Showers will occur at times in Sabaragamuwa province and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, the Department of Meteorology said.

Several spells of showers will occur in the Western and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts today (June 23).

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the afternoon or night.

Fairly strong winds of about 30-40 kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central, Southern and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee district.

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

Italy-based Sri Lankan sprinter Yupun Abeykoon recorded an impressive return to form by clocking a season-best 10.18 seconds to win the final ‘B’ of the 100m at the 2025 International Athletic Meet (Continental Tour Bronze Event) in Dessau, Germany on Saturday.

The 2021 Tokyo Olympian, who boasts a personal best of 9.96 seconds, has been gradually regaining his rhythm after struggling with injuries last year.

Abeykoon, the South Asian record holder in the 100m, continues to lead the regional rankings as the fastest athlete in South Asia this year, while also being joint 16th on the Asian list for 2025.

At 30 years old, Abeykoon now sets his sights on qualifying for the World Championships in Tokyo next September, where the direct entry standard stands at 10.00 seconds. (D.R)

The Women and Child Affairs Ministry has launched a campaign to protect children on the streets, often involved in child labour, begging or other street-based activities.

The Ministry states that children on the streets face numerous risks including violence, exploitation, and limited access to basic services like healthcare and education. They are often involved in child labour, begging, or other street-based activities, which can further expose them to harm and hinder their development.

The Sri Lanka Police and the National Child Protection Authority, have identified 21 vulnerable minors through operations conducted in selected police divisions in the districts of Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Anuradhapura, Ratnapura, Galle and Matara recently. The children have now been taken into the custody of officials and placed in protective custody. The Ministry urge public who have information about children involved in child labour, begging, or other street-based activities or in any other unsafe situation to contact the 1929 Child Support Service of the National Child Protection Authority or the 109 Emergency Call Service of the Police Child and Women Abuse Prevention Bureau.

Also, such cases can be reported to any Police station in the island or the field officers of the Women and Child Affairs Ministry attached to the Divisional or District Secretariats.

Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savitri Paulraj stated at a media briefing held recently that existing laws against forcing children to beg, child labour and engaging them in hazardous jobs including domestic work will be strictly enforced.

Accordingly, the Minister is planning to present a proposal at the next Cabinet meeting stating the urgent need to make the implementation of these laws mandatory from July 1.

(dailynews.lk)
(This story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)