News

India joins firefighting effort off Colombo port

Published

5 years ago

2021/05/26

Explosions on board chemical carrying ship

The crew of container carrier X-Press Pearl yesterday (25) abandoned the vessel following several explosions. Authoritative sources said that those engaged in firefighting evacuated the 25-member crew. Two of them had suffered injuries, sources said, adding that the fire was raging out of control. The injured have been admitted to the National Hospital.

The fire erupted on May 19 nine nautical miles off the Colombo port. The vessel was carrying chemicals.

Sources said that in spite of two foreign firefighting tugs joining three local vessels, the situation couldn’t be brought under control hence the decision to call for Indian assistance.

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) admitted it lacked sufficient strength to tackle a fire onboard a ship. Sources said that following the explosion several containers fell into the sea and the chemicals could pose quite a threat to the coast from Colombo to Negombo and even beyond.

Meanwhile, the Indian High Commission said that India promptly responded to an emergency request by Sri Lanka Navy and deployed multiple assets to douse the fire on MV XPress Pearl off Colombo yesterday May 25. The Indian statement: “This includes Vessels Vaibhav, Vajra and Samudra Prehari by Indian Coast Guard and Tug Water Lilly by Director General, Shipping in addition to Dornier aircraft for aerial reconnaissance.

Assistance of Government of India for firefighting as well as pollution control was sought by Sri Lanka Navy at 1200 hrs on 25 May 2021. This came in the wake of an onboard explosion on 25 May 2021 on the Singapore-flagged MV X Press Pearl. Immediately upon receiving the request, relevant authorities in India were alerted and assets were deployed expeditiously. While the Dornier aircraft reached Colombo at around 1600 hrs on 25 May 2021, the first Vessel would reach around 1900 hrs.

India has the tradition of being the first responder during crises in Sri Lanka. It may be recalled that a potentially huge oil spill was averted with assistance from India after MT New Diamond with 200,000 metric tonnes of crude oil on board caught fire off Sri Lanka’s Eastern Coast in September 2020. Similarly three Indian Naval Ships rushed with assistance following the floods in Sri Lanka in May 2017.”

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Heat Index at Cautiin Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

Published

14 mins ago

2026/04/24

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 23 April 2026, valid for 24 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.

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.

News

Measles rearing its head again in SL

Published

14 mins ago

2026/04/24

Thilina Walpola

Measles, eliminated from the country several years ago, has re-emerged, Dr. Athula Liyanapathirana attached to the Health Ministry’s Epidemiology Unit says.

According to Dr. Liyanapathirana, two cases involving children have been identified in the Colombo District, raising concerns about a possible resurgence.

Sri Lanka was declared measles-free by the World Health Organization in 2019. However, health officials note that sporadic outbreaks have been reported in certain areas since 2023.

Dr. Liyanapathirana said that while no cases had been reported since January 2025, the recent detection of two infections is a cause for concern.

He emphasised the need for immediate preventive measures to avoid the situation escalating into an outbreak. Laboratory analysis of one of the cases, conducted in India, confirmed that the virus had been imported.

Dr. Liyanapathirana warned that measles could have long-term health consequences. Recent research indicates that the disease may weaken immunity, reducing a person’s ability to fight other infections.

News

CG arrests two persons with ‘ice’and lethal items

Published

14 mins ago

2026/04/24

Thilina Walpola

The Sri Lanka Coast Guard, in an operation, conducted in the Yodakandiya area in Tissamaharama, in coordination with Kirinda Police, took into custody two persons with a live hand grenade, over 3 grams of crystal methamphetamine (ice), and 4 kg 650 g of copper wires on 22 April 2026.

In another operation conducted on the same day in the Thoduwawa area of Chilaw, in coordination with the Sri Lanka Navy, the Coast Guard seized 2,000 litres of goda, along with 19 barrels and related accessories.

The suspects, along with the seized items, were handed over to the Tissamaharama and Chilaw Police, respectively, for further investigation and legal action.