Connect with us

News

State-of-the-Art Disaster Early Warning System launched

Published

on

Under the auspices of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, a sophisticated disaster early warning system was officially introduced today (19), marking a collaborative effort involving the Disaster Management Centre, Sri Lanka Telecommunication Regulatory Commission and major telephone service providers including SLT Mobitel, Hutch, Dialog and Airtel. 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalizing this strategic initiative was also signed at the President’s Office today. 

Director General of the Disaster Management Centre Major General S. Ranasinghe (Retired) and Director General of the Sri Lanka Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Mr. Madhushanka Dissanayake, were the signatories to the MoU. Notable stakeholders, including Group Chief Executive Officer of Dialog Axiata Mr. Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive Officer of Sri Lanka Telecom Mr. Janaka R. Abeysinghe, Chief Executive Officer of Bharti Airtel Lanka Mr. Ashish Chandra, Chief Operating Officer of Mobitel Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Sudarshan Giganage and Acting Chief Executive Officer of Hutchison Telecommunications Lanka Pvt. Ltd Mr. Samitra Gupta were actively involved in the signing ceremony.

The primary objective of this state-of-the-art disaster early warning system is to fortify the existing mechanism, ensuring the safety and well-being of Sri Lankan citizens amidst various disasters, including those caused by weather and climate changes. The system leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver more effective early warnings through telephone communication networks.

Specifically focusing on tsunami disasters, the system targets nearly sixty thousand (60,000) mobile and landline numbers in 14 districts identified as high-risk areas. It is designed to promptly issue an immediate early warning in the form of a distinctive “Ring Tone” notification accompanied by a siren sound.

This will establish a more robust early warning mechanism for the public, utilizing phone notifications featuring a siren sound, particularly effective during night-time hours.

Scheduled for a public rollout on “National Security Day” on December 26, 2023, the system’s scope is anticipated to expand in the future, evolving into a comprehensive multi-disaster early warning mechanism. This expansion aims to include landslides and floods, further enhancing its utility and impact.

The high-profile event was attended by key dignitaries, including State Minister for Defence Mr.  Pramita Bandara Thennakoon, President’s Senior Advisor on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Mr. Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary to the Defence Ministry General Kamal Gunaratne (Retired) and Directors of the Disaster Management Centre, Brigadier T.C. Harasgama and Mr. Pradeep Kodippili were among others. 

(President’s Media Division)

News

Thushara Upuldeniya granted bail

Published

on

By

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to suspended Prisons Commissioner General Thushara Upuldeniya.

Upuldeniya was previously remanded over allegations of facilitating the unlawful release of an inmate from Anuradhapura Prison under the guise of a presidential amnesty.

Continue Reading

News

Wimal appears before CID

Published

on

By

National Freedom Front (NFF) leader and former MP Wimal Weerawansa appeared before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to provide a statement regarding remarks he made about a shipment of 323 containers linked to a provincial governor.

He was summoned to record a statement in connection with multiple complaints received over his comments made during a media briefing on January 29.

Following his remarks, Western Province Governor – Hanif Yusoof lodged a complaint with the CID on January 30, claiming he was targeted through social media posts.

Police said that several other parties have also filed complaints related to the same incident.

Continue Reading

News

Neurosurgeon’s daughter granted bail

Published

on

By

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has ordered the release on bail of Hemali Wijerathna, daughter of Dr. Maheshi Surasinghe Wijerathna, a consultant neurosurgeon at the Sri Jayawardenapura General Hospital, who is currently in remand custody.

Colombo Chief Magistrate – Tanuja Lakmali Jayatunga ordered that the suspect be released on a personal bail of Rs.500,000.

She was arrested by the Keselwatta Police and produced before court.

Meanwhile, the case filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against her for allegedly threatening CIABOC officers is scheduled to be taken up again today (July 09).

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Sri Lanka Mirror. All Rights Reserved