News

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

Published

3 weeks 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

SJB establishes control of Seethawakapura UC

Published

6 hours ago

July 15, 2025

editor

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has established control of the Seethawakapura Urban Council.

At the council’s inaugural meeting held today (July 15), SJB candidate Sunil Jayaratne was elected Chairman through a secret ballot.

Ajith Wijayamuni Zoysa, who ran as an independent, secured the post of Deputy Chairman.

News

SL delegation leaving for US this week for tariff talks

Published

6 hours ago

July 15, 2025

editor

A Sri Lankan government delegation is scheduled to leave for the United States this Friday (July 18) to negotiate a further reduction in the tariffs imposed on Sri Lankan exports to the US, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said.

The Foreign Minister made this statement while speaking to the media following an event held in Colombo today (July 15).

A recent announcement made by the US President on July 09 saw the reduction of reciprocal tariff tariffs to 30% from the initially imposed 44%.

The new 30% tariff is scheduled to take effect on August 1, 2025.

Related News :

Sri Lanka hit with 30% US tariffs

US trade tariffs : GoSL to continue talks

News

Laws against shooting of wild jumbos, to be tightened

Published

12 hours ago

July 15, 2025

editor

A meeting was held today (July 15) at the Ministry of Environment with officials from the Department of Wildlife Conservation, aimed at tightening laws against the shooting of wild elephants.

The discussion was chaired by the Minister of Environment – Dr. Dammika Patabendi, along with the Deputy Minister of Environment – Anton Jayakody.

Noting that incidents of elephant shoots are regularly reported to the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Minister instructed the Director General of the Department to take the necessary steps to strictly enforce the law against such acts.

The discussion also focused on strengthening the process of punishing offenders by updating laws related to the killing of wild animals. It also emphasized enforcing strict laws against the illegal construction of electric fences on private lands, which often harm elephants.

To help reduce human-elephant conflict, the Ministry and the Department are working together on long-term, positive solutions. Accordingly, elephant fences are being built in districts with frequent elephant encounters.

Furthermore, multi-purpose officers have been recruited for the maintenance of these fences and the involvement of civil defense personnel is also being considered.

The Department of Wildlife Conservation announced that a special media briefing will be held in the coming days to inform the public on these initiatives.