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Indian Navy surveys area around X-Press Pearl: debris identified to enable precautionary measures

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INS Sarvekshak has identified 54 types of underwater debris following an 807-mile of survey around the ill-fated MV XPress Pearl, the Indian High Commission says in a statement issued over the weekend.

The following is the text of the IHC statement: “The Hydrographic Survey Ship of Indian Navy, ‘INS Sarvekshak’, entered Colombo after successful completion of surveys in three areas off Colombo. It was welcomed at the terminal by Colombo Commander of Western Naval Area R.Adm. Upul de Silva. INS Sarvekshak was immediately deployed on request of the Government of Sri Lanka on 23 June 2021 to conduct a survey in the vicinity of the ill-fated MV X-Press Pearl. The joint survey operation was coordinated among Indian Navy, Sri Lanka Navy and National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA).

A felicitation ceremony was organized recently to mark the completion of the survey. The chief guest at the ceremony was Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda. During the ceremony, High Commissioner of India Gopal Baglay handed over the survey report to the Minister.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister thanked the Government of India and the Indian Navy in particular for their prompt response and acknowledged India’s vision of Safety and Growth for All In the Region (SAGAR) through this gesture. High Commissioner Baglay highlighted that India and Sri Lanka have cooperated on many occasions for mitigation of maritime disasters. He expressed happiness that as part of Op Sagar Aaraksha 2, he had the opportunity to personally see off the Indian Coast Guard ships and participate in the event to felicitate the survey effort undertaken by INS Sarvekshak. He also expressed pride in India’s assistance in restoring the livelihood of the Sri Lankan fishermen along the western coast.

The ceremony was also attended by. State Minister of Fisheries Kanchana Wijesekara, Mrs. R.M.I. Rathnayaka Secretary of Ministry of Fisheries, Mr. Jayantha Chandrasoma –Secretary of State Ministry of Fisheries, Chairman Sri Lanka Port Control Capt. Nihal Keppetipola and Chairman NARA A. Navaratneraja, amongst other dignitaries from the Department of Fisheries and NARA.

INS Sarvekshak progressed 807 miles of Side Scan Sonar survey utilising integral sensors and two survey boats in adverse weather conditions, which could have otherwise been delayed to post Monsoon in October due to rough seas. The ship’s team worked overnight to process gigabytes of data collected during the day, to meet the timelines. Post the survey, the ship identified 54 underwater debris and also one ship-wreck. The survey data would be invaluable in issuing advisories to the mariners and fishermen which would later assist in the removal of debris by the Salvior to achieve safety of navigation.

The continued assistance to Sri Lanka in the recent maritime incidents has showcased India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy through swift and timely support in mitigating various calamities in the Indian Ocean Region.”



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Landslide Earyly Warnings issued to the districts of Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura

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The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued early warnings to the Districts of Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura from 1600hrs on 13th June 2026 till 1600hrs on 14th June 2026.

Accordingly,

LEVEL I (YELLOW) landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surounding areas of Palindanuwara and Agalawatta in the Kalutara district,  Ambagamuwa in the Nuwara Eliya and Ayagama, Pelmadulla,
Godakawela, Elapatha, Kalawana, Ratnapura and Nivithigala in the Ratnapura district.

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INS Sharda departs Colombo concluding replenishment visit

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The Indian Naval Ship (INS) ‘Sharda’ departed the island today (13 Jun 26), concluding her replenishment purposes.

On departure  the vessel was accorded a traditional naval farewell by the Sri Lanka Navy at the Port of Colombo.

The visit also paved the way for vibrant personnel interactions, fostering camaraderie and goodwill. The crew of INS Sharda and personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy participated in a
friendly volleyball match and a joint yoga session. A

dditionally, Sri Lanka Navy personnel had the opportunity to visit the Indian naval vessel, while the visiting crew took time to explore several culturally significant landmarks across the island.

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Special Dengue Prevention Week declared in Colombo District from June 15 to 21

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A decision has been taken to declare a Special Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 of June by the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee to curb the spread of the disease in the Colombo District.

This decision was taken at the meeting of the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee held on Friday  (12) at the Colombo District Secretariat under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Compared to last year, the number of dengue cases reported this year has increased significantly. According to the National Dengue Control Unit, approximately 39,100 dengue cases have been reported island wide to date, of which 25.8% have been recorded in the Colombo District. Following this situation, the Colombo District has been identified as a high-risk district.

Health authorities informed that the increasing spread of the disease has been influenced not only by the nature of circulating virus but also to the lack of sufficient immunity among the population. They further noted that the recent period of heavy rainfall has aggravated the spread of Dengue.

It was also identified that the current outbreak is being reported more frequently from public places such as government institutions, private establishments, schools, and religious venues rather than from residential premises. Observations have identified improperly managed solid waste and drainage systems in offices and other public locations as major breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Accordingly, during the Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 June, a series of measures will be implemented, including, organising community clean-up campaigns in government and private institutions, schools, residential areas, and other public spaces; Conducting inspections of high-risk premises by Divisional Secretariats and taking legal action, where necessary, followed by awareness programmes; Distributing informational leaflets, displaying banners, and carrying out public awareness campaigns through the media. Health authorities also requested school administrations not to involve students below Grade 10 in school cleaning programmes and to immediately notify the relevant Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office if a student is diagnosed with dengue.

The programme is expected to receive the active support and participation of the district’s political leadership, religious leaders of all faiths, public officials, local government institutions, the tri-forces, the police, and the general public.

The event was attended by the Chairperson of the District Coordination Committee, Members of Parliament, representatives of local government authorities, government secretaries, police officers, and officials representing the education and health sectors, among others.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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