The Sri Lanka Navy announced  that three of the six crew members of a fishing vessel that set out from Tangalle have died and the remaining three are in critical condition after consuming the contents of a bottle they found floating in the sea, assuming it was liquor.

The incident has reportedly occurred while the boat was around 320 nautical miles (592.64 km) off the coast of Sri Lanka.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and President’s Counsel Ali Sabri, stated that he has been informed that a majority of the Sri Lankan ex-servicemen who joined the Russian armed forces have taken up  Russian citizenship and added that according to Sri Lankan law they are no longer citizens of Sri Lanka and the government had no right to make representations on their behalf unless they apply for and are granted dual citizenship.

The Minister made this revelation in answer to a query raised by a journalist at a media briefing held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) on Friday (28).

He also said that those who have been injured or killed while in Russia were to be compensated in keeping with their service agreements

In celebration of World Hydrography Day (21st June), the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service marked the occasion at Wave n’ Lake Navy Hall in Welisara on Friday (28th June 2024).

On 21st June every year, the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) celebrates the World Hydrography Day to raise awareness about hydrography and how it plays a vital role in improved knowledge of the seas and oceans. Since its celebration for the first time in 2006, World Hydrography Day has been celebrated annually, each year highlighting different themes. Accordingly, the theme for World Hydrography Day 2024 is “Hydrographic Information – Enhancing Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability in Marine Activities”.

The welcome remarks were made by the Chief Hydrographer of the Sri Lanka Navy, Rear Admiral Kosala Warnakulasooriya. Addressing the distinguished audience next, Premitha Bandara Tennakoon underscored the crucial role of hydrography in bolstering our economy and national security. He emphasized that precise and thorough hydrographic data is essential for the growth of maritime trade and serves as the foundation for planning and executing naval operations. He also highlighted significant achievements, including the enactment of the National Hydrographic Act, the establishment of the National Hydrographic Office, and the formation of the Hydrographic Council. Reflecting on these recent milestones, he acknowledged the formidable challenges faced and overcome in streamlining these initiatives. The State Minister of Defence affirmed the Navy’s vital role in the hydrography sector moving forward and pledged the government’s continued support. He concluded by expressing his heartfelt gratitude to all dedicated professionals in the field for their unwavering commitment and contribution to achieving national goals.

Addressing the gathering, the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera highlighted the significance of the Navy’s Hydrographic Service to provide quality hydrographic data in support of decision-making towards sustainable development, protection and safe use of Sri Lanka’s maritime domain.

Chairman of National Hydrographic Council, Rear Admiral Sisira Jayakody (Retd), Prof. Manisha Pasqual from Faculty of Art University of Colombo, and former the Chief Hydrographer of the Sri Lanka Navy and Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral YN Jayarathne (Retd) also delivered lectures.

Defence Attachés / Advisers of Embassies and High Commissions in Sri Lanka, officials from National Hydrographic Council, National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) and Ports Authority, lecturers and undergraduates from the University of Colombo, Ocean University and General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, trainees from CINEC Campus as well as officers from the Navy and Coast Guard were present at the event.