuing the trade union action. The Minister also assured that newly appointed medical officers, who are expected to assume duties from today, will be provided with necessary security and encouraged them to report to work without fear.

Addressing concerns over post-intern medical appointments, the Health Minister emphasized that if there were any irregularities in the appointment process, the appropriate course of action would be to seek legal recourse through courts.

He pointed out that the strike has already continued for five days and questioned its timing, noting that it comes amid a crisis in the Middle East.

Minister Jayatissa added that the strike is based on objections to post-intern appointments, with the GMOA insisting on being involved in preparing the appointment list.

The Minister clarified that transfer boards are not relevant to first appointments and alleged that a group of doctors had attempted to intimidate others in Colombo, warning them against accepting appointments.

Despite undue pressure, out of 453 doctors, 436 had applied by April 4 expressing their willingness to accept the appointments. Of the remaining 17, 16 had not properly completed their internship requirements, leaving only one doctor who had not applied.

Health Minister Jayatissa therefore concluded that the ongoing strike lacks any basis.

(Adaderana.lk)

Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei has instructed all its military units to stop firing after agreeing to two-week ceasefire with the United States. But, at the same time, it made it clear that this is not the end of a war.

In a statement read on state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), Khamenei said: “This is not the end of the war but all military branches should follow the Supreme Leader’s order and cease their fire.”

Iran made it clear that ceasefire does not imply end of the war and its hands remain upon the trigger in case the enemy- US or Israel - act in any way.

In a statement released after ceasefire announcement, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said: “It is emphasised that this does not signify the termination of the war... Our hands remain upon the trigger, and should the slightest error be committed by the enemy, it shall be met with full force.”

Iran’s 10-Point Proposal

US and Israel launched a joint strike against Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the first day of the war. Over the past 39 days, several people across countries have been killed in the conflict.

Thanking people of Iran for their sacrifices, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said: “Now we give the great nation of Iran the good news that nearly all the objectives of the war have been achieved, and your brave children have brought the enemy to historic helplessness and lasting defeat.”

Tehran further confirmed that negotiations talk will be held in Islamabad on Friday, April 10.

The US had sent a 15-point proposal to Iran, seeking ceasefire and received a revised 10-point proposal as a basis for negotiations. Sharing the details of the proposal, Iran said it emphasised fundamental points such as “controlled passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with Iran’s armed forces; the necessity of ending the war against all components of the Axis of Resistance; the withdrawal of US combat forces from all bases and positions in the region; establishing a safe transit protocol in the Strait of Hormuz that guarantees Iran’s dominance according to the agreed protocol; full payment of damages to Iran according to estimates; the lifting of all primary and secondary sanctions and resolutions of the Board of Governors and the Security Council; the release of all of Iran’s blocked assets and properties abroad; and finally, the approval of all these items in a binding UN Security Council resolution.”

(Adaderana.lk)

Residents in several parts of Sri Lanka will witness a unique celestial event today (09) as the sun appears directly overhead at around 12:12 noon.

The locations closest to this phenomenon include Chilaw, Bingiriya, Halmillawewa, Panduwasnuwara, Gokarella, Kawudupelella, Koppaveli and Kirankulam.

According to the Department of Meteorology, this occurs because of the sun’s apparent northward relative motion. Between April 05 and April 15, the sun is expected to pass directly above different latitudes across Sri Lanka.

When the sun reaches its zenith at solar noon, it appears positioned straight overhead, causing vertical objects to cast little to no shadow.

Authorities explained that this is a natural annual event caused by the Earth’s tilt and orbit, reflecting the sun’s apparent transition across the equatorial region.

Lanka IOC PLC (LIOC) has announced a price increase across several fuel categories, with the revised rates coming into effect from today (April 8).

The company confirmed that the price of Super Diesel has been raised by Rs. 18, setting the new retail price at Rs. 600 per litre. The adjustment marks a notable change for consumers relying on diesel amid ongoing fluctuations in fuel costs.

In addition to Super Diesel, LIOC has also updated the pricing of its premium fuel range. Under the revised structure, XtraGreen Diesel is now priced at Rs. 620 per litre, while XtraMile Diesel stands at Rs. 590 per litre. Meanwhile, XtraPremium Petrol has been set at Rs. 465 per litre.

The latest revision reflects changes implemented by the company across its premium product lineup, impacting both diesel and petrol consumers nationwide.