News

Environmental damage continues unnoticed

Published

5 years ago

2021/07/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

M V Xpress Pearl disaster

By Rathindra Kuruwita

The huge environmental damage caused by the MV X-Press Pearl had been eclipsed by other issues, Sajeewa Chamikara of the Movement for Land and Agricultural Reform (MONLAR) told The Island yesterday.

The government was entirely focused on compensation and seems to have no interest in managing the continuing environmental destruction, Chamikara said.

“MV X-Press Pearl was carrying a large cargo of toxic chemicals and it sank in shallow waters and in a high bio diversity area after a fire. This will have significant long-term impacts not only on environment but also on fisheries and tourism,” Chamikara said.

The ship sank in Thambagala area – and it was one of the sites from where sand was excavated for the Port City. The area had a number of rock and sand ecosystems and seagrass beds, he said. Many marine animals lay eggs and breed in the area, he said.

“This area attracts a lot of marine animals who come to feed on small fish. This is why there are many dolphins and whales in the area. Five turtle species can also be found in this area. When the area is polluted it will affect these species. Turtles and other marine mammals are protected by Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance (FFPO.) However, since the accident thousands of marine species have died.”

Chamikara said close to 300 bodies of turtles had washed ashore and the post mortems showed that they had died of exposure to toxins and oil.

“When such a large group of animals die this lowers the density value of the species. When the animal density drops beyond a certain limit, they will go extinct,” the activist pointed out.

“Dredging of sand for the Port City had already affected the area. When things started recovering, this disaster happened. There is a possibility of the area losing its biodiversity and that in turn will affect fisheries and tourism.”

Senior Advisor to the Centre of Environmental Justice (CEJ) Hemantha Withanage said that oil had been leaking from the X-Press Pearl ship for at least a month and nothing had been done to fix the leak.

“The government has been informed. But it is waiting till end of the stormy season and by that time all the oil will have been released into the ocean.”

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Advisory for Severe Lightning issued for all provinces of Sri Lanka

Published

5 hours ago

2026/04/20

Priyan

Advisory for Severe Lightning
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 12.00 noon 20 April 2026 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 20 April 2026

Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur most places in the island after 1.00 p.m.

There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

ACTION REQUIRED:

The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:

 Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.

 Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.

 Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.

 Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.

 Beware of fallen trees and power lines.

 For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.

News

Indian Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan meets Prime Minister

Published

6 hours ago

2026/04/20

Priyan

The Vice President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan, who is currently on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka, held a bilateral discussion with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Sunday (19) morning at Temple Trees.

Upon his arrival at Temple Trees, the Indian Vice President was received by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. The Prime Minister also extended her congratulations to C.P. Radhakrishnan on his appointment as the Vice President of India.

During the meeting, the Vice President noted that this is his first official visit to Sri Lanka and expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him during his stay.

The occasion was attended by the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel; Members of Parliament Dr. K. Laxman and Dr. Medha Vishram Kulkarni; Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri; and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, and representing the Government of Sri Lanka the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath; Minister of Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage; Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj; Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri; Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Harshana Suriyapperuma; Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa; and several other officials.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

Latest News

Heat Index at ‘Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

17 hours ago

2026/04/20

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 19 April 2026, valid for 20 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, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala 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.