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Death of Indian fisher: India summons Acting SL HC

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A collision between a Sri Lankan naval vessel and an Indian fishing boat near Katchatheevu Island had left one fisherman dead and another missing, the Indian ministry of external affairs (MEA) said on Thursday (1).

The collision occurred about five nautical miles north of Katchatheevu Island on Thursday morning. Of the four fishermen on the boat, two were rescued and taken to Kankesanthurai.

A search is underway for the missing fisherman, the ministry said. Indian Consulate officials in Jaffna have been asked to go to Kankesanthurai to support the fishermen and their families, it added.

The ministry summoned the Sri Lankan acting high commissioner in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest over the incident, according to the MEA.

“We expressed our shock and anguish at the unfortunate loss of life. Our High Commissioner in Colombo will also be raising the matter with the Sri Lankan government later today (Thursday),” the ministry said in a statement.

“Government of India has always emphasised the need to deal with issues pertaining to fishermen in a humane and humanitarian manner,” it added.

Katchatheevu Island, situated between Rameswaram (India) and Sri Lanka, was traditionally used by fishermen from both countries. In 1974, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi agreed to cede

Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka under the “Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Agreement.”

This agreement confirmed Sri Lanka’s sovereignty over the island and addressed historic waters between Sri Lanka and India in the Palk Strait and Palk Bay.

But Indian fishermen are allowed to access the island, as per the agreement

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the Congress for “carelessly” transferring the island to Sri Lanka during Indira Gandhi’s tenure.

MEA said that the “existing understandings” between the two governments must be strictly upheld. It said there is a need for the utmost efforts to prevent any recurrence or use of force.

“Government attaches the highest priority to the safety and security of Indian fishermen,” it said, adding that it has raised the issue multiple times with Sri Lanka at the highest levels.



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“Let us resolve, with renewed determination to overcome obstacles and build a better and more prosperous nation” -PM

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Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasooriya in her New Year message requested every Sri Lankan to resolve, with renewed determination to overcome obstacles and build a better and more prosperous nation.

The full text of the PM’s message:

“Marking the auspicious transition of the sun from one planet to another, and the arrival of the spring season following the harvest, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrated by the people of Sri Lanka since ancient times, has dawned once again.

The New Year is not merely a festive occasion; it symbolizes a renewal of prosperity, unity, coexistence, and the strengthening of mutual relationships embedded within our cultural values.

On this occasion, I extend my wishes for a peaceful and prosperous Sinhala and Tamil New Year to all Sri Lankans who celebrate this occasion with their families and loved ones, observing customs at the auspicious time.

A unique feature of Sinhala and Tamil New Year is the way an entire nation comes together through a shared set of customs. Despite the demands and challenges of daily life, this season offers a valuable opportunity to move forward with renewed hope as families, communities and a nation.

The true blessing of the New Year lies in setting aside differences and grievances, and embracing a fresh beginning in a spirit of solidarity and goodwill. Especially in the face of ongoing global challenges, the courage, compassion and resilience shown by our people in facing various natural and economic hardships in recent times stand as an example to the world. It is our responsibility to carry forward that collective strength.

At this auspicious moment, I extend my greetings to our fellow Sri Lankans working overseas, who dedicate themselves to securing a better future for their families and for the country. In particular, I extend my thoughts for the safety and well-being of those living in the Middle East during these tumultuous times.

Let us resolve, with renewed determination to overcome obstacles and build a better and more prosperous nation. As we undertake in a significant social and political transformations, we remain committed to striving tirelessly towards a better future.

May this Sinhala and Tamil New Year be blessed with happiness and prosperity!”

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Sun directly overhead Nawaladi, Paranthan, Murasumodai, Vellikkandal, Udapattukkandal, Puliyampokkanei about 12:10 noon today [14]

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On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from the 05th to 15th of April in this year.

The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (14th) are Nawaladi, Paranthan, Murasumodai, Vellikkandal, Udapattukkandal, Puliyampokkanei about 12:10 noon.

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.

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Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 13 April 2026, valid for 14 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 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.

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