News
No danger posed by ship carrying Uranium – MEPA
By Ifham Nizam
A team of scientists from the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) who yesterday visited the MV BBC Naples, which was carrying Uranium Hexafluoride and docked at the Hambantota Harbour, said that the cargo was secure and posed no danger.
Earlier, State Ministry of Solar Power, Wind & Hydro Power Generation Projects Development earlier said that legal action would be taken against Wilhelmsen Meridian Navigation Ltd, the local agent for M.V. BBC Naples for violating the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Act, No. 40 OF 2014. However, it is understood they will have to reverse their decision based on MEPA findings yesterday.
MEPA General Manager, Dr. Terney Pradeep Kumara told The Island that the vessel docked because of a technical difficulty and had obtained the assistance of the engineers.
“Everything is under control and the ship is now sailing towards China,” he added.
He said the MV BBC Naples was anchored six nautical miles away from the Hambantota International Port, and engineers attended to the technical issue.
Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council said the vessel was transporting uranium for use in nuclear power plants.
M.V. BBC Naples was sailing under the flag of “Antigua & Barbados.” Sri Lanka Navy and Customs confirmed cargo wasn’t unloaded to the Hambantota Port.
Chandula Rambukwella, the Senior Manager- Commercial & Marketing for Hambantota International Port Group Pvt Ltd. told media the M.V. BBC had entered the port of Hambantota on April 20, at 2100 hrs, en route from Rotterdam to China.
The ship had made an emergency call at the port for some urgent repairs, Rambukwella said.
President To Lam, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, accompanied by a delegation of 209 members arrived in Sri Lanka on Thursday (07) night on a state visit.
It has been reported quoting the Police, that former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SriLankan Airlines, Kapila Chandrasena, has been found dead under suspicious circumstances at a residence in Colpetty.
Latest News
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ in the Sabaragamuwa, Northern, North-central, North-western, Eastern provinces and in Hambantota and Monaragala districts during the daytime
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 07 May 2026, valid for 08 May 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Sabaragamuwa, Northern, North-central, North-western, Eastern provinces and in Hambantota and Monaragala districts during the daytime.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note: In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam arrives in Sri Lanka on State Visit
Former SriLankan Aorlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena found dead
Fast bowling riches in focus as Bangladesh and Pakistan switch to Test mode
Iran says it attacked US Navy ships after they targeted Iranian tanker
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ in the Sabaragamuwa, Northern, North-central, North-western, Eastern provinces and in Hambantota and Monaragala districts during the daytime
Showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
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