News
Lankan fishermen rescued from pirates by Seychelles Coast Guard complains of FM’s failure to facilitate their return
Fishermen who were on board a multi-day fishing vessel named Lorenzo Putha 4, which was hijacked by pirates in the Arabian Sea, in late January, and were subsequently rescued by Seychelles Coast Guard on 29 January, urged the government to facilitate their return to the country as soon as possible.
The skipper of the boat, who spoke to Sri Lankan journalists via video during a press conference in Chilaw on Friday, said they are not even given water on a regular basis.
The owner of the boat, who also addressed the media, said that Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry has not sent the relevant documents needed for Seychelles to facilitate the return of the fishermen.
Director General of Fisheries Susantha Kahawatta, told the media that he can’t tell an exact date when the fishermen will be returned to the country. He said the Foreign Ministry and Sri Lankan diplomats in Seychelles are taking necessary steps to secure the release of the fishermen.
“I think we will be able to secure their release soon.”
The multi-day fishing craft named “Lorenzo Putha – 4” set sail from Sri Lanka on January 12, the Director General said.
This was the maiden voyage of Lorenzo Putha – 4, .Kahawatta said that the vessel was about 1,160 nautical miles away from the Sri Lankan maritime boundary when it was rescued from pirates.
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Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 12 April 2026, valid for 13 April 2026.
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 and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee 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.
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 (13th) are Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon.
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.
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Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces.
Sun directly overhead Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
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