The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has temporarily prohibited small fishing vessels from heading out to sea along the coast from Jaffna to Beruwala with immediate effect, due to forecast adverse weather conditions.
The Department of Meteorology warned that waters around Sri Lanka could become very rough as rainy weather develops west of the island and wind speeds increase.
Fisheries Department Director General Susantha Kahawatta has issued an urgent safety notice advising small and one-day fishing vessels operating off Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Puttalam, Chilaw, Negombo, Colombo and Kalutara, up to Beruwala, to remain ashore until further notice.
Winds in these areas could reach speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour, while rising waves may pose a serious threat to small vessels, he said.
Small and one-day fishing vessels already at sea have been instructed to return to safe shore immediately. (Newswire)