The Department of Meteorology has issued a red warning for strong winds and rough seas, effective from 2:30pm today (June 13) until 2:30am tomorrow (June 14).

This warning applies to the sea areas extending from Chilaw to Kankesanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar, and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota.

Wind speeds in these regions may reach 60–70 kmph at times, causing very rough sea conditions.

Authorities advise the public and coastal communities in these areas to exercise extreme caution. Meanwhile, maritime and fishing communities have been strongly advised to avoid sailing in the affected sea zones until further notice.

Stay tuned to official weather updates and follow all safety instructions issued by local authorities.

Anuradhapura Prison Superintendent Mohan Karunaratne has been remanded until June 23 following his appearance before the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court today (June 13).

Karunaratne was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on June 08 over the alleged unauthorized release of an inmate convicted of multiple counts of fraud and corruption under a presidential amnesty.

The Order under the Convention Against Doping in Sports Act, scheduled to be taken up for debate in Parliament on June 17 for the purpose of being passed, has received the approval of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Youth Affairs and Sports.

This approval was granted at the meeting of the said Committee held today (June 13) at Parliament, chaired by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage. 

Deputy Minister of Sports, Sugath Thilakaratne was also present at this Committee meeting held.

At the meeting, officials stated that, in relation to sports, Sri Lanka is legally updating the relevant regulations through this Gazette notification in accordance with the list published annually by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). It was further pointed out by the officials that certain substances are newly added to the list while some are removed from it. For instance, the substance “Caffeine” has now been removed from the list.

In addition, matters such as the possibility of obtaining the assistance of the Ministry of Sports for inter-university sports competitions, challenges related to establishing youth societies across the island, the shortage of youth service officers, and the need to develop sports including cricket at the rural level were raised by the MPs present at the meeting. Accordingly, the Minister instructed the relevant officials to take prompt action regarding these matters.Members of the Committee, Members of Parliament who are non-member members, and a group of officials including the Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports were present at this committee meeting held.