The Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard seized 03 Indian fishing boats and apprehend 33 Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, during special operations conducted in the sea area north of Mannar on 25 and 26 Jan 25.

The Navy and Coast Guard continue to conduct regular patrols and operations in Sri Lankan waters to curb illegal fishing practices of foreign fishing boats, taking into account the impact of those practices on the livelihood of local fishermen.

As an extension of these operations, the North Central Naval Command spotted a cluster of Indian fishing boats engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters in the dark hours of 25 Jan and wee hours of 26 Jan. In response, the Northern Naval Command and Coast Guard deployed their Fast Attack Craft and the North Central Naval Command its Inshore Patrol Craft to drive away those Indian fishing boats poaching in the sea area north of Talaimannar. The operations resulted in the seizure of 03 Indian fishing boats and apprehension of 33 Indian fishermen who continued to remain in Sri Lankan waters.

The seized boats (03) together with Indian fishermen (33) were brought to the island of Iranativu and they will be handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries, Kilinochchi for onward legal proceedings. (Navy)

Former Member of Parliament from ITAK, Mavai Senathirajah passed away a short while ago after suffering a brief illness. Senathirajah was admitted to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the Jaffna Teaching Hospital following an accident at his residence a few days ago.

Four Tamil activists and MP Ramanathan Archchuna, have been ordered to appear before the Jaffna Magistrate Court today (Jan. 30), following a request made by the Jaffna police, reports say. The individuals are said to be suspected of launching protests during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to Jaffna this week.

Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha yesterday (29) said the government wouldn’t retain the Office of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

To combat the current coconut shortage, Sri Lanka looks at importing coconut products from Indonesia, an official said.

In Sri Lanka, the consumption of arrack and beer is significant, with people spending as much as Rs. 690 million per day on these beverages, according to the Alcohol and Drugs Information Centre (ADIC). However, 83% of preventable deaths in Sri Lanka are caused by NCDs such as heart diseases, cancer and respiratory illnesses.

Due to air pollution in Colombo and its suburbs, there is an increase in health issues such as respiratory difficulties, coughing, childhood asthma and viral respiratory infections, Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) Consultant Pediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera said.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) says that a new software will be implemented to detect and block the use of unapproved mobile phones that are not registered with the TRCSL. The TRCSL also urges the public to refrain from purchasing any mobile phones without TRCSL approval in the future.

The Department of Examinations has published the timetable for the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination 2024 (2025). Accordingly, the examination will be held from March 17 – March 26 this year.

Jaffna District MP Dr. Ramanathan Archuna was arrested in Jaffna over obstructing duties of police officers, Police Media spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunge said.

The committee appointed to study the passport issue and work out recommendations to resolve it has handed over its report to the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala. The report will be presented to the Cabinet next week. According to the recommendations, a decision will be made on whether or not to change the current procedure for issuing passports, a Ministry spokesman said.

The government will not retain the position of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Sampath Thuyacontha said.

Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe officially assumed duties today as the 20th Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force. President Anura Kumara Disanayake appointed Air Vice Marshal Edirisinghe to the role on Monday, following the retirement of Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksha.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has lodged a strong protest following an incident in which the Sri Lanka Navy opened fire when apprehending Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters.

Leader of the Ilankai Thamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) politburo and former MP – Mavai Senathirajah has been hospitalised. According to reports, he was admitted to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the Jaffna Teaching Hospital following an accident at his residence.

The Jaffna University Teachers’ Union has commenced a strike, withdrawing from conducting all lectures at the university. Teachers from all faculties have joined the trade union action, citing five key demands as the reason for their protest.

The Attorney General has filed indictments against Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa over the alleged misappropriation of Rs.70 million belonging to Krrish Company.

Referring to the air quality in many parts of having reached unhealthy levels, the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) said the poor air quality is caused by polluted air originating from India as well as locally generated pollutants.

Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF) leader MP Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam said yesterday that his party would wait until 08 February for the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) to finalise its decision on participating in tripartite discussions regarding a political solution for the Northern people.

Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) accused ruling National People's Power (NPP) of trying to bulldoze parliamentary democracy by not allowing the Opposition to have adequate representation in various committees in the House.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's son Yoshitha Rajapaksa, who was arrested by the CID under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act has been released on bail by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.