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Colombo port tugboat fleet to be enhanced
Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva, says that Sri Lanka Ports Authority’s tug-boat fleet will be enhanced soon to boost efficiency of maritime operations at the Colombo Port.
During a recent inspection tour to the tug-boat section of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), the Minister said that the employees, staffs and the executive officers, at the section, had pointed out that there were only seven tug-boats, operating currently, and that was not adequate to meet the requirements. The Minister said that he had issued instructions to relevant authorities to immediately add at least two more new tug-boats.
“Increasing the number of tug-boats at the Port will boost the operational efficiency, and also ease the handling of larger vessels, calling at the Port. It is my responsibility to boost efficiency at the Port to bring more foreign exchange, as revenue, into the country. Accordingly, I will take all necessary steps to expedite developmental activities, inside the Port,” the Minister said. He also expressed his gratitude to all employees who are dedicated in their services, amidst limited facilities at the Port. Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation – K. D. S. Ruwanchandra, Vice Chairman of SLPA – G. U. K. Algewattege, several Executive Officers and staff of the SLPA tug-boat section were also present.
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Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 12 April 2026, valid for 13 April 2026.
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 and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
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.
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (13th) are Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon.
The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) TAIMUR and ASLAT arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 12 Apr 26.
The visiting ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in
compliance with naval traditions.
The duo of ships is commanded by Captain NIAMAT SAEED KHAN (PNS TAIMUR) and Captain NADIR MATEEN AFRIDI (PNS ASLAT).
Meanwhile, the ships are expected to conduct a Bilateral Naval Exercise LION STAR V with the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo seas.
Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces.
Sun directly overhead Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
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