News
Navy seizes huge stock of contraband turmeric
by Dinasena Rathugamage
A five-day Naval special operation conducted in the Munnakkarai lagoon area, Negombo, and in the seas off Kudiyiruppu and Pesalai, Mannar, helped apprehend five persons attempting to smuggle in over 1,263 kilos of dried turmeric into the country.
Naval personnel in seas off Kudiyiruppu on April 19 seized 543.7 kilos of turmeric in 15 sacks, after searching a suspicious dinghy at sea. Two suspects and the dinghy used for smuggling turmeric were taken into custody. In another operation on the following day in seas off Pesalai led to the recovery of four sacks cast off in sea by racketeers to avoid detection. The four contained 258.5 kilos of turmeric (in wet weight). The Navy arrested two suspects in that operation.
The personnel of Western Naval Command seized 461.5 kilos of dried turmeric in 14 sacks, after searching two suspicious dinghies at Munnakkarai lagoon area in Negombo on April 17. A suspect and two dinghies were also taken into naval custody.
The suspects were identified as residents of Pesalai and Negombo, between 20 and 44 years of age. The suspect held in Negombo together with the stock of turmeric and the dinghy was handed over to the Customs Preventive Office, Katunayake for onward legal action.
The suspects apprehended in Kudiyiruppu and Pesalai were handed over to the Mannar Public Health Inspector for quarantine procedure.
The consignment of turmeric and the dinghies taken into custody during those operations were handed over to the Customs Office, -Jaffna for onward legal action.
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.
Latest News
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 3.30 p.m. on 11 April 2026, valid for 12 April 2026
The Heat index, the temperature felt on the 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 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.
Latest News
Sun directly overhead Cheddikulam, Kebithigollewa, Gomarankadawala and Nilaveli about 12:11 noon. today [12]
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 (12th) are Cheddikulam, Kebithigollewa, Gomarankadawala and Nilaveli about 12:11 noon.
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
Sanju Samson and Jamie Overton deliver first points for Chennai Super Kings
Arya, Prabhsimran and Shreyas help Punjab Kings ace another 200-plus chase
Beauty of Sri Lanka in focus: Global showcase blends art, diplomacy and conservation
Showers expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, North-western and Uva provinces and in Ampara, Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa districts after 1.00 p.m.
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district
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