By: Isuru Parakrama

April 27, Colombo (LNW): The National People’s Power (NPP) hosted a public rally yesterday (26) in the Pudukkudiyirippu area, as part of its preparations for the forthcoming Local Government elections.

The event was spearheaded by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who addressed a large and attentive crowd.

In his speech, Dissanayake stressed the critical importance of securing victory at the upcoming elections, framing it as a necessary step to maintain and strengthen the country’s recent progress.

He remarked that, after many years of hardship and stagnation, Sri Lanka had finally begun to chart a more hopeful course. Dissanayake cautioned that allowing this newfound direction to falter would only set the nation back.

Reflecting on the country’s painful past, he spoke movingly about the devastation wrought by the prolonged conflict between the North and South. He highlighted the enormous human cost, with countless innocent lives lost and families torn apart by the violence.

Dissanayake urged all Sri Lankans to move beyond the bitterness of history, emphasising the need for reconciliation and unity across ethnic and communal lines.

He called upon the people to embrace the vision of a shared homeland, where every citizen, regardless of background, could feel an equal sense of belonging and pride. Stressing that unity must be at the heart of the country’s future, he noted that true national strength would come from solidarity rather than division.

In a gesture aimed at fostering this spirit of togetherness, Dissanayake announced plans for a National Cultural Day to be held in October.

The celebration would serve as a platform for all communities to come together, celebrating their rich diversity while reinforcing the common bonds that tie the nation together, he remarked.

April 27, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Examinations has announced that it will begin accepting applications for the re-evaluation of GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examination results from May 02.

Students wishing to request a reassessment of their examination scripts must submit their applications online through the department’s official website, onlineexams.gov.lk.

The deadline for submissions has been set for May 16, and applicants have been encouraged to adhere strictly to the given timeframe to avoid any delays or complications.

This announcement follows the recent release of the A/L examination results, where 177,588 students were reported to have met the eligibility criteria for university admission.

However, the Department also revealed that the results of 456 students have been suspended pending further investigation.

April 27, Colombo (LNW): In preparation for the upcoming Local Government elections, the National Election Commission has confirmed that the distribution of polling cards will proceed today (27), despite it being a Sunday.

This move forms part of the Commission’s efforts to ensure all registered voters receive their official documents ahead of polling day.

Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake stated that the delivery process, which commenced on April 16, is progressing as planned and will conclude on Tuesday, April 29.

He urged voters to ensure they receive their polling cards by the stipulated date to avoid any complications when casting their ballots.

Voters who have not received their official polling cards by the end of the distribution period have been advised to personally visit their nearest post office.

Upon presentation of their National Identity Card (NIC), they will be able to collect their polling cards directly. The Election Commission has emphasised the importance of this step to maintain the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process.

April 27, Colombo (LNW): The Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court has issued a prohibition order against four individuals, barring them from entering or remaining in the vicinity of examination centres today (27), as the Ministry of Health conducts competitive recruitment examinations for supplementary health service courses.

The court action followed a request by the Officer-in-Charge of the Maradana Police Station, who reported credible intelligence indicating plans to stage a protest intended to disrupt the examination process.

Police stated that there were concerns the demonstration could dissuade or intimidate candidates intending to sit the exams, which are crucial for recruiting graduates into key health sector roles.

Those named in the court order include M.N.M. Nustri, co-convener of the Allied Health Science Graduates’ Union, Nandun Dasharika Hewapathirana, secretary of the union, Madushan Chandrajith, convener of the Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF), and Ravi Kumudesh, chairman of the Joint Council of Supplementary Medical Professionals.

Under the court’s directive, these individuals are forbidden from entering the Colombo hospital square within the Maradana Police Division and from engaging in demonstrations or protest marches that could obstruct pedestrian access along major roads such as Deans Road, De Saram Road, Kinsey Road, and Regent Street. This measure specifically seeks to prevent disruptions to the operations of hospitals and medical facilities located in these areas.

The order also extends to prohibiting loitering or staging protests in front of two of the designated examination venues — the School of Nursing Colombo and the Post Basic College of Nursing — during examination hours, which run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.

The Ministry of Health confirmed that the competitive examination, organised by its Examinations Division, is being held across four locations: the School of Nursing Colombo, Post Basic College of Nursing, College of Nursing in Kandana, and the Castle Street Hospital for Women.

The tests are scheduled to commence at 10 a.m. and are critical for filling vacancies in the roles of Medical Laboratory Technologists, Radiographers, and Physiotherapists within the public healthcare sector.

Candidates were notified through mailed admission cards ahead of the examination date, with the Ministry emphasising the importance of maintaining order to ensure the smooth and fair conduct of the process.

April 27, Colombo (LNW): The special public exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, known as the Siri Dalada Wandanawa, is set to conclude today (27) at the historic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, drawing overwhelming numbers of devotees right up to its final hours.

The veneration ceremony, which has been taking place daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., witnessed a surge of worshippers gathering from across the island, forming long queues stretching through the ancient city’s streets.

Despite the impending closure of the event, thousands continue to make the pilgrimage to pay homage to the revered relic of Lord Buddha, with many braving long waits in the spirit of devotion.

Throughout the duration of the exposition, numerous individuals and religious organisations generously organised Dansal (alms giving) and offered various services to the devotees, creating a vibrant and deeply spiritual atmosphere across the city.

Temporary shelters, refreshment points, and first aid stations were also set up to accommodate the needs of the visiting crowds.

This year’s Siri Dalada Wandanawa holds particular significance as it marks the first time in 16 years that the Sacred Tooth Relic has been displayed for public veneration. The event officially commenced with ceremonial observances on April 18, followed by a 10-day public exposition beginning on April 19.

In just over a week, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of devotees have participated in this rare religious occasion, demonstrating the enduring importance of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Sri Lankan Buddhist culture.

To support the influx of pilgrims and maintain the city’s sanctity, the Central Province authorities have initiated a comprehensive city-wide cleanliness drive. Chief Secretary of the Central Province, Ajith Premasinghe, announced that efforts to clear garbage and improve sanitation in and around Kandy have been intensified, beginning today, to restore the city following the massive turnout.

April 27, Colombo (LNW): The Intertropical Convergence Zone (where winds from the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere converge) affects the island’s weather, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (27).

Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island during the afternoon or night.

Several spells of showers may occur in Western province and in Puttalam, Mannar, Jaffna, Galle and Matara districts in the morning.

Heavy falls about 100 mm are likely at some places in Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, Eastern and North-central provinces and in Vavuniya, Mullaittivu and Kurunegala districts.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Centraland Uva provinces during the morning.

Marine Weather:

Sri Lanka’s export sector is gaining significant traction, recording a solid recovery in the first quarter of 2025 with earnings exceeding $4.2 billion—marking a 5.87% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

According to the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), this growth reflects continued resilience and rising global competitiveness across both merchandise and services exports.

March 2025 stood out with total exports surpassing $1.5 billion, up 6.24% year-on-year (YoY) and 11.76% higher than in February 2025. This sharp rise highlights the country’s growing momentum in international trade.

“This positive export performance underscores Sri Lanka’s growing prominence in global trade and reflects the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to enhance export competitiveness,” EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe stated, commending the adaptability and resilience of local exporters.

Merchandise exports in March reached over $1.2 billion, led by strong contributions from gems and jewellery, and petroleum products. In the first three months of 2025, merchandise exports totaled over $3.3 billion, reflecting a 4.61% YoY growth.

Meanwhile, services exports for March were estimated at $291.12 million, up 7.79% from March 2024. In the first quarter, the sector earned $887.04 million—a robust 10.88% YoY increase. Key service categories such as ICT/BPM, logistics, construction, and financial services were major contributors to this growth, also generating high-value employment opportunities.

The apparel and textile sector performed strongly with a 11% YoY rise, generating over $1.3 billion in Q1. Agriculture exports also soared, with tea earnings up 5% to $370.95 million, coconut-based exports jumping 26.44% to $257.46 million, and spice and concentrate exports surging 71.43% to $119.04 million.

Transport and logistics services saw a 25% YoY increase in Q1 to $506.88 million, while ICT/BPM services earned $352.53 million, up 11%.

 Looking ahead, Sri Lanka has set an ambitious $19 billion export revenue target for 2025—$14 billion from merchandise and $4.2 billion from services—aiming to reach $36 billion in total export earnings by 2030.

Among Sri Lanka’s top export destinations, the United States, United Kingdom, India, Germany, Netherlands, France, and China all showed positive growth. The U.S., which accounts for 23% of Sri Lanka’s exports, rose 13.83% in March 2025 and 9% for Q1, totaling $775.6 million.

Exports to the UK grew 10.71% in March and 4.74% in Q1, while exports to India and Pakistan under Free Trade Agreements climbed 24.02% YoY in March, totaling $95.89 million.