February 17, Colombo (LNW): In response to the sweltering heat across the country, the Ministry of Education has issued a strong advisory urging schools to refrain from sending children outdoors in the intense midday sun.

Secretary of the Ministry, Nalaka Kaluwewa, highlighted the dangers posed by the extreme weather and stressed the importance of safeguarding students from excessive heat exposure.

“Given the current heatwave, it is imperative that we ensure the well-being of our schoolchildren,” Mr. Kaluwewa stated. “We will soon circulate guidelines on how inter-house sports events should be conducted during this period, with a focus on minimising any health risks to the children.”

To ensure the measures are in line with health and safety standards, the Ministry plans to consult with health experts before finalising and distributing the official circular.

These guidelines will include recommendations for limiting outdoor activities, as well as adjusting the duration of sports events to avoid long periods of exposure to the extreme heat.

February 17, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has revealed that the government’s comprehensive plan to drive the nation’s development will be unveiled in the upcoming budget speech, which is scheduled for presentation in Parliament today (17).

Speaking at a public gathering in Mullaitivu, the Prime Minister emphasised that the 2025 budget would focus on ensuring equitable progress across all regions of the country, ensuring that every citizen of Sri Lanka reaps the benefits of the proposed development.

Dr. Amarasuriya stressed that the government is determined to create a nation where no citizen lives in fear, and where development is not limited to urban areas or only a select group of people.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to broadening access to opportunities, thereby ensuring that growth reaches every corner of the island, including remote rural areas.

Highlighting the importance of addressing rural poverty, the Prime Minister outlined that a significant portion of the government’s efforts will focus on revitalising key sectors such as agriculture and fisheries, which are critical for the livelihoods of rural populations.

She pointed out that initiating new policies and programmes in these sectors would be vital to stimulating growth and empowering communities.

Dr. Amarasuriya also mentioned that the government is deeply committed to creating an administration that listens to the voices of the people.

She stressed that the government’s focus on inclusive development would be at the heart of the 2025 budget, which, according to the Prime Minister, will serve as a detailed roadmap for achieving national prosperity.

As President Anura Kumara Dissanayake prepares to present the budget in Parliament later today, all eyes will be on the plan that promises a balanced and inclusive approach to the country’s future.

February 17, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has recently received crucial laboratory reports from India and Germany concerning the human immunoglobulin drug, a matter that has drawn considerable attention.

Police confirmed that a team of officers had been dispatched to both nations to gather the necessary documentation and scientific analysis.

The reports, which are expected to play a pivotal role in ongoing investigations, will now undergo a detailed review. The Attorney General’s Department of Sri Lanka has indicated that the findings will be used as key evidence in the case.

Legal authorities have made it clear that a final decision regarding the situation will be made once all aspects of the reports are thoroughly scrutinised and understood.

The human immunoglobulin drug issue has sparked widespread interest due to its potential implications on public health and regulatory standards.

As the authorities await further analysis, the matter continues to unfold, with the results from the international laboratories expected to provide vital insight into the drug’s safety and efficacy.

February 17, Colombo (LNW): Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged in a productive meeting with Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference held in Muscat on Sunday (16).

Jaishankar, sharing details of the discussion on social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), described the meeting as “productive,” and said they had taken stock of the “wide-ranging cooperation” between India and Sri Lanka.

He reiterated India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and progress during the meeting.

The ongoing conference, taking place in the Sultanate of Oman, carries the theme ‘Voyage to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership.’ It is aimed at fostering dialogue on various regional and global issues, including enhancing maritime cooperation, boosting trade, addressing sustainable development, and safeguarding maritime security, with a strong focus on ensuring freedom of navigation and the use of modern technologies for improving port security and governance.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar also met with former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, another key figure at the conference, as the discussions continued around vital issues impacting the region.

The Indian Ocean Conference is an important platform for countries surrounding the Indian Ocean to engage in dialogue and collaboration on shared challenges and opportunities.

Organised annually by India’s Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with the India Foundation, the event serves as a flagship consultative forum for deepening relationships, particularly in the areas of maritime security, trade, and regional cooperation.

February 17, Colombo (LNW): In a move aimed at highlighting ongoing concerns within the Department of Irrigation, the Assistant Engineers have announced their decision to take trade union action by reporting sick for today (17) and tomorrow (18).

The protest, which has been organised by the engineers’ association, is a direct response to unresolved issues surrounding the department’s promotion system.

According to Niroshan Silva, the President of the Association, the decision to take such action stems from long-standing frustrations with the promotion process, which the engineers believe has been inefficient and unfair.

He emphasised that despite numerous attempts to resolve the matter through dialogue with authorities, the issues have not been adequately addressed, prompting the union to take this step.

The union has expressed hope that this action will prompt immediate attention from relevant authorities, urging them to take decisive steps to improve the promotion procedures and address the grievances of the staff.

February 17, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is poised to witness the presentation of its 2025 Budget today, marking an important milestone as President Anura Kumara Dissanayake delivers his first-ever budget speech since assuming office.

Parliament will convene at 10:30 AM for this momentous occasion, with all eyes on the President as he outlines the fiscal priorities for the coming year.

On February 16, the final draft of the budget was presented to the President for review at the Presidential Secretariat. President Dissanayake and Finance Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana engaged in critical discussions centred on the country’s economic strategy for 2025, with particular emphasis on ensuring fiscal stability and promoting growth across various sectors.

The President’s Media Division (PMD) reported that these consultations are an integral part of the budget’s formulation process.

In a statement on the social media platform ‘X,’ President Dissanayake expressed his commitment to a budget that aims to foster national progress and stability, reinforcing his administration’s focus on sound fiscal management.

This sentiment reflects his vision of guiding the country through a period of recovery and development following the economic challenges of recent years.

As part of the preparatory process, a key meeting took place on February 13 to review the final stages of the budget’s preparation.

This session, chaired by President Dissanayake, was attended by various ministers and senior government officials, including the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mahinda Siriwardana.

Earlier, on January 9, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya introduced the Appropriation Bill, which outlines the allocation of government funds for the 2025 financial year.

The second reading of this bill, which will feature the President’s budget speech, is scheduled to take place today, with the debate continuing through February 18-25.

The debate will span a full seven days, allowing members of Parliament to engage in detailed discussions on the budget’s provisions.

A crucial vote on the second reading of the bill is set for February 25 at 6:00 PM, followed by the Committee Stage Debate, which will be spread over 19 days, including four Saturdays, from February 27 to March 21.

The third reading and final vote on the bill will take place on March 21 at 6:00 PM.

Throughout the debate period, Parliament will allocate time from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM for five questions to be answered orally, with the main debate running from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM each day.

Additionally, motions for adjournment will be scheduled from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM, except on days when votes are held, such as February 25 and March 21.

The Cabinet’s spokesperson, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, highlighted in a press briefing last November that the government intends to present the 2025 Budget with a clear focus on strengthening public trust and setting the stage for long-term national development.

This focus will be aligned with the priorities of various ministries, ensuring that the budget reflects the country’s strategic goals while adhering to limits set by the Public Finance Management Act of 2024 and the overarching Government Policy Statement.

February 17, Colombo (LNW): A few showers may occur in Uva province and in Batticaloa, Ampara and Hambantota districts, with showers or thundershowers being expected to occur at a few places in Galle, Matara, Kalutara and Rathnapura districts in the evening or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (17).

Mainly dry weather will prevail over other areas of the island.

A cold weather can be expected in the Northern, North-central provinces and Trincomalee district during the early morning.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Badulla district during the morning.

Marine Weather: