News
No chance of major earthquake striking Sri Lanka, experts determine
By Ifham Nizam
Large scale earthquakes are not possible in Sri Lanka as the country is situated in a safe plateau between two major fault lines, a team of experts comprising Professors of Geology and scientists have said.
Prof. Athula Senaratne, Prof. L. R. K. Perera, Dr. N. P. Wijayananda, Dr. Bernard Prem and Bandula Kandaragama from Australia said at a press conference in Colombo with the participation of Geological Survey and Mines Bureau Chairman Anura Walpola was
All those with doctorates and professors who spoke on the occasion stressed that Sri Lanka was located close to the center of the Indo-Australian plateau, so there was little chance of a large-scale earthquake here.
Ninety-eight percent of all earthquakes that occured at present were situated near the plate boundary. The magnitude of earthquakes outside the plate boundary is two percent. Therefore, although there was no need to create unnecessary fear, it was advisable to precautionary measure, they said.
Seismologist Nilmini Thaldena said that GSMB was currently collecting seismic data from around the world and had the necessary technical equipment to do so.
The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau yesterday conducted a special awareness programme on Sri Lanka’s earthquake risk.
This discussion was held to clarify whether there is a possibility of a large scale earthquake here in the future due to the occasional minor earth tremors that have occurred from time to time in a number of areas including the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka.
GSMB Chairman Anura Walpola said that four seismic stations have been set up at Mahakanadarawa, Pallekele, Hakmana and Buddhangala and two more will be set up in the Western and North Western Provinces in the near future.
He said that 10 micro seismic units had already been set up around the Victoria Reservoir as per the recommendations of the committee appointed on the instructions of Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. 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.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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