News
Climate forum warns of threats to Lanka’s marine and amphibian biodiversity from El Niño, La Niña
The Parliamentary Climate Forum has drawn attention to the growing challenges faced in protecting Sri Lanka’s marine biodiversity and amphibian ecosystems from the impacts of El Niño and La Niña climate phenomena.
The issue was discussed at a recent meeting of the forum held at Parliament, under the chairmanship of its co-chairpersons, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and MP Prof. L.M. Abeywickrama.
Officials and experts attending the meeting highlighted the adverse effects of climate change, particularly El Niño conditions, on Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems, coastal areas, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
They pointed out that rising sea temperatures could lead to coral bleaching, changes in fish migration patterns, harmful algal blooms, the emergence of oxygen-depleted “dead zones”, and increased instability in aquatic ecosystems.
The forum was also informed of the threats posed by prolonged drought conditions, including falling river water levels and seawater intrusion into freshwater systems, which could affect drinking water supplies. The possible economic impact on the fisheries and tourism sectors due to these environmental changes was also discussed.
The meeting reviewed the role of key institutions, including the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), the Department of Wildlife Conservation, and the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), in safeguarding Sri Lanka’s marine resources.
The forum emphasised the need for stronger coordination among relevant agencies and called for measures to strengthen ocean monitoring systems, introduce ecosystem restoration programmes, promote science-based policy decisions, and develop an integrated national ocean management plan to address future climate challenges.
Attention was also focused on the vulnerability of amphibian species to climate change. Officials warned that changes in rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and rising temperatures could threaten the habitats, breeding cycles, and survival of amphibians, including frogs, thereby affecting the ecological balance of natural ecosystems.
The meeting was attended by Members of Parliament, officials from environmental agencies, researchers, and representatives of civil society organisations.
The Sri Lanka Navy rescued a fisherman from a local fishing trawler that encountered distress due to adverse weather conditions off the eastern coast of Sri Lanka.
The rescue operation took place on 17 July 2026, approximately 15 nautical miles off Pothuvil. The operation was launched following information received by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo.
In response, the Sri Lanka Navy deployed the Offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS Vijayabahu along with additional craft to conduct a search operation in the designated sea area, where they successfully located the distressed fisherman.
Following the rescue, the individual was brought aboard SLNS Vijayabahu, where naval personnel administered preliminary first aid. He was subsequently brought to the mainland and rushed for further medical attention.
Meanwhile, the Navy, along with the coordination of MRCC Colombo, remains constantly prepared to swiftly respond to the eventualities faced by maritime and fishing communities operating within the island’s Search and Rescue Region (SRR).
The countrywide dengue outbreak has intensified, with the death toll rising to 50, by July 16, as the number of reported infections surpassed 73,000, according to the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU).
The country has recorded 73,455 dengue cases so far this year, with the case fatality rate standing at 0.07 percent, highlighting the severity of the ongoing outbreak.
The Western Province continues to remain the worst affected region, accounting for more than half of the total cases, with 38,700 infections. The Gampaha District has recorded the highest number of cases in the province with 15,341, followed closely by Colombo with 14,625.
The Southern Province has reported 11,382 cases, while the Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces have each recorded more than 6,000 infections.
Dengue cases have shown a sharp increase in recent months, with June recording the highest monthly total of 21,538 cases, while July has already reported 18,076 infections. In comparison, 8,590 cases were reported in May, and 5,651 in April.
Health authorities have identified 175 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas as high-risk locations during the 27th epidemiological week. An average of 2,677 new dengue cases are being reported daily, prompting authorities to intensify prevention and mosquito control measures.
The Colombo High Court yesterday (17) resumed hearing the money laundering case filed against Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The proceedings were held before High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga, where evidence was recorded from prosecution witnesses, under the direction of Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara.
President’s Counsel Sampath Mendis, appearing for Yoshitha Rajapaksa, cross-examined the witnesses during the hearing.
After recording evidence, the court ordered that further examination of evidence be postponed until July 24.
The Attorney General has filed indictments, alleging that Yoshitha Rajapaksa committed an offence, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, by purchasing five plots of land in Dehiwala and Ratmalana, valued at more than Rs. 73 million.
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