Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defense welcomed a significant shipment of specialized Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Equipment under the Chinese Military Grant scheme.
The formal handover ceremony took place at the Army Headquarters, presided over by Qi Zhenhong, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka, and General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence.
The event included the official signing of documents pertaining to the grant of equipment between Ambassador Qi Zhenhong and Kamal Gunaratne.
A video documentary showcasing the enduring bonds of goodwill and understanding between the two countries’ militaries was also presented during the ceremony.
As part of the consignment, Sri Lanka received eighteen REOD 4000 Explosive Ordnance Disposal medium robots, eighteen REOD 400 Explosive Ordnance Disposal robots, ten Anti-Explosive Blankets, and ten Explosion Protection Tanks and Vehicles.
Ambassador Qi Zhenhong symbolically handed over this equipment to Defense Secretary Kamal Gunaratne, who then presented it to the Commander of the Army.
The gathered senior officers and invitees had the opportunity to closely inspect the new equipment, which is expected to significantly enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Sri Lanka.
Among the distinguished attendees were Army Commander Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Major General W.H.K.S. Peiris, the Chief of Staff of the Army, and Colonel Gao Bin, Deputy Defense Advisor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka, along with other senior officers, officers, and personnel.
Postal voting for the 2025 Local Government (LG) Election is scheduled to end today (April 29).
The Chairman of the Election Commission – R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, mentioned that eligible government officials who missed casting their votes on the previous days will have the opportunity to do so today.
The marking of postal votes commenced on April 24, with additional opportunities provided on the 25th and 28th.
The Election Commissioner has also emphasised that the deadline given to cast postal votes will not be extended under any circumstance.
Meanwhile, distribution of official polling cards for the LG elections will also be concluded today and according to Postmaster General P. Sathkumara, the process is nearly complete.
The Department of Meteorology says that the Intertropical Convergence Zone, where winds from the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere converge, affects the island’s weather.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island during the afternoon or night today (April 29)
Showers may occur in Southern and Western provinces and Puttalam, Mannar and Jaffna districts in the morning too.
Heavy rainfall of about 100 mm is likely at some places in Central, Uva, Eastern and North-central provinces and in Vavuniya and Mullaittivu districts.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central and Uva provinces during the morning.