Search and rescue operations have been intensified to locate three fishermen who went missing at sea off Pudumathalan, Mullaitivu, after they failed to return from a fishing trip yesterday (26).

The Sri Lanka Navy has prepared 171 disaster relief teams to provide immediate assistance to people affected by the prevailing adverse weather conditions across the island.

A red-level warning has been issued for strong winds and rough seas in the Bay of Bengal and deep and shallow sea areas around Sri Lanka, with fishing and naval communities warned against venturing into affected waters.

Two spill gates of the Victoria Reservoir opened automatically at around 8:00 p.m. today (27), as water levels reached maximum capacity amid prevailing adverse weather conditions.

Sri Lanka and Türkiye are exploring opportunities to expand labour cooperation, including sector-specific and seasonal employment opportunities for Sri Lankan workers.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to expedite projects aimed at increasing passenger capacity and improving facilities at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

The Most Venerable Hanthane Dhammagavesi Thero, the founder of the Arathi Spiritual Hermitage in Morawaka, has been conferred the title of Anunayaka of the Amarapura Sri Sambuddha Sasanodaya Sangha Sabha of the Maha Vihara.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is questioning Anusha Lakmali, alias Achini, who was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport earlier today (27) following her deportation from Dubai in connection with the murder of Aruna Vidanagamage, alias ‘Kajja’, and his two children.

The proposed legislation to protect the State from terrorism is primarily aimed at safeguarding the country against terrorism and combating organised crime, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated.

The Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) has arrested a former member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) who was deported to Sri Lanka from India for further investigations.

A total of 3,966 families, comprising 14,485 people, have been affected by the prevailing adverse weather conditions in Sri Lanka.

Lanka IOC and Sinopec have taken steps to increase fuel prices due to the existing structure of Sri Lanka’s fuel market, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Sri Lanka loses approximately 40% of its annual fish production to post-harvest wastage, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake revealed during discussions on the fisheries sector, highlighting the need for urgent measures to minimise losses and improve the industry’s efficiency.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has affected the prices of goods and services in Sri Lanka, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.

An open verdict has been delivered following the post-mortem examination of a 29-year-old suspect who died while in the custody of the Homagama Police over a drug-related allegation.

Members of Parliament representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the Opposition have accused the government and the Speaker of House of obstructing a debate on a no-confidence motion against Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, describing the move as contrary to democratic principles.

Parliament is scheduled to debate the Opposition’s revised No-Confidence Motion on November 3, the Department of Communication of Parliament stated.

The Department of Meteorology has warned that another weather disturbance could develop in the Bay of Bengal by October 31, with officials closely monitoring the situation.