Sri Lanka’s efficient and high-quality healthcare system has led to the eradication of polio, measles, rubella, and neonatal tetanus, while also successfully controlling other vaccine-preventable diseases such as hepatitis B, according to Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

Speaking at the National Immunisation Summit held recently at BMICH, Colombo, the Minister emphasized Sri Lanka’s commitment to expanding vaccine coverage and enhancing public health services. The event, held after a decade, was jointly organised by the Health and Media Ministry and the Epidemiology Unit, with support from WHO, GAVI, and UNICEF.

Experts at the summit reviewed current immunisation programmes, explored technical adjustments, and discussed the introduction of new vaccines over the next five years. The recommendations will be key in shaping policies under Sri Lanka’s National Immunisation Programme.

Dr. Jayatissa reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s alignment with WHO’s Global Immunisation Agenda 2030, focusing on new technologies, improved vaccine accessibility, and enhanced service delivery. He also acknowledged GAVI’s supportin sustaining vaccination efforts amid economic challenges and outlined plans to strengthen supply chains and public health services.

Sri Lanka’s immunisation efforts date back to 1886, with the first smallpox vaccine, and the country launched the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) in 1978 under WHO guidance, with UNICEF’s support.

The summit was attended by key figures, including Kalutara District MP Nihal Abeysinghe, Health and Media Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Health Services Director General Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Hasitha Tissera, UNICEF Representative Christian Skoog, WHO Representative Dr. Alaka Singh, GAVI Programme Manager Dr. Masafumi Singh, university heads, pediatric specialists, and medical researchers.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya is currently on an official visit to Paris, France, to participate in the International Expert Conference on Anuradhapura’s World Heritage Conservation at UNESCO Headquarters on April 1. The high-level segment of the conference includes the participation of UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

Organized by UNESCO in partnership with Sri Lanka, the conference brings together international experts to discuss sustainable strategies for preserving Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of immense cultural and historical importance.

In addition to attending the conference, Prime Minister Amarasuriya is scheduled to meet senior officials of the French Government to discuss bilateral cooperation and areas of mutual interest.

The Prime Minister is accompanied by Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, as part of the official delegation.

The vessels “BUNGO” and “ETAJIMA” of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) arrived at the Port of Colombo this morning (April 01) on a goodwill visit.

The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ships in accordance with naval traditions. According to a statement by the Navy, JMSDF BUNGO, a 141-meter Uraga-Class Minesweeper Tender, is commanded by Commander Tanaka Kojiand operates with a crew of 125 personnel. Meanwhile, JMSDF ETAJIMA, a 65-meter Minesweeper, is under the command of Commander Oda Takayuki and has a crew of 54 personnel.

During their stay, crew members will visit several tourist attractions in Colombo. The ships are scheduled to depart from Colombo on April 04.

The Department of Meteorology has issued a warm weather advisory for today (02), warning that temperatures in several provinces and districts may reach the ‘Caution’ level on the heat index.

According to the advisory, the heat index—reflecting the temperature felt on the human body—is expected to rise in the Northern, Western, North-Western, and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as in the Anuradhapura district. Under the ‘Caution’ level, prolonged exposure and physical activity may lead to fatigue, while continued exertion could result in heat cramps.

The public is advised to stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade, and limit strenuous outdoor activities. Additionally, people are urged to check on the elderly and sick, avoid leaving children unattended inside vehicles, and wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated using relative humidity and maximum temperature, representing the temperature felt on the body rather than the actual recorded temperature. The forecast is generated by the Department of Meteorology using global numerical weather prediction models.

The new National People’s Power (NPP) Government has announced plans to develop Palali International Airport as part of its efforts to revitalize the economy of the Northern region, which has been severely affected by the war.

Government’s Vision for Palali Airport

Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Ratnayake emphasized the strategic importance of Palali International Airport during an inspection visit on Sunday (30). He stated that the government is prioritizing the airport’s expansion due to rising demand from both local and foreign tourists.

Minister Ratnayake engaged with airport staff and assessed existing facilities, assuring that the government will provide the necessary guidance and support to upgrade infrastructure and operations.

Key Development Plans

• Upgrading Infrastructure: Enhancing airport facilities, including extending the runway and improving the terminal.
• Tourism Facilitation: Supporting Northern travelers, particularly those who currently rely on Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.
• Legislative Reforms: Amending aviation laws to accommodate domestic flight operations more effectively.
• Business-Oriented Strategy: Implementing new business plans based on feasibility studies to ensure long-term sustainability.

The Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services confirmed that funding is available for these development projects, paving the way for swift implementation.

Government’s Commitment

Minister Ratnayake stressed the urgency of transforming Palali into a fully functional international airport. “These development works are feasible, and we aim to commence construction very soon,” he affirmed.

The inspection visit was attended by Fisheries, Aquatic, and Ocean Resources Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Members of Parliament, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, and officials from Airport and Aviation Services.

The Board of Governors of the President’s Fund, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has decided to extend financial assistance to support the uninterrupted education of children from families impacted by frequent elephant intrusions into their villages.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Priority will be given to families who have lost a member or have individuals injured due to elephant intrusions. Additionally, children from families that have suffered property or crop damage as a result of such incidents will also be eligible to apply.

Eligibility will be assessed based on observations made by the respective Divisional Secretaries. Families must have children enrolled in school from Grade 1 up to the G.C.E. Ordinary Level or Advanced Level to qualify. The assistance applies to families affected by elephant intrusions on or after January 1, 2025. However, students already receiving the G.C.E. Advanced Level scholarship under the President’s Fund will not be eligible.

Financial Assistance Details

• Students from Grade 1 to Grade 11 will receive a monthly allowance of LKR 3,000 for up to 12 months.
• Students in Grades 12 and 13 will receive LKR 5,000 per month for the same period.
• Disbursement of funds is set to commence on April 1, 2025.

Divisional Secretaries have been instructed to gather details of eligible students, conduct personal assessments, and submit applications along with their recommendations to the Secretary of the President’s Fund without delay.

The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has announced a special bus service to facilitate travel during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period.

According to Panduka Swarnahansa, Deputy General Manager of the SLTB, 500 additional buses will be deployed to accommodate passengers traveling to their hometowns for the celebrations.

• Phase 1 (April 9–13): Special buses will be available for those traveling to their villages.
• Phase 2 (April 16–20): Services will cater to those returning to Colombo after the festivities.

This initiative aims to ensure safe and efficient transportation during the peak travel season, easing congestion and providing convenience to the public.

The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has raised serious concerns over financial mismanagement at the Gem and Jewellery Authority (GJA), questioning the rationale behind spending Rs. 2 billion on renting a separate building instead of renovating its own facility for just Rs. 21 million, as estimated by the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB).

Questionable Relocation and Excessive Rental Costs

COPE’s inquiry revealed that the Authority vacated its original building in 2021 due to structural issues caused by an adjacent shopping complex. Despite receiving a Rs. 3 million monthly compensation offer from the responsible company, the Authority rejected it and relocated, incurring substantial rental expenses. COPE strongly criticized this decision as an irresponsible misuse of public funds, further straining government resources.

Lack of Transparency in Gem Mining and Court Proceedings

The committee also scrutinized unauthorized gem mining activities in Heraniaka, raising concerns over the lack of proper approval processes and the unexplained contract extensions granted to private companies. COPE expressed dissatisfaction with officials’ failure to provide clear explanations, leading to recommendations for an internal investigation and possible referral to the Commission for Investigation of Bribery or Corruption.

Additionally, COPE condemned the release of a Rs. 2.5 billion gem consignment that had been seized by the court for under-valuation. Instead of imposing the maximum fine of Rs. 333,000, only a Rs. 10,000 penalty was enforced. Officials argued that the case was a breach of conditions rather than a criminal offense, but COPE dismissed this justification, accusing them of misleading the committee.

Regulatory Gaps in Imports and Exports

The committee further highlighted significant gaps in the regulation of gem imports and exports. Despite its mandate, the Authority lacks a dedicated imports division, leading to taxation inconsistencies. Data shows that between 2022 and 2024, only 1,664.06 kg of gems were re-exported out of a total of 46,815.94 kg imported, raising concerns about potential tax discrepancies.

As a corrective measure, COPE has directed the Gem and Jewellery Authority to develop a robust regulatory framework to enhance transparency in exports and ensure proper revenue collection while fostering industry growth. The committee also demanded a comprehensive report detailing gem imports, exports, and tax evaluations.

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

Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in Central, North-western and North-central provinces and in Mannar and Vavuniya districts.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-central and Uva provinces and in Kurunegala districts during the morning.

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