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Census of fishing vessels amidst mounting environmental risks posed by discarded fibreglass boats nationwide

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The Department of Fisheries, in collaboration with the Clean Sri Lanka programme, has launched a nationwide census of fishing vessels, with a focus on identifying fibreglass boats, many of which have been abandoned.

The Fisheries Ministry sources said that the census, which began this week and will continue until 20 August, was carried out at fisheries harbours across the country. Authorities say the initiative marks a crucial step toward regulating vessel disposal practices and mitigating the mounting environmental risks posed by fibreglass debris.

According to the Ministry of Fisheries, fibreglass boats remain the backbone of Sri Lanka’s fishing and maritime sectors. However, improper disposal of these vessels has led to significant environmental, social, and economic repercussions.

“These boats, once left to decay, contribute to coastal degradation, release toxic chemicals, and eventually disintegrate into microplastics that pollute marine ecosystems,” a Ministry official said. “Many are simply abandoned along beaches or waterways, becoming eyesores and breeding grounds for disease.”

Fibreglass, though durable, is notoriously difficult and costly to recycle. In the absence of a formal disposal mechanism, authorities say some vessels are destroyed through open burning which is an environmentally hazardous practice that releases harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

The Fisheries Ministry has called for the establishment of a national registry and structured disposal system to manage fibreglass boats in a sustainable manner. Officials say the current census will inform future policy and pave the way for several key interventions, including: the removal of derelict boats from coastal areas, the introduction of sustainable recycling methods, reduction in microplastic pollution, improvements in coastal sanitation and more efficient use of harbour space for active fishing operations.

The census is being framed as a proactive step in safeguarding Sri Lanka’s marine environment while supporting the long-term viability of the fishing industry.



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Police officers donate LKR 9,687,462 from day’s salary to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund

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A sum of LKR. 9,687,462, raised from day’s salary officers of the Police Department, has been donated to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, established to support the recovery of communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah and to assist in rebuilding the country following the disaster.

To date, officers of the Police Department have contributed over LKR. 74 million to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund through three such contributions of one day’s salary.

The donation was presented on Wednesday  (22) afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat by the Personal Assistant to the Inspector General of Police, Senior Superintendent of Police  C. C. Bamunuarachchi, to the Secretary to the President, Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

Chief Inspector  Udaya Kumara, Officer-in-Charge of the Police Secretariat, was also present on the occasion.

[Presidents Media Division]

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

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Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 26 April 2026, valid for 27 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, Southern, and Eastern 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.

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Opposition asks for PSC to probe Treasury theft

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Sajith

Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to investigate the illegal diversion of Treasury funds, amounting to US$2.5 million to a third-party account.

Premadasa has said both the chairmanship and a majority of the Committee’s membership should be held by the Opposition to ensure impartiality.

The government has not only failed to account for the loss of US$2.5 million but also deliberately withheld information from Parliament, the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) and the public, Premadasa has told the media, accusing the ruling party of seeking to deflect responsibility by initiating an internal departmental inquiry, which he describes as a biased process designed to justify predetermined conclusions.

The Opposition Leader has said only a transparent and independent probe could establish the facts, adding that such an investigation could be effectively carried out through a Parliamentary Select Committee led by the Opposition.

He has also warned that the alleged failure to inform Parliament about the missing funds amounted to a serious breach of accountability.

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