உலகம்

A group of opposition members of the Ambalangoda Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) has staged a walkout during the monthly council meeting, claiming that the session was illegal.

10 Opposition members including former chairman of the Ambalangoda PS and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) member – Pushpalal Kumarasinghe had left the council chamber in this manner.

However, opposition member – H.L. Krishantha of the independent opposition group did not join the boycott and remained in the council chamber.

(Source & pics: Lankadeepa)

The Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the Homagama Base Hospital has been digitised for patient admission and registration, while a new telemedicine system also introduced to enable remote video consultations and patient management.

The initiative was launched yesterday (July 01) under the patronage of Minister of Health and Mass Media – Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, the Ministry of Health said.

The maiden patient registration under the newly digitised ETU system was carried out in the presence of the Minister.

A remote consultation via telemedicine was also used to monitor and manage a patient at the Padukka Hospital under his observation.

Officials said the new system is expected to bring several benefits to hospital administration and service delivery, including reduced operational costs, improved efficiency, optimised use of hospital capacity, data-driven decision-making, and easier exchange of patient records and laboratory data.

The Department of Meteorology says strong winds may occur in several areas due to active southwest monsoon conditions currently prevailing across the island.

An “Amber” advisory has been issued in this regard, effective from 11.00 a.m. today (July 02) until 11.00 a.m. tomorrow (July 03).

Accordingly, strong winds of 40–50 km/h may occur intermittently in the Central, Northern, North Central and North Western provinces, as well as in the Hambantota and Trincomalee districts.

The advisory also covers sea areas extending from Kankesanthurai to Kalpitiya via Mannar and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota, where rough sea conditions and strong gusty winds of up to 50-60 km/h are expected.

The Department said wave heights may increase to around 2.0-2.5 m in sea areas off Chilaw to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.

Naval and fishing communities have been advised to remain vigilant and follow future forecasts issued by th

Rescue teams in Venezuela find signs of life 1 week after quakes as death toll soarsAs the death toll jumps to nearly 2,300, rescuers found a man who was seen waving his hand from beneath the debris.

Nearly 50,000 people remain unaccounted for in the wake of Venezuela’s powerful earthquakes as the death toll continues to climb, officials said.

At least 2,295 people have died and another 11,267 were injured from the pair of earthquakes that struck on June 24, knocking down buildings and sending residents racing into the street, Venezuelan lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez said Wednesday.

A child receives emergency attention after being rescued by a Jordanian team from under rubble following earthquakes in Venezuela, in a location given as Caracas, Venezuela, June 30, 2026.

Rodriguez said 26,403 people have been impacted, including those who lost homes or saw serious damage to their homes.

One week in, rescue efforts are ongoing.

The University of the Visual and Performing Arts in Colombo has been temporarily closed due to the rapid spread of dengue fever, Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Madhura Seneviratne has said.

He said the decision was taken as a preventive measure to control the spread of the disease after 36 students were diagnosed with dengue, while several others were reported to be suffering from another type of fever. 

Accordingly, academic and examination activities at the university have been postponed, and all hostels have been closed.

The university operates 02 main hostels located in Rajagiriya and Dehiwala. The Ministry of Education has said dengue transmission has reportedly increased in those surrounding areas as well.

The university is scheduled to reopen on July 13.

Wildlife officers and veterinary officials have begun treatment for a sick elephant found collapsed near the Sengamuwa Tank area within the Lahugala National Park, the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) said.

The treatment is being carried out by the veterinary surgeon D.B.N. Pushpakumara, who is attached to the office of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Ampara, along with wildlife officers, since June 30.

The elephant is a male, nearly 07 feet in height and estimated to be 30-35 years old.

Wildlife officials at Lahugala National Park have provided the animal with food and water while using a tent-like covering for protection.

The elephant is being continuously monitored, and treatment will be continued based on its condition.

(Pics: DWC Facebook page)

முன்னாள் அமைச்சர்களான சி.விஜயபாஸ்கர், எம்.ஆர்.விஜயபாஸ்கர் ஆகியோரும் இன்று (ஜூலை 2) தவெகவில் இணைந்தனர்

Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply – Dr. Susil Ranasinghe says the government has no plans to increase water tariffs over the next 06 months despite the prevailing economic conditions.

Although water tariffs are scheduled to be reviewed every 06 months under the tariff revision mechanism, the government did not increase charges during the first half of 2026.

Accordingly, the state owned ‘Dinamina’ reports that the existing water tariff will remain in effect until Dec. 31, with no revision from July 01.

The Minister has said the decision was taken as the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) had not incurred any high additional costs for water treatment during the first 06 months of 2026.

He also noted that although electricity tariffs increased by 18%, electricity accounts for only around 12% of the overall water tariff, resulting in an additional cost of only Rs. 2.50 per unit of water.

Wildlife officials and environmentalists have warned that pilgrims bringing animals along on the annual ‘Pada Yathra’ to the Kataragama Esala Festival could attract predatory wild animals when travelling through forests, posing a serious risk to devotees.

The warning was issued during a meeting of the Kataragama Esala Perahera organising committee.

Deputy Director of the Disaster Management Centre – Ravindra Kumara, told the committee that following the participation of ‘Aloka’, the canine that accompanied the ‘Ehipassiko’ peace walk, some devotees have taken inspiration and have begun bringing their own dogs on the pilgrimage.

Wildlife officials and military personnel cautioned that the presence of dogs could attract wild animals, including leopards, sloth bears and pythons, into areas frequented by pilgrims, creating a significant safety hazard.

Therefore, they urged devotees not to bring animals on the pilgrimage.