A coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation led by the Sri Lanka Navy, following information received from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo, resulted in the successful rescue of four Indian fishermen stranded off the western coast of Sri Lanka yesterday (July 06).

The operation was launched after MRCC Mumbai alerted its Colombo counterpart regarding an Indian fishing vessel that had gone missing on June 29, following severe weather and loss of communication. Responding promptly, the Navy deployed Fast Attack Craft from the Western Naval Command to search the area off Chilaw, where the distressed boat was located.

The rescued fishermen, all residents of Minicoy Island, India, were safely brought ashore at Dikovita Harbour, where they received immediate support from the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard. Following preliminary medical assessments, the individuals were handed over to the Wattala Police for further procedures.

(PIc : navy.lk)

Former Minister Duminda Dissanayake and three other suspects have been further remanded until July 15, after being produced before the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court today (July 07).

Dissanayake was arrested in connection with the discovery of a gold-plated firearm at the Havelock City housing complex. 

Services of the Election Commission have been temporarily suspended from today (July 07) until further notice.

In a statement, the Commission announced that the suspension is due to essential maintenance work currently being carried out.

Accordingly, all e-services including facilities for checking voter registration details, online voter registration, obtaining voter statements, and requesting quotations related to other districts, will remain unavailable until further notice, the statement adds.