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Lankan Navy set to lead Combined Task Force 154 in significant maritime coalition milestone

Published

1 year ago

2024/10/6

Commodore Haytham Elsayed Khalil, Commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 154, met with Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera

A delegation led by Commodore Haytham Elsayed Khalil, Commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 154, met with Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, at Navy Headquarters last Wednesday (2). This meeting marks a significant moment as the Sri Lanka Navy prepares to assume command of CTF 154, a unit under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), the largest maritime coalition in the world, based in Bahrain.

Upon arrival, Commodore Khalil and his delegation received a warm welcome from Vice Admiral Perera. The discussions centered on key bilateral issues, particularly the Sri Lanka Navy’s upcoming leadership role in CTF 154. The cordial meeting concluded with the exchange of mementoes.

The Combined Maritime Forces consists of 46 maritime partners, focusing on counter-narcotics, counter-smuggling, and piracy suppression. Sri Lanka joined the CMF as its 39th member country in 2023, actively participating in joint maritime security operations to promote a safe maritime environment free from illicit non-state actors.

CMF is composed of five Combined Task Forces (CTFs), each assigned specific roles. CTF 150 is responsible for Maritime Security Operations in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman, while CTF 151 focuses on counter-piracy operations in those regions. CTF 152 handles maritime security operations in the Arabian Gulf, and CTF 153 conducts similar operations in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. CTF 154 is dedicated to Maritime Security Training.

Assuming command of CTF 154 represents a significant milestone in the Sri Lanka Navy’s 74-year history. The Navy will focus on training initiatives aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of member navies, which includes promoting maritime awareness, applying maritime law, conducting effective maritime interdiction, and leading rescue and assistance operations. This leadership role will enhance the Sri Lanka Navy’s international recognition as a capable force in the vast maritime region, from domestic waters in the Indian Ocean to international seas, thereby elevating the country’s reputation on the global stage.

Following the courtesy call, Vice Admiral Perera presided over a meeting with Commodore Khalil, Deputy Commander CTF 154 Commander William Franklin Campbell, and Lieutenant Mohamed Abdelrahman Mohamed Eldaltouny, the Maritime Security Enhancement Training Planner. The discussions focused on the transition of command for CTF 154. Also in attendance were Rear Admiral Nishantha Peiris, Director General of Operations, Rear Admiral Buddhika Liyanagamage, Director General of Training, along with other senior officers from Navy Headquarters.

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Advisory for Severe Lightning issued to the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and Galle and Matara districts

Published

2 hours ago

2026/03/12

Priyan

Advisory for Severe Lightning Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 12.30 noon 12 March 2026 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 12 March 2026

Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m.

There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
 Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
 Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
 Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
 Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
 Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
 For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.

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Nasa spacecraft weighing 1,300lb due to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere

Published

3 hours ago

2026/03/12

Priyan

The two Van Allen Probes were launched in 2012 [BBC]

A Van Allen Probe spacecraft weighing more than 1,300lb (600kg) is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere almost 14 years after its launch, Nasa says.

The spacecraft is projected to re-enter around 19:45 EDT (23:45 GMT) on Tuesday the US Space Force predicted, according to Nasa, though there is a 24-hour margin of “uncertainty” in the timing.

The Van Allen Probe A, which launched in 2012, is expected mostly to burn up as it travels through the atmosphere, though some components may survive.

The space agency said there is a one in 4,200 chance of being harmed by a piece of the probe, which it characterised as “low” risk.

The spacecraft and its twin, Van Allen Probe B, were on a mission to gather unprecedented data on Earth’s two permanent radiation belts.

It was not immediately clear where in Earth’s atmosphere the satellite is projected to re-enter. The BBC has contacted Nasa for further detail.

Nasa and the US Space Force have said they will monitor the re-entry and update any predictions.

The mission, which was originally designed to last two years, went on for almost seven. It ended after the spacecrafts ran out of fuel and were no longer able to orient themselves toward the Sun.

The probes flew through rings of charged particles trapped by Earth’s magnetic field from 2012 to 2019, in order to study how particles were gained and lost, per Nasa.

Those rings, called the Van Allen belts, shield Earth from cosmic radiation, solar storms and streaming solar wind, which are harmful to humans and can damage technology.

The mission made significant discoveries, including the first data that show the existence of a transient third radiation belt, which can form during times of intense solar activity, Nasa said.

Van Allen Probe B is not expected to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere before 2030.

[BBC]

News

PM Visits the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

Published

5 hours ago

2026/03/12

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, on 11 March 2026, and held bilateral discussions with Yvonne Pinto, Director General of IRRI, focusing on strengthening cooperation in the field of rice research and sustainable agricultural development.

During the meeting, discussions centered on rice cultivation in Sri Lanka, including the key challenges faced by Sri Lankan paddy farmers. The Prime Minister highlighted issues affecting the sector such as productivity constraints, climate-related impacts, and the need to support farmers through improved agricultural practices and technological innovations.

Both sides also discussed the importance of introducing modern techniques and research-driven approaches to rice cultivation in order to enhance productivity and ensure long-term food security. In this regard, IRRI shared insights on ongoing global research initiatives aimed at improving rice varieties, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

The discussion further focused on the potential for expanded collaboration between Sri Lanka and IRRI, particularly in areas such as research partnerships, knowledge sharing, and capacity building for Sri Lankan agricultural institutions and farmers. The Prime Minister emphasized Sri Lanka’s interest in strengthening cooperation with IRRI to support the development of the country’s rice sector and to improve the livelihoods of paddy farmers.

The visit reaffirmed the importance of science-based agricultural innovation and international collaboration in addressing food security challenges and enhancing sustainable rice production in Sri Lanka.