Although the adverse weather conditions around the island have eased to some extent, the fishing ban imposed due to strong winds and rough sea conditions in the waters from Puttalam to Pottuvil will remain in effect, according to the Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Susantha Kahawatte.

Accordingly, the ban on small and one-day fishing vessels operating in the coastal waters of Puttalam, Chilaw, Negombo, Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Hambantota and Pottuvil will continue until further notice. He further stated that the ban will be lifted as soon as sea conditions improve, based on data provided by the Department of Meteorology.

Expressing his regret over the loss of five (05) fishermen in the Mannar, Kalpitiya, Chilaw and Negombo areas who ventured out to sea despite weather warnings, the Director General reiterated the importance of paying close attention to official safety announcements. He also emphasized that life jackets should be worn at all times while engaged in any fishing-related activities.

Warning on floating containers:

Out of the 17 empty containers that fell into the sea off Colombo Port two days ago, only two (02) have been located so far. It has been observed that the remaining 15 containers are likely to drift towards the southern coastline, including Kosgoda, Galle, Rathgama and Matara, due to prevailing sea currents.

As serious accidents may occur if fishing vessels collide with these floating containers, all fishermen, including operators of multi-day fishing vessels in the southern seas, are advised to remain extremely vigilant. The Director General also requested that any sighting of these containers be immediately reported to the Department of Fisheries’ radio communication stations.