News
Navy thwarts human smuggling bid
by Norman Palihawadane
The Navy yesterday morning nabbed 51 persons in the eastern seas while they were attempting to migrate to Australia, illegally.The Navy said a search operation in the eastern seas, on Sunday morning, had led to the interception of a local multi-day fishing trawler, carrying 51 persons, to a foreign country.The Navy conducts regular operations covering the sea and coastal areas around the country to prevent illegal activities including human smuggling. In the search operation mounted in the seas off Trincomalee yesterday morning, the Eastern Naval Command managed to intercept a suspicious local multi-day fishing trawler carrying this group of people. Among those taken into custody were 41 men including six smugglers, five women and five children.
The suspects are residents of Jaffna, Vavuniya, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ampara, Gampaha and Ratnapura, who are from five to 56 years of age. They were handed over to the Trincomalee Harbour Police for onward legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, a coordinated operation mounted by the Navy, Sri Lanka Coast Guard and Police in Marawila on Saturday (2) led to the apprehension of 24 persons suspected to be illegal immigrants. They were apprehended while staying at a lodge in the locality, awaiting to migrate from the island by sea. The group consisted of eight males, six females and 10 children. Further, the raiding party also nabbed the lodgekeeper who provided accommodation for the group. The suspects whose ages range from three months to 50 years are residents of Batticaloa, Valaichchenai and Chilaw areas. They were handed over to the Marawila Police for onward legal action.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
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 table below 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.
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