News

Strong earthquake in Indian Ocean: Tremors in Colombo and other areas

Published

2 years ago

July 2, 2023

editor

A 5.8 Richter scale magnitude earthquake yesterday hit the southeast of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean, triggering widespread tremors across the country, including Colombo, the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau said.

The bureau’s Acting Director General Ajith Prema told the Sunday Times that the earthquake was felt in many areas such as Colombo, Battaramulla, Pepiliyana, Galle, and Akuressa.

The earthquake took place at 12.59 p.m., some 1,200 km southeast of Hambantota.

“The earthquake took place at a depth of 10 kilometers. Therefore, there is no threat of a tsunami or impact on Sri Lanka,” he said.

Mr Prema said they were expecting aftershocks as the initial earthquake recorded a 5.8 magnitude on the Richter scale. He added they were monitoring the situation to see if there would be aftershocks and further tremors.

The acting DG said Sri Lanka had been experiencing mild earth tremors during recent times but had not experienced strong earthquakes yet.

He said yesterday’s earthquake was a strong one as it was felt by Sri Lankans who are residing 1,260 km away from the epicentre. He added that geologists and scientists believed that a new plate margin was being created in the Indian Ocean’s south and southeastern regions, extending up to Australia. Therefore they believed tremors and earthquakes took place due to this phenomenon.

(sundaytimes.lk)

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

18 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 12-hour water cut from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday (May 25) in several areas, including Colombo, due to essential maintenance work at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant.

Due to this, the public is urged to make prior arrangements and store an adequate supply of water to avoid inconvenience during the period of the suspension.

Accordingly, the water cut will affect the following areas:

Colombo 01 to Colombo 15
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Kaduwela
Battaramulla
Kolonnawa
Kotikawatta
Mulleriyawa
IDH (Infectious Diseases Hospital) area
Maharagama
Dehiwala
Mount Lavinia
Ratmalana and Moratuwa

News

Investigations underway to arrest 20 criminals hiding overseas

Published

19 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Public Security states that investigations are underway to arrest 20 members of major organized crime gangs currently hiding overseas.

Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that Interpol has already issued red notices for their arrest and that the countries where these criminals are hiding have been identified.

He added that investigations into the group have been expanded in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since the new government came to power, 11 members of organized crime gangs hiding abroad have been brought back to the island and produced before courts.

Meanwhile, operations to arrest members of organized crime gangs involved in various criminal activities, including murder and drug trafficking, within the country are also ongoing.

The Minister added that the Police Special Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are jointly conducting investigations into the allegations against them.

News

Ex-Minister Duminda Dissanayake arrested

Published

19 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

Former Minister and Anuradhapura District Organiser of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) – Duminda Dissanayake, has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the discovery of a gold-colored T-56 assault rifle at a luxury apartment complex in Havelock Town, Wellawatte.

The firearm, found earlier this week, led to the arrest of 03 suspects, based on information revealed during interrogations conducted in connection with the incident.