News
Travel ban imposed on Captain of fire-stricken super tanker
By A.J.A. Abeynayake
Colombo Chief Magistrate Mohamed Mihar imposed a travel ban on the Captain of the oil tanker ‘MT New Diamond’, Greek national Sterio Ilias yesterday.
The Captain of the fire-stricken oil tanker ‘MT New Diamond’, which caught fire off the East coast received the order when he was produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, yesterday.
The Attorney General requested the Colombo Chief Magistrate to remand the Captain under provisions of the Prevention of Marine Pollution Act of 2008.
During yesterday’s hearing, Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, requested the court to remand the captain of the vessel, citing concerns that the Greek national might abscond.
The judge put off the decision pertaining to the request till 2pm yesterday.
Later the judge announced the imposition of the travel ban.
On September 17, Colombo Additional Magistrate Priyantha Liyanage issued a notice to the Greek Captain to appear before the court yesterday considering a request made by DSG Dileepa Peiris.
The Attorney General instructed the CID to name the Captain as a suspect involved in committing offences under the Prevention of Marine Pollution Act No. 35 of 2008.
The Panamanian flagged tanker was carrying 270,000 tonnes of crude and 1,700 tonnes of diesel to Paradip port in India from the port of Mina Al Ahmadi in Kuwait when the fire erupted in the engine room on Sept 03 morning in the deep sea about 38 nautical miles off Sangamankanda Point in Ampara.
One member of the ship’s crew was killed and another seriously injured crew member was rescued by the Sri Lanka Navy. Another three Greek and 16 Philippine crew members of the tanker were rescued by another merchant vessel plying nearby and safely brought ashore by the Navy.
The vessel is currently located in deep seas around 67 nautical miles away from the coast of Batticaloa.
Meanwhile, the owners of the Panamanian Crude Oil Tanker ‘MT New Diamond’ have agreed to fully settle, the compensation claim of government stakeholders amounting to Rs.442 million in costs incurred to douse the flame.
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Level III landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale extended
The Level III landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale by the landslide early warning center of the National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] have been extended until 1600 hrs on Friday [12th December 2025]
Accordingly,
The LEVEL III RED warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Kundasale, Pasbage Korale, Medadumbara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Pathadumbara, Doluwa, Panvila, Gangawata Korale, Ududumbara, Akurana, Yatinuwara, Harispattuwa, Deltota, Thumpane, Poojapitiya, Udapalatha, Udunuwara, Minipe and Pathahewaheta in the Kandy district, Yatiyanthota in the Kegalle district, Rideegama, Mawathagama and Mallawapitiya in the Kurunegala district, and Yatawatta, Ambanganga Korale, Wilgamuwa, Laggala Pallegama, Rattota, Pallepola, Naula, Matale and Ukuwela in the Matale district have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Hali_Ela, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Kandeketiya, Bandarawela, Soranathota, Ella, Haputhale, Lunugala, Welimada, Haldummulla and Passara in the Badulla district, Warakapola, Kegalle, Mawanella, Rambukkana, Bulathkohupitiya, Dehiowita, Ruwanwella, Aranayaka, Galigamuwa and Deraniyagala in the Kegalle district, Alawwa and Polgahawela in the Kurunegala district, Kothmale East, Thalawakele, Walapane, Kothmale West, Nuwara Eliya, Mathurata, Nildandahinna, Hanguranketha, Ambagamuwa Korale and Norwood in the Nuwara Eliya district, and Kolonna, Kahawaththa and Godakawela in the Ratnapura district.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Divulapitiya, Attanagalla and Mirigama in the Gampaha district, Narammala in the Kurunegala district, and Balangoda, Kalawana, Ratnapura, Kuruwita, Imbulpe, Ayagama, Openayake, Nivithigala, Kaltota, Eheliyagoda, Elapatha, Kiriella and Pelmadulla in the Ratnapura district.
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Sri Lanka grateful for the support extended by the United States and other friendly nations following the recent disaster – President
During a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat today (11), Ms. Allison Hooker, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, expressed her confidence in President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s leadership in steering Sri Lanka’s recovery and rebuilding efforts. She affirmed that the United States stands ready to provide any necessary support to assist Sri Lanka’s recovery.
Ms. Hooker also conveyed her condolences to the families of the victims of the disaster and expressed satisfaction at being able to extend assistance during this challenging period.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake conveyed his appreciation for the assistance provided by the President of the United States and the government in dispatching various relief teams to the country during this challenging period. The President also acknowledged the sincere support offered to Sri Lanka by all friendly nations globally, including the United States.
President Dissanayake highlighted that Sri Lanka encountered this disaster while the nation’s economy was on the path to stabilization and economic indicators were showing improvement. He emphasized the need for future focus on enhancing the livelihoods of those affected and on the long-term development of infrastructure facilities.
The President stated that restoring infrastructure, including highways and railways, as well as key income sources such as agriculture, livestock and small to medium-sized enterprises, which have been devastated by floods and landslides, will require time. He also expressed the expectation of support from all friendly nations in this effort.
The Under Secretary of State emphasized that the United States has drawn its attention to restarting discussions regarding US tariffs. Additionally, she expressed support for enhancing tourism between the United States and Sri Lanka, as well as for the growth of trade and maritime operations between the two nations. Furthermore, she highlighted U.S. support for Sri Lanka’s initiatives to combat drug-related issues.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake noted that a significant number of American tourists have visited the country recently and that Sri Lanka anticipates a continued increase in such arrivals. He acknowledged the support of the U.S. government in assisting the Sri Lankan people to overcome the ongoing disaster and improve their quality of life.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma and members of the U.S. diplomatic mission, including U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Ms. Julie Chang.
The Deputy Registrars of Malwatta and Asgiriya chapters commended the government, led by the President, for its initiative to rebuild the lives of the people and restore the country following the recent disaster, expressing their blessings for these efforts.
The remarks were made by Deputy Registrar of the Malwathu Maha Viharaya Chapter of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya, Rajakiya Panditha Darshanapathi Venerable Mahawela Rathanapala Thero, Deputy Registrar of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya & Chief Incumbent of the historic Badulu Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya, Ven. Dr.Muruddeniye Dhammarathana Thero and Diyawadana Nilame of the historic Kandy Sri Dalada Maligawa, . Nilanga Dela, during a meeting with the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (11).
The discussions focused on relief and resettlement activities for communities affected in the Kandy district.
The Diyawadana Nilame highlighted the role that the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic can play in supporting resettlement efforts.
In support of the rebuilding initiative, the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa also made a financial contribution to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund.
Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, was also present at the meeting.
Level III landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale extended
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