News

India assists rescue of distressed SL fishermen

Published

9 months ago

August 23, 2024

editor

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo at Navy Headquarters, in collaboration with MRCC Chennai, coordinated the successful rescue of four (04) fishermen from a distressed local fishing boat.

The fishermen, stranded approximately 447 nautical miles (827 km) off Point Pedro on Sri Lanka’s east coast, were rescued by an Indian fishing trawler directed by MRCC Chennai.

The rescue operation was reported to MRCC Colombo on 21st August 2024.
The local fishing boat (Reg No. 1DAY-A-0184 KMN) was reported to have left the Point Pedro Fisheries Harbour with 04 fishermen on 07th July 2024 for a fishing voyage. Meanwhile, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) alerted MRCC Colombo established at the Navy Headquarters to assist the crew members onboard as their fishing boat was in distress.

In response, MRCC Colombo sought assistance from MRCC Chennai to rescue the stranded fishing boat. MRCC Chennai then directed the Indian fishing trawler Thomas Mery (Reg No. TN 02 MM 1976) to rescue the Sri Lankan fishermen. After the successful rescue, the fishermen were handed over to an Indian Coast Guard ship. On 21st August, MRCC Chennai informed its Colombo counterpart that the rescued fishermen were being transported to Chennai by the Indian Coast Guard.

The Sri Lanka Navy in coordination with MRCC Colombo continues to exemplify its dedication and unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives within Sri Lanka’s search and rescue jurisdiction and beyond, serving as a beacon of hope and security for seafarers and the fishing community.

(navy.lk)

(This story, originally published by navy.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

10 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Medical Research Institute of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the Asian region has also been identified in the country.

Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a specialist in viral diseases at the Medical Research Institute, stated that patients infected with the Omicron subvariants LF.7 and XFG are being reported locally.

Dr. Jayamaha explained that this finding was confirmed through research conducted on biological samples collected from several hospitals across the island.

However, he emphasized that there is no need for undue fear regarding these COVID-19 variants.

Health authorities have also stressed the importance of vulnerable groups—such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—following health guidelines, including wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places.

Dr. Jayamaha reiterated that new COVID-19 variants emerge periodically, and health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, so the public should remain calm.

(newswire.lk)

(This story, originally published by newswire.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Anudi misses out from Miss World Quarter-Finals

Published

10 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Miss World organization has announced its quarter-finalists, selecting 40 contestants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara, was not selected in the top 40, despite being recognized for her impressive performances in the Multimedia and Head-to-Head challenges.

The top 40 consisted of 10 contestants each from Asia & Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas.