The Sri Lanka Navy  during yet another successful operation on the high seas  south of Sri Lanka, intercepted two (02)  local multi-day fishing trawlers.

One trawler, along with 05 individuals, was suspected of attempting to smuggle a consignment of narcotics and weapons. The second trawler and the remaining 05 suspects are believed to be linked to the same illicit operation.

On 12 Mar 26, the multiday fishing trawlers and crew were brought to the Dickowita Fishery Harbour.

After a meticulous examination  the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) detected 478kg of crystal methamphetamine, 176kg of heroin as well as 03 mechanical weapons, 08 sidearms and
communication equipment.

The Honourable Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), along with the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda and the Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya, were present to inspect the seized narcotics and weapons.

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. on 12 March 2026, valid for 13 March 2026.

Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in
Monaragala and Mannar districts.

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.

The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) yesterday accused the government of trying to award another tender to the Indian company that supplied low-grade coal to the Norochcholai Power Plant and failed to deliver the stipulated amount of coal according to schedule.

The allegation was made by the Education Secretary of the Progressive Socialist Party, Pubudu Jayagoda, during media briefing at the party office in Nugegoda last afternoon.

Jayagoda said that in September 2025, the government had awarded a tender to the Indian company Trident Chemphar to supply 25 coal shipments for electricity generation in 2026.

In August 2025, it was confirmed that the coal delivered by the company was substandard. The company also failed to supply coal on schedule. Although the first shipment was expected in the second week of December 2025, it arrived at the end of the month. By mid-March, only 12 ships had arrived, and biweekly deliveries have been disrupted, putting Sri Lanka at risk of a severe energy shortage.

On 11 March, the government called a sudden spot tender for five coal shipments. Four companies submitted bids, and they include Trident Chemphar. FSP criticiced awarding the tender to the same discredited company, saying it was unethical and could trigger a major national crisis, as the company had failed to supply quality coal reliably in the past.

Previously, coal quality was strictly measured, with a “Reject Value”. But now to help the errant supplier the term of Reject Value has now been omitted altogether and replaced with a new term ‘Minimum Value’ setting it as the minimum calorific threshold—coal producing less than 5,900 kilocalories per kilogram was rejected, and coal with ash content above 16% was also discarded.

However, the government is now reportedly lowering these standards, accepting substandard coal, and changing tender specifications to accommodate the company.

Jayagoda castigated the latest stunt coming especially at a time when the world faces war and oil shortages. Diesel meant for electricity generation is being diverted to school buses, public transport, and emergency vehicles, leaving households at risk of prolonged blackouts. Even if diesel is imported, electricity tariffs could skyrocket.