News

Health guidelines for pilgrims at ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’

Published

8 hours ago

April 22, 2025

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The Health Promotion Bureau of the Ministry of Health has issued several health guidelines to crowds attending the ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ exposition.

Accordingly, the Bureau has urged pilgrims to do the following:

Drink water frequently to avoid dehydration and avoid sugary drinks.
Consume cooked food brought from home soon as possible. Avoid consumption if it feels spoiled.
If you are a person who takes daily medications (for illnesses such as epilepsy, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.), take them on time.
Keep extra medication at hand to last for a few more days.
If you are suffering from a long-term illness, keep a photocopy of your diagnosis or clinic card with you.
Keep your phone number attached into your child’s pocket or clothing.
When in queues, stay calm. A disturbance by a single person could result in a stampede. Let’s avoid accidents.
Take only essentials with you and help reduce waste. Put trash in designated bins whenever possible. Be responsible.
If a health issue occurs, seek immediate assistance from officials stationed along the routes or from established health centers.
Avoid train accidents when on trains and on train platforms. Avoid hanging from windows or carriages.
Drive your vehicle carefully and within designated speed limits. Drive responsibly to avoid road accidents.
Carry a small bar of soap or hand sanitizer to maintain your personal hygiene.
Use mosquito repellents (such as Citronella oil).

Today is the 05th consecutive day of the ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ with the exposition to be held from 11.00am – 5.30pm.

News

Weather advisory for severe lightning & heavy rain

Published

2 hours ago

April 22, 2025

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The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning for strong lightning and heavy rain in several parts of the country, effective until 11:00 pm today (April 22).

Thundershowers accompanied by intense lightning are expected this evening and tonight in the Eastern, Uva, Central, and Northern provinces, as well as in the Hambantota and Polonnaruwa districts.

Temporary strong winds may also occur during these storms.

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News

Police appoints committee to study PCOI report on Easter Sunday bombings

Published

2 hours ago

April 22, 2025

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Sri Lanka Police have appointed a four-member committee to study the final report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Easter Sunday bomb attacks.

According to Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manathunga, the committee is headed by a Senior DIG, Asanka Karawita.

The remaining members consist of the DIG in charge of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the Director of the CID, and the Director of the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID).

He added that several more sub-committees have been appointed under the purview of the main committee.

News

Pope Francis’s funeral on April 26

Published

4 hours ago

April 22, 2025

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Pope Francis’s funeral will take place on Saturday (April 26) at 10:00 local time (09:00 BST, 08:00 GMT), the Vatican confirms.

The funeral will take place outdoors in front of St Peter’s Basilica.

The dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, will lead the service.

At the end of the funeral, Re will deliver the final commendation – a concluding prayer where the Pope will be formally entrusted to God – and the body moved to St Mary Major for the burial.

The Vatican has also released images of Pope Francis in an open coffin, dressed in a red robe with the papal mitre on his head and a rosary in his hand.

He will be taken to St Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning (April 23), where his casket will remain until burial for the public to pay their respects.

The Pope’s coffin will be there until the burial for the public to pay their respects.

His body is currently laid out in a coffin in the chapel of the Santa Marta residence, where he lived during his 12-year papacy.

The pontiff’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from Catholics across the globe. From South Sudan to Argentina, Poland to the Philippines.

(BBC News)