News

President reiterates SL’s support to establish Palestinian State while ensuring Israel’s security

Published

1 year ago

February 16, 2024

nipuni

In a significant diplomatic encounter, Israel’s Minister of Transport and Road Safety, Brig. Gen. Miri Regev, convened with President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The meeting delved into crucial matters concerning the safe return of Israeli hostages, with President Wickremesinghe affirming Sri Lanka’s unwavering commitment to advocating for their safety. Furthermore, amidst the ongoing hostilities in Gaza, the President called for an immediate cessation of violence, underscoring the paramount importance of peace and stability in the region.

Highlighting Sri Lanka’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, President Wickremesinghe reiterated the nation’s support for the establishment of a Palestinian State. He also emphasized the significance of ensuring Israel’s security, fostering a balanced approach to regional peace.

Accompanying the President were Chief-of-Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, and Director of International Affairs Dinouk Colombage, underscoring the significance of the discussions held between the two nations.

The meeting signifies a continued effort by Sri Lanka to engage diplomatically on pressing international issues, reflecting the country’s commitment to fostering peace and stability on the global stage.

(President’s Media Division)

News

SLAF helicopter crashes into Maduru Oya during training session

Published

1 hour ago

May 9, 2025

editor

A Bell 212 helicopter belonging to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has reportedly crashed today (May 09) into the Maduru Oya Reservoir.

The incident occurred during a training exercise held as part of the Sri Lanka Army Special Forces passing-out ceremony in Maduru Oya.

The aircraft was carrying ten Special Forces soldiers and two pilots at the time of the incident.

All personnel reportedly escaped without fatal injuries. Several have been hospitalised for treatment.

News

American Cardinal elected as new Pope: Pope Leo XIV

Published

1 hour ago

May 9, 2025

editor

Following a 02-day papal conclave, American Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the new Pope yesterday (May 08) evening, Vatican time.

At 69, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the 267th Pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.

He becomes the first American to ascend to the papacy in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.

Pope Leo XIV now assumes spiritual leadership of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

The election follows the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City, a day after participating in Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.

News

Heavy rains expected in the afternoon

Published

3 hours ago

May 9, 2025

editor

The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 p.m. today (May 09).

Showers may occur in Western province and in Puttalam, Galle and Matara districts in the morning too.

Fairly heavy rains above 50 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Northern and North-central provinces.

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 Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Ampara and Polonnaruwa districts during the morning.