News

US fortifies Lanka’s maritime shield with cutting-edge radiation detection tools

Published

11 months ago

2025/05/18

US Ambassador Julie Chung and Navy Commander Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda overseeing the signing of agreement for transfer of equipment.

The U.S. Embassy has provided state-of-the-art radiation and chemical detection equipment valued at $1 million (299 million LKR) to the Navy, significantly boosting the country’s capacity to detect and respond to nuclear, radiological, and chemical threats in its maritime domain. This advanced equipment, supplied through the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) and its Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD), was officially handed over during a ceremony at Sri Lanka Navy Headquarters on May 15, attended by U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung and Sri Lanka Navy Commander Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda. The equipment enhances the Sri Lanka Navy’s capability to conduct visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) operations in the Indian Ocean while strengthening its ability to detect and intercept hazardous chemical, radiological, and nuclear materials, safeguarding the nation’s ports and maritime routes.

“This advanced equipment is a vital tool for protecting Sri Lanka’s maritime borders and ensuring the safety of the entire region,” said U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung. “By enhancing the Navy’s ability to detect and respond to nuclear and radiological threats, we are not just strengthening Sri Lanka’s security—we are also safeguarding international shipping routes, protecting communities, and making sure harmful materials don’t reach America’s and other countries’ shores. This partnership is about keeping people safe, maintaining secure trade, and reinforcing our shared commitment to regional security.”

This equipment transfer is the first major initiative following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in February 2024 between the Sri Lanka Navy and DOE/NNSA. The MOU aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in detecting and preventing the illegal transport of nuclear and radioactive materials. In addition to this transfer, in March, the U.S. Embassy, through DOE/NNSA, donated $500,000 worth of new radiation detection equipment at Colombo Port’s West Container Terminal, further enhancing Sri Lanka Customs’ ability to detect radioactive materials and secure global supply chains. This equipment is crucial because it helps prevent dangerous radioactive materials from entering everyday products, protects communities from potential hazards, strengthens the safety of international shipping routes, and stops nuclear and radiological threats before they can reach U.S. shores.

NSDD will continue to support the Sri Lanka Navy in the future through specialized training in the use of radiation detection equipment, and further enhancement of the Navy’s VBSS capabilities. The United States remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s efforts to enhance maritime security, detect and deter nuclear threats, and ensure a safer, more secure Indian Ocean region and U.S. homeland.

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

Published

6 hours ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 25 April 2026, valid for 26 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 in Monaragala district during the day time.

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 011-744649

News

Sagarika derailment disrupts coastal rail line; services to resume in two days

Published

7 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Railway General Manager Ravindra Pathmapriya said on Friday that re-railing operations of the derailed ‘Sagarika’ train have already commenced and that services on the Coastal Line are expected to be restored within two days.

Addressing the media, he said the Minister had instructed officials to take all necessary measures to minimise inconvenience to passengers.

Commenting on the incident, he said: “The damaged train is a significant loss for us, especially as our fleet is already limited. We have incurred this loss and hope to rectify the situation promptly. However, we will need to deploy an alternative train in its place, and discussions are currently underway.”

The ‘Sagarika’ train, operating from Beliatta to Maradana, derailed near the Wadduwa Railway Station on Friday morning (24), causing severe damage to one track of the dual-line section.

The Railway Department has since restricted services on the affected Coastal Line up to Panadura Railway Station.

Arrangements have been made to transport passengers from Panadura to South Kalutara by Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses, from where train services will resume towards Matara and Beliatta.

Meanwhile, the Department said efforts are underway to clear the obstruction and restore at least one track by the end of the day.

News

PHIs launch Vesak ‘Dansal’ safety registration drive

Published

7 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) have announced that registration of ‘Dansal’ organised islandwide in view of the upcoming Vesak Poya has already commenced.

President of the Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors Union (PHIU), K.P. Boralessa, said that organisers intending to conduct ‘Dansal’ are required to inform and register with the PHI attached to the relevant area.

He said organisers must also provide details of the location and the type of ‘Dansal’ being conducted.

Following registration, PHIs will conduct awareness programmes for organisers on maintaining required health and safety standards during the conduct of such events, he added.

Boralessa warned that legal action would be taken against those who organise ‘Dansal’ without proper registration or in an unsafe manner.

He further said PHIs will inspect venues on the eve of each ‘Dansala’ to assess suitability, including waste disposal arrangements, availability of drinking water, quality of water used for cooking, and condition of equipment at the site.

In addition, those involved in food preparation and serving will also be inspected to ensure hygiene standards are maintained, he said.

“These measures are taken to ensure that food provided at ‘Dansal’ is safe and hygienic for the public. Special attention must be paid to the ingredients used, and only healthy ingredients should be utilised,” Boralessa added.