News

‘Red’ warning issued over strong winds and rough seas

Published

4 months ago

September 9, 2024

editor

The Department of Meteorology has issued a ‘Red’ warning for strong winds and rough seas for naval and fishermen communities in the deep-sea areas in the Bay of Bengal Sea.

The Depression located over the Northwest and adjoining West-Central Bay of Bengal has intensified into a Deep depression and located near 18.9N and 86.3E at 1800UTC on 08 September, the department added.

Furthermore, the Met. Department warned that it is very likely to move nearly Northwestwards and cross Odisha coast Near Puri at 0600UTC of today (Sep. 09).

Meanwhile, very strong winds 70-75kmph, accompanied with heavy rainfalls and very rough seas are likely over the sea areas bounded by 13N – 20N and 83E – 95E, it added.

Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into the sea areas marked by the “Warning” category on the map below, until further notice. Naval and fishing communities are also requested to be attentive to future forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard, it added.

News

2 Chinese nationals arrested at BIA with gems worth over Rs. 17 mn.

Published

10 hours ago

January 14, 2025

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Two Chinese nationals have been nabbed at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) last night (Jan. 13) after attempting smuggle a stock of gemstones out of the country.

The customs officers had apprehended the 45-year-old male and his 21-year-old daughter who had hidden gemstones in their undergarments, reports say.

According to Sri Lanka Customs, he stock of gemstones includes Moonstones, Hessonite Garnets, Star Sapphires, Cats Eyes and Emeralds weighing around 689.5 grams in total and valued around Rs. 17,450,875.

News

100 families in Suduwella village, evacuated

Published

11 hours ago

January 14, 2025

editor

100 families residing in Suduwella village, Gal Oya have been evacuated to safety, District Secretary of Ampara District, Chinthaka Abeywickrama says.
Noting that the Gal Oya is near to breaching its banks, Mr. Abeywickrama has said that the evacuation was done in the face of a possible flood situation.

Meanwhile, the banks of the Gal Oya have been severely eroded in the Kota Vehera area.

News

Samarasinghe blames previous govt. again for red rice shortage

Published

11 hours ago

January 14, 2025

editor

Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe has yet again blamed the previous government for the current shortage of red rice in the local market.

Speaking to media, the minister criticised a policy implemented by the previous government that distributed 20 kg of red rice to households indiscriminately.

However, he has assured the public that the situation will improve soon and that the supply will normalise in the coming months.

“Red rice is an essential food item, especially during the Thai Pongal celebrations, and we are aware of the anxiety caused by this shortage. Plans are afoot to stabilize supply ahead of upcoming harvests,” Samarasinghe stated.