News

Warning over heavy showers & rough seas

Published

9 months ago

October 12, 2024

editor

The Meteorology Department has forecast that the prevailing showery conditions will persist in the south-western part of Sri Lanka due to an atmospheric disturbance near the island.

Showers or thundershowers are expected at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-western, and Central provinces. Heavy rainfall of about 100 mm is likely in some areas within Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as in Galle and Matara districts.

Other parts of the island may also experience evening or nighttime showers, with fairly heavy rainfall above 75 mm in some locations.

Rough seas & strong winds
The Department of Meteorology has issued a ‘Red’ alert for the sea areas off the coasts extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle.

The advisory, issued at 08.30 a.m. this morning (12), will be effective for the next 24 hours until 08.30 a.m. on Sunday (13).

The sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle will be very rough at times with very strong gusty winds up to 60-70 kmph, it added.

Meanwhile, the wave heights may increase about 2.5–3.0 m in the sea areas off the coast extending Colombo to Hambantota via Galle and Matara, according to the Met. Department.

Thus, naval and fishing communities are requested to be attentive in this regard.

News

Navy rescues Indian fishermen from capsized boat off Talaimannar (Pics)

Published

2 hours ago

June 28, 2025

editor

The Sri Lanka Navy has rescued 04 Indian fishermen aboard an Indian fishing boat capsized in the Sri Lankan waters off Talaimannar on June 25.

Upon receiving the distress alert, a team of the Special Boat Squadron stationed at SLNS Thammanna, under the North Central Naval Command swiftly launched a search and rescue operation. During the rescue mission, the naval personnel located the overturned Indian boat, capsized after being caught in rough seas north of Sand Dune VII, and safely rescued all four fishermen.

The rescued individuals, identified as residents of Rameswaram, India, were brought ashore by the Navy and provided with necessary assistance.

The fisherman in good health condition were subsequently handed over to the Talaimannar Police for onward action. The Sri Lanka Navy remains vigilant in assisting distressed maritime and fishing communities within Sri Lankan waters, reaffirming its commitment to maritime safety and humanitarian efforts.

(Pics : navy.lk)

News

Validity of re-entry visa extended for Lankans working in Israel

Published

2 hours ago

June 28, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism has issued a special notice for Sri Lankans working in Israel.

A statement issued by the ministry states :

Due to the unstable situation in the Middle East region, the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) of Israel has decided to extend the validity period of the re-entry visa of those who have come to Sri Lanka possessing a re-entry visa with the hope of returning to their respective employments in Israel until 2025.07.31.

Accordingly, as international flights to Israel have started presently, those who came to Sri Lanka on re-entry visa have the possibility to return to work in Israel until 31.07.2025 even after the expiry of the re-entry visa.

All relevant institutions have been informed in this regard.